Sheltie and Cock-a-poo, Can they get along?

Question
Hi,
I am interested in adopting a 2yr.old female sheltie from our local animal shelter. She was dropped off at the shelter only 2-3 days ago and she seems timid. The owners said she was afraid of aluminum foil and saran wrap. etc.
I had my 2 and 1/2 year old cock-a-poo meet the sheltie tonight and I'm not sure if they could get along.  My dog did not seem interested in her and he did snap at the sheltie when poked by
the sheltie.  Both dogs were very nervous as the other shelter dogs were barking.
My cock-a-poo is very submissive but usually good with other dogs his own size.
Would the dogs interact better in a different setting or should I give it up?

Thanks,
Jean

Answer
Hi Jean,

It is good that you are looking at the shelter, thank you.  No, don't give up because this is exactly how it will always happen.

Now, about dog introducitons: you have inadvertantly done a good thing in the first meeting being outside of the home as that is key.  

The second key is to know who is in charge in your house: are you the head of the pack or is the cock-a-poo?  Will the Sheltie go along with the arrangement?  If she is that timid you should have no problems with pack order.  There will be some extremely horrible sounding interactions as the pack order dominance is established.  Lots of teeth and growling.  It's all a show and they rarely latch on and tear, so don't be too concerned about it.  Much like the meeting you had before.

Do permit the cock-a-poo to be the boss as he has already tried to exert dominance in the first meeting.  When the new Sheltie girl obviously gets the picture you step in and put your hand firmly on cock-a-poo's neck and growl at him to let him know you are in charge, you accept he is number two but he needs to stop being belligerent.

I would also suggest arrange your home for the additional member.  Get a new food bowl for the Sheltie and a crate.  Make sure you address, feed, pet, greet, your first dog first then the Sheltie second.  If your dog has a favorite toy the Sheltie may only play with it if he isn't.  

Also expect scared or submissive pee in an adoption case like this one and be prepared for it.

IF for any reason they fight constantly or you feel you can't handle her, please come to me or google for a Sheltie rescue operation in your state to send her to.

Hope that helps and good luck!

'sneezes
Dave