Introducing Puppy to your Cat

Puppy may not be your first pet. He may be another in the growing brood that is your pet family. Because of this you’ll want to introduce puppy to your other pets with care.

Dogs are social animals. Most puppies love being a part of a group. In their natural habitat, puppies in a group must establish their place. Your puppy will try to determine his place within your family and amongst the other pets in the house and remember this is normal, even instinctual.

When you introduce your puppy to the cat, don’t leave them alone. Supervision is necessary until they get to know each other. If puppy is smaller than the cat, he could get trounced when your back is turned and vice versa.

During the first meeting, let your cat take the lead. Since cat was in the house first, he gets to examine puppy. Be on the lookout for any aggression on the part of either animal. If the meeting goes sour, take puppy away and try again at another time.

Cats are territorial animals by nature. They may be nice enough to puppy, but there are going to be places in the house where they want to be left alone. Not respecting their privacy could cause tension between puppy and cat. The cat may even get miffed at you.

Teach puppy that certain places are off limits. Think of a command that you can use to keep puppy away from those places. You will use it often at first until puppy learns cat’s “unwritten rules”.

Puppy may start out by chasing the cat around the house. This is a normal behavior for a dog and may even make you laugh. When the chuckle is over, however, put an end to the chase and encourage puppy not to do it again.

On the other hand, the cat may catch puppy minding his business one day and get him back. If cat is chasing puppy, don’t scold your cat either. Territorial disputes are normal also, but since they will both be in living under one roof now, this can’t continue either.

Cats and dogs that live together should eventually come to an understanding. As long as their private areas are respected by each other there should be no problems of any consequence. But, the relationship may not turn to love right away. Don’t get frustrated with your pets. This, too, takes time.

Puppy needs to be introduced to the other pets living in the house. If one of the pets is a cat, take the introductions slowly. They may not warm to each other at first, but keep at it, eventually they will learn to live together in harmony.

Originally posted 2008-12-08 21:32:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Tips to Help Your Dog Get Along with Other Pets

Let’s assume you have a Bichon Friz at home and have decided to adopt another one as a companion.  Here are some tips to help your dog get along with other pets.

Before we get into the whys and wherefores, it is important to remember that any new member of the pet family will encounter a rigorous and sometimes jealous stance when a new pet arrives.  If you think about it, some children who are presented with a newborn baby tend to become upset because they have to compete for attention for the first time.

Dogs are very territorial.  Some even resent other pets being around their masters.  When a new pet is brought into the home, whether it’s a parakeet, cat, or turtle; the dog asserts his dominance and after awhile all is well.  However, when another dog is brought into the home – you may experience the following behavior:

Your dog not only asserts his dominance as the alpha male, but may fight with the new dog; eat his food; and generally play in a rough manner.  This is normal and should not be interfered with.  The new dog will have to play a subordinate role until he is fully accepted by the alpha male.

In order to keep things from getting out of hand, you might want to separate the dogs for a period of time.  Your pet will know there is another dog in the home by his scent.  Create an atmosphere that is conducive to them getting to know each other.

When they finally meet, try not to favor your pet over the new dog.  Treat them both equally.  It will take time for the new dog to acclimate to his new surroundings, and it will take your pet time to acclimate to the new arrival.  If necessary, keep the new pup in a kennel until they both become comfortable with each other.  The same holds true for cats as well.

Take your pet out for a walk.  Let him know that you are still there for him and you have not changed his routine simply because there is another dog in the house.  If he acts out against the new pup, call to him to come to another room.  Play and interact with him.  Use constant praise when he listens and offer a treat when he obeys your commands.

Put out dishes of food and water for each dog, always giving preference to your older pet.  Remember, he is the alpha male and deserves respect.  This is more for the young pup that for you.

Establish a routine that involves both pets.  Try not to favor one over the other but treat them equally.  If you give one dog a treat, ensure you give the other dog a treat.  If you buy dog toys, they may fight over them for awhile until the new pup gives up.  They’ll work it out.  Do not feel you have to intercede in everything they do.

The only time you should become involved is if they constantly fight.  Eventually, a bond will form and they will become the best of friends.  However, try not to leave them along for long periods of time, especially in the beginning.

No matter what other pets you may introduce to your dog, remember that it will take time, patience, love, attention, and a lot of aspirin – (for you, not the dogs!)