Introducing a second dog into the home..

Hey guys! I was wondering if I could get some of your views on this topic as it's something i'm completely new to..

As some of you may know, Biscuit hasn't been well for a little while and before I make any decisions i'm going to wait and see if this third tumor comes back as being cancerous (the first was a melanoma, the second 6 months later was benign..) But if she's in the clear, I was thinking of introducing a little friend.

I work at a rescue centre and had a little male staffy come into my care about 6 weeks ago, he's coping pretty badly with kennels and is a bit of a mess. He's extremely quiet and doesn't give much away but is very affectionate when he knows you and loves other dogs but is very submissive with them on first meetings and just lies on his back until he knows they're safe. Biscuit's got some fear aggression (with people and dogs, had a very undersireable start to life..) and will either submit fully or try to mount other dogs (!!) but loves other dogs when she's comfortable with them and will play beautifully with another quiet dog. She's a bossy little madam and can be quite pushy initially, but is such a beautiful, gentle little soul after that initial boisterous behaviour, seems to be a bit of a defense mechanism.

Do you think this sounds like a good match up? And how would you go about introducing them into the home? Biscuit's my first dog so i've never had to do this before! Thanks

I think with work it could definitely work

I'd take biscuit to the centre for a meeting with the male and see how they go, if you decided you want him introduce them somewhere neutral near your house, and go for a walk before going home

Completely agree with Ella, take her along to the centre, as I'm sure you would advise this to any owner anyway

There's only one way to find out for sure, let them have a meet up and see how things go. This is best done within a controlled environment, which you have at the centre. Then if things don't go as planned there's no harm done.

Thanks for the advice guys! I was thinking of letting them meet out on a walk initially, just because Biscuit was at the centre for a long time before I adopted her and she gets into a state of panic even walking past the doors! Was hoping to get some advice on introducing them within the home, anything to look out for? Should I separate them while i'm out for the first few weeks? etc

A walk together would be good. Also bring something home with the scent of the new dog on it so Biscuit is used to the smell in the house. Walk them together before taking them home and don't pay more attention to the new dog. I would definately keep them seperate if you aren't there to supervise.