New puppy - Elphie

ashbtvs

Hi there, just thought I'd introduce myself as we will soon be getting a puppy - put down a deposit last night and due to come home on 6th april. She's an english springer spaniel and absolutely a heartbreaker already!

We've got two cats already so has anyone got any fantastic tips on getting them used to each other?

I have a feeling I will be visiting this board more regularly now, and will of course add pics when we get her home!

Many thanks,
Ash

Joyful

Congratulations on your puppy. Make sure you post a piccie when she comes home. Can't help you re cats but I'm sure others will.

Caroline_a

A lot depends on the character and ages of your cats, but I would just go gently. The cats will probably sulk for a couple of days, and take a swipe at the new upstart, but in my experience they tend to sort themselves out in the pecking order very quickly.

busyboysmum

Spinger spaniel puppies are so cute.

We have a 9 month old springer and also a 7 year old cat. The cat sulked for months and watched from afar, we kept reassuing her by giving lots of fuss but she has recently started to go into the lounge again and is also now happy to be fed in the kitchen with the dog, this has all been on the cat's terms as we have not forced the situation. They still have their silly/OTT moments but on the other hand I caught them the other day both fast asleep with their noses nearly touching, wish I'd taken a photo.

Best of luck with your pup. Your socks will never be safe again!

daveski

Ash,

I really recommend having a look at this as it has some really good info on Springers :http://www.love-springer-spaniels.com/springerspanielfaq.html

Hope it helps and you must let us have a photo of Elphie when you get her.

tizerbelle

Basically you don't do anything to introduce pup to cats.

Ensure the cats have a "safe place" to go (this could be a room in a flat/bungalow or upstairs in a house). Ensure the cats can get in and out of the safe place freely - usually a baby gate in a doorway / bottom of stairs and if this isn't near their normal way out of house ensure there is a litter tray there and water bowl.

Then when you bring pup home, you do very little with the cats - some might recommend feliway diffusers/collars but personally never used them - basically let the cats do what they want - do not force an introduction - that way blood-letting lies - usually the humans.

You can't train the cats to like the pup so the onus is on you training the pup so he knows he is not to chase them at every opportunity even if they run.

The cats will sort themselves out eventually, they may detest you for a while or you may discover one of them loves the pup from the start and will spend every waking second with him - you just can't tell with cats.

ashbtvs

thanks for the replies guys. I know for sure one of the cats will not talk to me for a good while, she's the boss! The other one, well he's so thick he probably wont notice its a different type of animal!!

Just wishing I could fast forward to picking her up!

nikki702

Good luck with ur new pup... my puppy is 3 now... time flys lol

There is a great website and forum which is all about springers http://itsaspringthing.net/

gettingready

Just do not push them to be friends - as others said, they will sort themselves out...

Only keep an eye on the pup and do not allow it to chase the cats - Zara recently got beaten up by Fred.. she got too close to him in the garden and he did nto like it

They are fine at home but when outside - cats do not like the dog coming near them for some reason....

All the best