Introducing a Sprollie to live with our Madame Westie, advice please? Doable?

[Justshabbynochic]

So because of my exH's complete lack of responsibility/foresight, it looks like we might be in a position to inherit the puppy he bought DS last year, as he and current partner are splitting and he can not find dog-friendly housing.

He is a 1 year old male sprollie.

We have a queen of the household female Westie, aged 5.

She can be territorial, especially with food, with other dogs when we are out. My friend brings over the dogs she sits for, however, and generally she is fine with them, will play and lick, etc.

I have promised a trial run over a weekend to see if this will work. DS thinks dog is coming for a "holiday" as he has no idea of the impending split and damned if I'm going to accept responsibility for the dog in case it doesn't work out.

He will be very upset if Sprollie has to be given away.

Help? Tips on integrating, peacefully, the two dogs?

If they haven't met before, introduce them on neutral ground, at a park or wherever. Tire them out as much as possible so that when you arrive home the sprollie they will just want to sleep.

Feed separately at first so that no issues can arise. Time and familiarity will get them used to each other eventually but until then I would keep them separate at stressful/exciting times like feeding or playing with dc.

Ok thank you, will definitely introduce on neutral ground and take it from there. From what I've read Sprollies are really difficult to keep, needing mass amounts of stimulation and exercise.

I'm worried he's going to be too much for us if I'm honest.

Our Border Collie x Springer Spaniel was not difficult to keep. Yes, needed regular exercise and stimulation, but not a 'frightening' amount and, in fact, got a lot of that stimulation by playing with our other dog. Very loyal, very integrated with the family, flexible, not difficult to train (with regular effort) and a huge amount of fun. Definitely a cross I would recommend.

Hope this reassures a little Justshabby and hope things work out well. When are you doing the introduction?

Have you introduced your Westie to your exH's dog yet, OP? Are you going to be able to home him? I do hope things went well. I have a special love of this breed combination and it would be great to hear a happy ending!