Yeah, I wish I had someone who could keep them for me, but alas ... not too many folks wanna take on 4 dogs and I can't afford to put them in a kennel ... not that I would do that anyway unless it was a national emergency! ;) I have exercise pens that I carry with me, so when they go out to potty, they go in their pen. But when I'm outside, kicking back, they like to be socializing with everyone. If they're too much of a pain in the ass, I just put them back in their pen.
SH, tiedowns are a great idea ... where do you get some? I might have to find me a few of those ... that could be the perfect solution for while we're chilling ... they could socialize and yet still be restrained and not be able to run off. Yup, the more I think about that, the more I like it!
Sput, in my observation of dog behavior, even the most mellow dog can be sparked by an unbalanced, unstable energy in another dog, so I'm glad you're cool w/leash introductions. Better safe than anyone have an injured puppy ... they're way too precious to risk! Dogs are such a joy!
xxoo
Melizzard