How do you introduce a new dog

[Lucylou]

Anyone out there with experience with dogs? I know Lydia has dogs & there might be others able to give me some help on this.

I've taken in a 10 year old Border Collie-ish dog, sadly her owners have had to move into a flat & cannot keep her & I was the last hope saloon before the dogs home She's well behaved & been brought up with cats, geese, ducks, children & a very large garden but no other dogs.

I have a Bichon Frise, 2.5 yrs old, a bit mad as that breed tends to be but very friendly (also given a home when a friend was desperate ) she also doesn't have very much experience with other dogs except meeting them on walks.

So far mine will not stop pestering the Collie in a friendly full-on way, smelling her (in a very unladylike way ) at every opportunity, constantly jumping at her etc, tail wagging. This is really spooking the Collie out, she's a slightly nervous dog, & she watches mine like a hawk from the safety of behind the sofa or under a table, not happy unless she's within eyesight. We haven't had anything other than this but the situation isn't great!

Anyone got any tips? I've never had to introduce adult dogs to each other before. I think the Collie is a bit stressed anyway, a strange place, leaving her home & family, she hasn't eaten much since she arrived on Friday eve either. If anyone has any experience with this would be great.

Thanks
P.S The olny thing so far that hasn't phased her one bit are the chickens

[Lydia]

Hi,
have pm'd you,might be able to help.

[Lucylou]

Thanks Lydia, will contact you.

[Lucylou]

Hi Lydia, ran out of hours today (wish they'd get this 36 hour day sorted ) but unexpectedly at home tomorrow so will look forward to speaking to you.

Both dogs are a bit more settled today, mine is now ignoring Collie most of the time but Collie still not happy about it. Outside the home even in the garden, she's a different dog, such a lovely girl, so I really hope we can make it work. A 10 year old dog doesn't stand much of a chance being re-homed from a resue centre

[Lydia]

They don't at that age,and being a Collie wont help either.She'll gat there,it'll just take time.I'm out tomorrow morning,taking mrs Clucky to the vet and thenh lunch with my mum.I should be about in the afternoon though,look forward to speaking to you.

[Lucylou]

Lydia,
Been out of circulation for a while due to Mum in hospital, along with everything else that's going on at the mo have been sinking fast under the load !

Just didn't want you to think I was ungrateful for your kind offer of advice, I will definately be in touch when I've got a few mins.

[Lydia]

hi Lucylou,

Don't worry,I just assumed that things were settling down for you and I was pleased.
I'm really sorry that your mum is in hospital,I do hope that she is getting better and will be back home soon.
Have you got anyone,either friend or family who could help while you've got a lot on?
If not,try and look after yourself as well.You'll be no use to your pets or your mum if you get ill.
Best wishes to your mum and I do hope she is better soon.

[Lucylou]

Hi Lydia,

I'm hoping to ring you today, got a quiet day at work (I hope )

Doggie isn't settling down that well, when she's on her own she's wonderful, an absolute joy, I've been taking her to work (I work for myself thankfully!) & she's as good as gold but sadly she can't settle with my other dog. Got a feeling she never will.

[Lydia]

There will be things you can do to help them settle together,hope to catch you later.

[Lucylou]

Update on Collie for anyone that read earlier posting & Lydia.

The story has a happy ending in so far as Collie has been re-homed with a lovely retired lady who has been looking for an older dog as a companion since her husband died. She has been looking for about 6 months, so we're all very pleased.
I had grown really fond of Collie, she was a lovely girl but she couldn't rest when our mad one was about. In the short time we had her I couldn't believe how attached I'd got & missed her when she went. She's the sort of dog who was a real companion, ours couldn't care less who's there as long as someone gives her food & plays fetch!! Good job she's very cute!!