introducing new pup

Question
We currently own two boxers and will soon be bringing home a new puppy (a 2 pd maltese). What is the best way to introduce the new puppy to our current dogs?

Answer
I don't know that anything you can do makes much difference.  We have introduced new puppies to Aster at both our home and at our friend's home.  Like most older dogs, she has disliked all of them.  I would have the older dogs on leash or tie down and let the puppy approach them.  Depending on how old they are, and how much experience they have with puppies, they may or may not respond to the puppy's efforts to play.  If they do, it can look pretty rough.  If they work at warning the puppy off, support them.  Do the same as with anything else the puppy shouldn't chew.  As soon as it focuses on the older dog, give it a sharp ''Ah, ah, ah!'' and offer it one of its chew toys.  

The new puppy is more likely to be accepted if you are firmly established as pack leader.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm