Top Tips for introducing a second dog to the home...aagh what have I done?

[Wendywishes]

I have today finally brought home a stray who has been hanging around the area where I live for a few weeks now.He has followed me home on several occassions but has always disappeared again.He looks really young,like a german shepherd puppy, but is in good condition and has been neutered.I will put his pic in local papers etc and see if I can find an owner but tbh its not looking great as he has no collar and has been 'lost' quite a while now.

Problem I have is how to integrate him in the home with my own dog.My dog is a collie/retriever cross and very placid but is very submissive and scared of her own shadow. I have brought the new dog in today and he is settling in very well,asleep on sofa etc,but he keeps wanting to buttsniff her and she hates it..bares her teeth a little at him and then takes off upstairs.
If I cant find his owner I wouldnt mind keeping him but I want the dogs to get along.Whats the best way to do this? Will things just settle down eventually.
I had this situation a few years ago with another stray and my own dog never accepted him..but he was a feisty fox terrier and very territorial etc.

Probably teaching my grandma to suck eggs but you have had him scanned for a chip havent you? A pedigree dog in good condition doesnt sound like a true stray. Good to put his pic in the papers but I know of one animal who had a three year absence from a loving home despite an intensive media campaign because no-one scanned him. Take him to the vets the scan should be free.

Niggle I am taking him to be scanned first thing in morning.Thanks anyway.

Good good. If he has no chip and seems to be a pedigree shepherd, you should be able to find a good home for him via GSD rescue, if he doesnt get on with your dog. They are excellent - normally they will collect and deliver direct to the new o.

Any update, Wendy?

Yes, uterus (lol at your name).He is not chipped and I have put ads and photos in local papers for publication tomorrow. Really hoping to get a reply.He is no bother and has a lovely gentle nature and is settling in rather too well.My other dog is very nervous and is wary of him but he is not bothering with her really.He likes to do a bit of 'butt-humping' but my dog is having none of it.They are both neutered. I suppose if the worst comes to the worst and noone claims him then my own dog will eventually settle down and get used to him. Its not looking great really is it.

Don't be surprised if they do a fair bit of growling at eachother, its not them about to kill eachother, it is them working out who is boss. In the dog world they have to have 'pack leader' and they will inevitably assert their authority over the other dog. Your collie will want to try and protect their territory and the new dog might want to take over the role of boss. It is natural and has to happen for the dogs to settle into their roles :) might be a bit better as they are both neutered, but they will no doubt still want to establish who is in charge at some point down the line.