Got a second dog... Looking for a little input from those who have experience...
 

Yesterday we took in a 6 year old female blue Aussie, and we already have a 3 year old female blue Aussie. We have tried to make this transition easy for the both of them by having them spend time together in neutral territory, and slowly easing them into our house. However, they will start playing and that escalates into fighting. Our 3 year old has been possessive, and slowly getting used to the new dog, but we're trying to interpret what's happening and figure out the best route for both dogs. This is our first experience with this type of situation and we want to do what's best. Any thoughts or comments? How long does it typically take for dogs to become accustomed to one another? Thanks for the help!

Certain amount of this is one trying to learn their place in the pack. You need to teach both dogs that they own nothing. If they fight over a toy, you take it and own it. If they fight, you grab both of them and put them on their backs. You are the leader. Don't let the dogs on the bed as that is a position for the pack leaders.

Also, Aussies are smart enough to know what they do not have to do. They will try and get away with stuff. I have a Blue Merle Aussie and a boarder collie. We had another Aussie and a Aussie- boarder mix before old age got them.

Usually they will get used to each other pretty fast but Aussies can be bull headed due to their intellect.

They are dogs, not furry little humans. They are animals that have to establish who is boss. Who is going to be the alpha dog. Most important is that YOU are the alpha in the pack and they are below you. Don't favor either one. They will work out who is boss between them and know you are the boss of the pack.

A little update... They doing great now. Like you guys said, they have to figure it out, and it doesn't work well if we force it or try to expedite the process. We had them both on leash, trying to keep them apart until we felt comfortable with them. I think this was kinda stressing both of them out.

Anyways, right about the same time I made my original post, we let them out in the back yard off leash, and they started to figure it out on their own. We'd have to intervene every once in a while and establish our rules of play, but they both listen to us well. Now they're pretty much glued at the hips.

Thanks for the advice!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/05/urytezyn.jpg

What a awesome looking pair. Glad it worked out.

Also a pulling on a leash will actually make the dogs more aggressive toward each other. A harness and a leash is even worse because they can really pull. Sounds like you did the best. Let them neutrally work it out but stay in command and in control of them. The one on the left looks like our dog (without as much dark speckle on the face).

Lol. Those are some fun looking pups !

Glad that worked out for ya, look like some fun pups!