Help! Potential new dog advice .....

staffiecat

When I first introduced my dog to my two cats I made use of two babygates. The first gate was for downstairs, so the dog had her space and both cats had the upstairs. I even moved their food and litter trays upstairs too. The cats are both outdoor cats though so I had to manage that process.

I used the second stair gate on one of the bedrooms. Although the cats had the upstairs I wanted the dog to also be able to move upstairs with me. So the cats had their own room and I would frequently have the dog follow me up the stairs passed their room etc - so they could all see each other.

That was step 1. Step 2 was then having them in the same room. The trick is to make sure that you have the dogs attention and I did this by feeding the dog from my hand whilst letting the cat roam into the same room. The dog was busy working for me (general command such as sit, paw etc) for the food and ignored the cat. If they got distracted then we didn't panic and just started again. I think I was lucky that my girl wasn't really a barker so that did help.

The main thing is that your cat might hate this at first but give it time, and it really does take a lot of time but eventually you will have a happy settled home. Nowadays my dog and my cats all sleep together in the same bed !!

Good luck

rising_from_the_ashes

Well, a quick update ...... have been to see him & he was absolutely adorable but unfortunately not the one for me (a very hard decision and I'm still wondering if I made the right one but I had to go with my gut instincts) - however, I am positive the owners won't have a problem finding him a lovely new forever home very soon (several people have enquired since I spoke to them).

So .... still looking.

Caroline_a

Never mind, I'm sure there will be one who will be just right for you!

What was it about him that made you decide it was a no - just curious!

zaksmum

Sorry the dog wasn't quite for you Rising. It's too important a decision to ignore a niggly gut feeling on but keep looking and I'm sure you'll find the truly perfect new companion.

When my old dog died at the age of 13 I was totally devastated and didn't imagine I'd ever love another dog like I loved him. But I knew I did have to look for another dog that would feel right to take home with me. And it took nearly 5 months, but when I saw Jack it was instant bonding.

He's the image of my old dog with all the same little ways, and he's certainly found his forever home with me.

Good luck with your search.

Dollardog

What a shame, but at least you went to look, I'm also curious to know why but sometimes I suppose it is just a gut instinct.
I love Boxers and have had them in my life since the 1960's, can't imagine life without one but some friends of mine had one which was actually related to several that I have had, from the same breeder, but although he was a lovely dog, I'm glad he was theirs and not mine. He didn't have the outgoing personality that mine has and he's much more wary with strangers which would have been no good for me as my dog gets to meet lots of strangers.

rising_from_the_ashes

Main reason was that they eventually admitted that if he saw cats outside when he was in the garden - he did chase them - which was a big worry.... one of mine would stand her ground and put him in his place quickly;) but the other is very nervous, skittish etc and would run.... had visions of cat pelting up stairs followed by dog - then back down and was worried someone would get hurt (prob the dog):(