Sooner or Later?

IMO and experience it shoudn't be traumatic either way.  I've done it both ways and never had a problem other than a short adjustment time.  That's assuming the resident dogs and the new dog are all well socialized to other dogs.

I don't think length of time matters either -- however I am *always* really careful about just plopping a dog in the midst of others because it can go very, very wrong.

We took a huge risk when we got Tink -- none of us had ever laid eyes on her!!  I knew she was used to other pugs ... but that's ALL. 

I did a scent box with the foster family taking care of her -- I sent her washcloths that each of my guys had slept on (put each of them in it's own ziplock bag) and I also sent Davd's and my pillowcases (after 1 night -- also in ziplock).  The foster mom sent me a towel of Tinks. 

When she first met us (David and I) in a Comfort Inn reception area in Austin she LEAPT into my arms from six feet away!!  Rita literally couldn't PRY her out of my arms.  I was part of her "pack" because she'd gone to sleep with my scent.

Same thing when we got her home.  All 3 of mine greeted her like a long lost family member and she was instantly in love with all 3 - Billy, Luna and Tink. 

I would do the scent box thing in a heartbeat again.  I think it bridged that gap incredibly well. 

I only offer that because I think so often we get wound up in "where do they meet" and we don't do the EASY stuff that can really make it all "family" easily and very seamlessly.

calliecritturs

I am *always* really careful about just plopping a dog in the midst of others

I am too,that's why I am pondering these questions now when it could be three or four years before our next adoption.The scent box is a great idea but in all likelyhood I would be adopting from our humane society.They like you to bring your whole family and dogs to the shelter for a meet and greet.If you submit an application and are approved the dog goes home with you on the spot.There is no waiting period.They are high volume and aim to find each dog a home quickly although It seems a few dogs come back several times before they get a permanent home.In thirty years of being a multi-dog household I only had one dog[rat terrier] that was inhospitable to a newcomer.I hear so many stories of bitter fights that end badly I am a little fearful of rocking the boat when my guys get along so beautifully. 

Tena

calliecritturs

however I am *always* really careful about just plopping a dog in the midst of others because it can go very, very wrong.

 I don't usually just throw the new dog into the house and hope for the best. :)  I've got a bit more experience with dogs than the average dog owner and I take precautions so that nothing will go horribly wrong.

A scent box is a good idea but it's not going to guarantee that the new dog and existing dogs will get along, long term.