I am new to this forum and I have read a lot of previous posts and have questions. I have adopted a pit mix from a shelter last week. She is a little over a year old, gentle with me and my kids, husband. She has been introduced to my Welsh terrier, neutered male 2 1/2 whom I have had since a pup. They were introduced at the shelter and have been together in my home, supervised. Sometimes one in in the crate while the other is out and visa versa. When the PB gets up in the morning, she is very excited, but my Welsh is very laid back and irritated with her excitement and barks at her, in her face. Then last night, the pB was onmy lap relaxing and my welsh came up and sniffed her and she snapped at him. I immediately told her no and then took her to her crate. Question....should I keep them separated or is a little growling and snapping normal when they are first getting together. The PB also crawled on top of my welsh in his bed and attempted to lay with him. My welsh was OK, but I called the PB out of the bed out of fear that if my welsh growled, the PB would fight back. I guess I am really a bit anxious about the two of them getting along and I don't know how many times I should let them "work it out" w/o interfering? Please, any advice would be great.

I would recommend listening to Ed's Podcast (audio file) on introducing a new dog into a home with existing dogs.

http://www.leerburg.com/podcasts/Introducingdogs.mp3

I would also read Ed's articles on groundwork, dominant/aggressive dogs, and that sort of thing. My dogs very very rarely fight because of the steps I've taken. Both dominant and submissive dogs thrive on structure and that starts at the top.

Why was the dog on your lap? You know - Pibbles are not 50 lb "chiwawas" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think the groundwork article will be of great value to you. You are correct to be cautious. I would not advise you to allow them to "work it out" ever. One growl can escalate quickly and if you're not prepared, could be some serious vet bills.

I taught my dogs a command that mean "stop playing or fighting and come to me." I don't remember how I taught it though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I use it to stop any rough play and also, if they don't stop, I know it's time to separate them for a few moments.

When your new dog is excited first thing in the morning, take her out first and play with her for a little bit to wear her out and calm her down. Then let your other dog out.

Here's some info from a Pit owner that might be of help.
If you have a pit bull and other dogs - never trust a pit bull not to fight! They don't have to be trained - they LIKE to fight. They may not start one, but they are bred to FINISH one.

Pit bulls don't generally get along well with other dogs, especially those of the SAME SEX. Don't expect them to! And don't relax because your young pit bull is friendly to other dogs - they don't usually discover their aggression until the're between 8 months and three YEARS old, or even older. Take precautions. Train them. Don't leave them alone with other dogs EVER. Not even for a few minutes.

Pit bulls are very strong dogs. Pound for pound, they're among the strongest dogs on earth! Training is essential. They're also smart and excellent escape artists. Confine them WELL. Train them not to bolt through doors and open gates. Socialize them with children EARLY and teach them to be gentle.

While pit bulls were bred to be aggressive toward other dogs and to have a high prey drive, they're also bred to be human friendly. If they're not, they don't have a correct temperament. Make sure human-aggressive dogs are spayed or neutered and never have an opportunity to bite. Or humanely euthanize them if you can't manage these dogs at all times - this breed cannot afford any more bad press.

DO NOT encourage your pit bull to act protectively over you or your property. Most of the pit bull "attacks" you read about are just being protective when they maul some kid. YOU be the protector of your dog, not the other way around, if it's just a pet. If you want protection, get a gun. Or if you must have your pit bull protect and guard, GET THE DOG PROPERLY TRAINED FOR THE JOB - you MUST be able to turn his aggression OFF as well as ON.

Make sure your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers your dog. State Farm and Farmer's are two companies that don't discriminate by breed - most of the rest DO.

DO NOT take your pit bull to dog parks - EVER.

DO NOT let your dog run loose.

DO NOT chain him out in an unfenced yard where kids and service people can wander into their territory.

DO make sure your dog gets adequate exercise, both physically and mentally. This includes lots of play, training, leadership and affection. To little of any of these can create a dangerous, nervous dog.

ALWAYS supervise your dog around children and strangers. (This is true for any breed!)

These dogs are highly malleable, which means they're very trainable, but they'll take all kinds of cues from you, whether you intend them to or not. For the knowledgeable dog person, they're incredible, high-powered dogs. For the uninitiated, they can be a hazard. They're the Ferraris of the dog world. You don't put an inexperienced driver behind the wheel, and they're ticket machines.

These dogs are under attack all over the world and are being banned at rates that would make your head spin. Do the right thing - learn about your dog, know what to expect, train your dog and be responsible.

Bottom line - we pit bull owners have a SPECIAL burden placed upon us to keep our pets peaceful. If not, we are going to lose a treasure - a brave, noble, intelligent, affectionate and faithful companion that is the result of more than 400 years of selective breeding. Having been involved in fighting BSL for several years has made me quite sensitive to the plight of these wonderful dogs. I agree with you that we must get to know our dogs and their limitations. But IMHO, there are far too many people out there who own them who have no CLUE - and the breed as a whole cannot afford that.

I was on the floor watching TV, and she was sprawled across my lap/legs. I apprectiate the feedback. I have read the article on aggressive dogs and the one on introducing them. I am proud to say that I am VERY cautious with her. She is never alone, with my kids or my welsh. She will never be off leash and I would certainly NEVER take her to a dog park. Reading sites like this one and others have taught me a great deal about the breed and I plan to be a responsible owner that hopes "positively influence" the opinions people have of these dogs.