My friend Fran, who's moving in with me soon, might (might) be bringing a dog with her.

Quick background - the dog in Q, Lish, is a medium heinz, looks like a little bearded collie (he's about small BC size).  Neutered.  At present he lives with Fran's uncle a couple of hours away.  The uncle has just split with his long-term OH, which means that Lish is now an only dog (always been around other dogs from birth), has to be left alone while the uncle works and is driving him potty because he's not happy.

Lish was originally Fran's dog; he was rehomed because Fran and her immediate family moved onto a boat and it couldn't accomodate a dog Lish's size.  Understandably, they want Lish to stay in the family and aren't at all happy that he may be moving in with the ex-OH.

I've said he can come here - providing he and Remy get along.

Remy has been an issue in the past.  Just before christmas 2006 I had a young springer boy, around 9-10 months, unneutered, who was supposed to stay - but because of rising tensions between him and Remy, I had to rehome him.  He was the sort of dog who, if told off, would come back for more (either in play or retaliation).  He didn't know when to stop and that was what caused the tension.  Remy has also snapped at two other males - both entire - who've come up to the front door (one was a stray I took in for a few hours till his owners arrived, the other was a stray that followed us home the other early morning trying to get to River (she's in season)).  But, he has had a neutered male chihuahua in his territory for a couple of weeks with no issues at all.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how best to try and bring Lish into the house for minimum upset?  Of course we will do the neutral territory, walking parallel, etc and the first home intros will be in the garden.  As for the others dogs - if the uncle can visit this week, I'll introduce River and Soli at home (because of River's season and because Soli gets too up tight about strange dogs outside the home for that to be the best option), and Opi and Remy out on a walk.  I'm certain the girls will be fine though.

Any advice?

When was Lish neutered? Do you think he'll be interested in River?

For what it's worth, it sounds as though you're more than capable of dealing with the intros!

I'd say things like clear away toys and food and any potential flash points, but you'll have already thought of that!

I don't know exactly when, but quite some time ago.  He's around 7yrs old now.  I'm not worried about him being interested in River - or Remy protecting her TBH, he didn't even try to guard her against the frisky stray male, he only got annoyed with it when it kept nosing his bum!

In Response to Nikita

Am I right in thinking your boy is a male dobe, as males in this breed tend not to tolerate other males in their home, even if they can be OK with some males away from home.

He is indeed, and I am well aware of the tendency towards intolerance with other males at home.  It's why I'm trying to get as much help as I can!  I know it can be done - I'm hoping that if Lish is indeed the type to back off and not push his luck, as Fran reckons he is, then things should be okay (although I always expect to have some work to do with the pair of them first, if the initial intro goes okay).

Fran is aware that there's a good chance it won't work - I've always said no to her getting a male dalmatian in the future for that reason.  I've only considered Lish because of how she describes his personality.

I know it can be done :-)

Well, you've been through it all before, and yes, you can do it you are certainly capable of coping with the introductions you know what to do and you have a good understanding of dogs.

The only problem is it won't be down to you :-( you can be the most experienced dog owner/trainer on the planet, we can give advice until the cows come home, but if Remy says No! That's it!

Everything is going to be down to him, you can't bribe or desensitize him in any way to accept another male. You can only play it by ear. :-)

The promising thing is he accepted the Chihuahua, (instead of having an early morning appertiser :-D ) so there is a chance.

Good luck, I have my fingers crossed for you. :-)

I hope my phrasing didn't come across wrong - what I meant by 'it can be done' is that I've known of male dobes living peacefully with other male dobes and other breeds. :-)

Thanks for the words of encouragement anyhoo, much appreciated!

Just a quick update - Lish isn't coming after all. :-(  Fran spoke to her uncle after he'd spoken to his ex, and she's decided to keep Lish after all.  Oh well.

But, the prospect of getting a dog has got Fran a bit keen - she's now looking at getting a rescue greyhound (she has wanted one for ages already and is reading up on them so not a snap decision), and a bitch to make things easier.

Suits me, I adore pointy dogs! :-)