Getting acquianted (new dog)

[squeakermama]

Hello. I have a spayed year and a half female and a two year old neutered male that was placed with us on Thursday (two days ago). The match is feeling very good but for some (maybe twice a day) spats that the two are having getting to know eachother. The female is taking the more dominate role. Most spats are very short lived and no injuries have occurred. They end up with him lying down with her on top. They then continuing playing as normal. I do tend to noticed that they seem happen when I am around (not every time). They both seem to be competing for me (?) Not around my kids or my husband. Am I the weak link? Please don't say so, I make a good effort to be a leader I make them do something for everything they want/need, I'm the one that feeds them and trains them for the most part. When this behavior starts they get close to me taking turns bumping each-other away from me and it escalates into a fight. I try to knee them both away from me without really saying anything and ignoring both until a more peaceful tone returns. It does seem to help but I'm not sure if I'm handling it the way I should. It does seem that it was my girl that started it (I sound like my five year old by her not wanting the male to come near me. Any suggestions?

[onyx'girl]

I would step up NILIF with them. You are doing it, but I'd bump it up more. Feed them separately, too.

Do they, or have they gotten to play outside to get to know each other instead of inside so structured?
If these spats are taking place outside, I personally would let it play out without interfering, but supervise. If it does seem like the male is being bullied, I would step in.
Inside, no play like that allowed.

And yes, the female is probably a bit jealous. I'd take them for brisk walks together if you see this happening too often, limit their together time for a week more, just walks. Train them separately out of view from each other.
As he is so new to the pack, it isn't fair to him or her just yet to be challenging your established dog for your affection/attentions. Are you crating them or him? If not, I would crate him at least when they are not supervised. I think in the end your female will keep her dominance, they usually do!

[squeakermama]

Thanks so much. Great advice.
Yes they are both crated but I'm only doing it at night in separate crates. I am feeding them separate. The "fights" are happening outdoors only and yes they are being allowed outside for play most of the time. I have a one acre lot that is fenced in. I have put them in a dog run that we have and they have never fought in there. I really like the idea of walking them together. Having them together but in a controlled/positive way

[msvette2u]

When my brats start doing that, a loud "THAT'S ENOUGH!!!" usually works.
Intervene before it gets going.

Or tell one to sit and the other to sit further away, etc. Anything to break it up before it starts.