Socializing Your New Puppy: When There's A Cat In The House

Prince, like all dogs is a social animal. Dogs like attention; like to be part of your family, "your pack." Given a chance, this new puppy would lick Minx from one end to another. However, the real picture might be one of a cat with an arched back hissing back at this invasion into her world.

How do you avoid this last scenario? Here are a few tips to remember in order to keep peace in the family so that "we can all get along."

• Make a haven for your cat…most importantly, a place the puppy can't get into, possibly by using a barrier of some kind, like a baby gate. Put her dish; her favorite toys; her favorite sleeping materials; her litter box into this area. Cats generally don't sleep in a specified "cat bed". They would much rather sleep on an old tee shirt that smells like you. Try to make a cozy environment for her where she can relax and be stress free. You may need to confine the cat here for a few days.
• Use a leash on the new puppy and teach him right away to sit and stay. Introduce the puppy to the cat for short periods of time while the puppy is on the leash. Let them sniff at each other. The cat may hiss and run away and hide. That's okay. It may take some time. Do not let the puppy chase the cat (or vice versa). Give him treats for being a good dog and not harming the cat. He'll soon learn the "no touching" rule in regards to the cat. Never let the two "work things out" for themselves. That will surely lead to disaster.
• Give individual attention…to the original pet in the household in the same way you would to the first child in a family when a new baby arrives. Give them special treats and lots of scratches behind the ears.

Cats and dogs can really be friends…and that friendship could last a lifetime. Take the time to introduce your two pets at their own pace. It may not be long before our Minx is sleeping on Prince's belly or the other way around.