new dog

Question
Hi,
Thanks for taking my question, I actually have 2.

I now have a dog that is 11 months old. He is a Pitt Bull/German Shepherd/Chow mix.

Yea I know.

He is fixed but not until a few weeks ago so he is an alpha. BUT he loves other animals and always wants to play and is miserable if he doesn't please you (shaming works well with him and love overcomes food for him).

One day a puppy a llittle smaller than him was playing and got rough with him and pinned him down. Now my dog (Sirius) could have eaten this dog in one gulp but he just laid there quietly until this puppy calmed down. He doesn't bite and loves the cats and the neighbor's dog. But he is quite territorial and if he sees me coming he runs at me and barks, hackles up, until he recognizes me.

My sister is giving me her dog, a purebred Schnauzer. She has neglected this poor animal for the 6 years of its life. It goes from crate to chain in the yard back to crate. he is really sweet and very submissive with other dogs and likes cats. I think the dogs would be good for each other. They both need playmates and I will be working soon and do not want either dog to be lonely. Plus if I don't rescue my sister's dog I wont be able to live with myself.She is talking about taking it to a shelter!

So here are my questions. First, the Schnauzer's name is Janks, which I hate. At 6 years old how hard would it be to change the name totally, like to Schultzy or something, or must I stay with a similar name, I was thinking Jack, or must I leave it Janks (rhymes with yanks)?

Second, I am sure the dogs will get along once the new one is established at the house but I am not so sure how my dog will reach at first. I am thinking of introducing them in neutral territory, each on a leash, and letting them sniff each other out, then walking them home together and leaving them in the yard (we have an acre, fenced) then introducing Janks into the house, then our dog, over a couple days time. Is there a book or a website that shows me how or is this method ok? I don't think there will be a problem I think its a "guy thing"with Sirius.

Thank you for any help you can give. I want this new dog to feel loved but don't want our dog to feel neglected. Also the name thing bothers me, any suggestions?

Thank you again,  Diana

Answer
Changing the dogs name maynot be that difficult. Some dogs respond to the tone more than the actual name especially now that you will be a new master.
As for the introduction between the dogs a nuetral location is good. The main thing to remember is not to create a barrier so that one dog senses a territory. if either dog shows aggression immediately hold the dog down until they submit. it is also a good idea to put one dog on a down/stay and walk the other one around them while on a leash.