About a week ago, we added 2 adult dogs (in-laws'dogs) to our existing 2 dogs. They seem to be getting along very well, they don't really play together, but seem to tolerate each other and share the same space without any growling, etc. They respect each other's water dish and are pretty good about leaving each others food bowls alone too (I supervise the meals).
My dogs look to me as their leader, and I've always been able to handle any bickering or fighting over bones, etc. between them with verbal cues, such as "enough". For the first few days that we brought the new dogs in, I did not allow the new dogs to pick up any of my existing dogs' toys, go near their crate, etc., although I've found myself becoming inconsistent with this. One of the new dogs (an 8 year old Tzu mix - only a little bigger than my guys), has an obsession with balls, and apparently he likes stuffies too (he's never had any of his own stuffies before). He loves to play and I have been feeling sorry for him because he is in a strange house and his owners are not there (FIL is in the hospital). There are a TON of dog toys at my house and yesterday I was letting him carry one of my guys' stuffies around that they don't usually play with . One of my Tzu's just kept looking at me like, "Well, are you going to take care of this or do I have to do something?!" I don't want to let my dogs down, but at the same time, poor Farley likes to play too.
The other day, Sammy (my dog) had one of his little ball toys in his mouth and was prancing around like he was initiating play with his brother. Farley (new dog) walked over and took it out of his mouth. Sam ran after it and got it back, but then Tipper (new dog - female lab) took it away from Sam again. I wasn't sure if it was ok to let this continue. Everyone was wagging except one of my Tzus -Willie, but they were getting somewhat competetive for my attention with the ball and I didn't want any trouble between them.
I haven't tried it yet, but I have a feeling that even if I buy Farley his own toys, my spoiled dogs will still think they are theirs! Do dogs understand which toys are theirs in a multi-dog household?
Am I supposed to just leave it alone and let them sort it out, or should I be standing up for my dogs? Then again, these new dogs are kind of becoming mine too - They may be around for a while - a month or 2 at the very minimum.
Help.....[8|]