Socializing an older dog

Question
Hello!
Starting Friday, we will be dogsitting my in-law's dog at our home for a week.  He's a 6-7 year old male Sheltie named Sandy, although he's as big as a collie.  I've seen him around little dogs from the toy group and he seems fine around them. We own a 3 yr old female chocolate lab named Godiva who is well socialized and has lots of energy.  We've brought Godiva to my in-law's house twice and each time, Sandy does not like Godiva.  He barks incessantly at her, shows his teeth and once chased her and tried to bite the back of her neck. Luckily, my husband caught him before he could get to her. Godiva seems unphased by all this and remains friendly and happy as usual. I'm a little worried about bringing Sandy and Godiva under 1 roof for a week.  Sandy is a great dog and is very gentle with people and kids, and Godiva loves everyone and everything. Do you have any tips on how we can get Sandy to get along with Godiva? I would like for them to co-exit happily instead of having to seperate them for the entire week. Or do you think this is a bad idea and we shouldn't do it at all?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer
Has he ever been to your house before? It could just be that he felt threatened by her being in his territory when you took her to his house. What about 'introducing' them on neutral territory where neither of them have been before. I would recommend that before bringing him onto your property. This can be across the street from your house, at the park, etc. Anywhere that neither of them would consider their territory.  

Also, Shelties and Collies are herding breeds. They bark when they 'work,' and also nip at the animals they are herding. This is all normal behavior. My German Shepherd does the same thing to my other dog as if she were a sheep.

In fact, unless he is actually going out of his way to attack her, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just leave them be and they should establish a 'pecking order' pretty quickly. If you get upset and start yelling at them, it is only going to make matters worse. Unless there is bloodshed, I would just stay out of it and let them work it out on their own.


Good luck and let me know if there's anything else you need!

Kristen