Sorry about the other post. I messed up. Any way My better half and I adopted a dog from a rescue this past week. He is a cute little guy. We had our dog and banner meet and hey loved each other played and did all the puppy stuff dogs like to do. When we got little Ban Ban home, Stella however was not having it. I want them to be best buddies but I am unsure how to make that happen. THey play with eachother outsidebut when we get inside stella stays clear of banner. We are not giving more attention to one dog over the other. We are trying to make them feel equal. If any one has any ideas please clue me in.

Michelle

We're still going through this with a shelter dog we got just before Memorial Day.  Dogs can be very hierarchical, and generally one of them HAS to be the alpha or lead dog.  This doesn't mean bullying or anything, but being first responder to strange noises, first at the window to check things out, first outside on patrol, etc.

Generally, when handing out treats or meals, you give to the first dog (Stella) first, then to Banner.   If  you do this from the beginning, Banner will accept it as the norm, and it makes the older dog feel more secure.  If one person pays attention to Banner, then someone else needs to cuddle with Stella, otherwise she will get resentful.  Since our first dog, Pepper, is very much my dog, we make a point of stressing that Jack is very much DH's dog.  Each dog has a favorite person that is his or hers, and a second favorite that they get less attention from.

DH and I've been working with the dogs to get them to enjoy joint activities too.  He takes them to the dog park to run together (or seperately).  I throw things for them to chase, and did manage to get them into a fun tug-of-war with one of thier toys.  Mine have different play styles (playing chase vs. mock fights), and truthfully, the newer dog doesn't seem to know how to play, so that's a challenge too.

Good luck!

It is still very early.  You really just need to give it time and don't interfere...unless they are hurting each other.  It will work itself out.  You interfering will do not but prolong their bonding. 

FYI...some dogs never become the best of buds, or what your definition of best buds would be.  We've had dogs (one 80lb boxer and one 80 lb lab) that would squeeze inside the same crate to snuggle together.  They were inseperable...gotten at different times (about 2 yrs apart), neither were puppies...it was just their nature.  They tried it with every dog in their company.  Now we have 2 shih tzus currently (again gotten at 2 different times) that while they play together constantly...they would never sleep next to each other let alone snuggle!   Dogs are individuals, with differing personalities just like people! 

thank you if any other ideas pop into mind please let me know.