toy poodle and irish setter cohabitation

Question
I have a 3 year old toy poodle, about 11 pounds. Very sensitive, gentle, and playful personality. He has been socialized with larger dogs at parks. I have a 2 part question.

I will be working out of town for 10 weeks this summer and will have to leave my poodle home with my partner. My partner wants to get a 5 month old Irish Setter and introduce the two dogs just before my departure (one week). What might I expect with an irish setter and toy poodle living together? My major concern is me not being here for the toy poodle since I am his primary protector. Is it a bad idea to make this change without me being here?

Answer
Hello Patricia,
From getting to know some Irish Setters that have come to the shop, most tend to rev up when they are outside or hunting, but can be more tame in the house.  I would think that this dog should get along nicely with your Poodle.  I would introduce them outside of the house, in a nutural location (so that neither has to feel that they are protecting their home) like a park.

As for you not being there to protect your dog, your partner will have to take over the role of protector until you return.  He can switch his loyality from you to her and back when you return.  
Let your partner start doing some of the things for your dog.  Have her feed him, walk him, etc. so that he starts to respond to her and by your being there and allowing this, you are letting him know that its alright for him to trust her.  

If you have other questions about this, or other Poodle questions in general, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim