Advice on introducing a dog into the family.

[-leestrong-]

Ok, so I'll explain my problem.
I'm currently living with two cats, one almost three, the other ten years old (both female).
Since I don't know many people who have both dogs and cats I decided to stick a thread on here to see if anyone experienced with this could give me any advice.

We are looking for a medium energy dog, breed German Shepherd.
Can anyone drop me any advice on how to go about integrating a dog into the family?

Thankyou!
- Lee

[GommeInc]

As long as the dog is cat friendly, then that's usually fine. Cats don't tend to mind but that depends on the cat or if it's had any horrible experiences with dogs. Introducing them isn't usually a problem, they'll be more interested than angry and if the dog tries to have a fight with them, then the cat has the upper hand of being small and good at hiding. I've got 2 dogs and 3 cats, though sometimes have 5 dogs and they're fine with each other. The dogs are more fascinated if anything.

Introduce them in small bites, like have a gate put up between the two so they can see, hear and smell each other but the gate will also allow the cats to stay safe aswell as the dog, so if either one kicks off they can keep away from the gate. But that's only if they look like there maybe some conflict between the two :)

[Pazza]

When we got my dog my cat was fine, and then my cat slapped the dog,but its claws weren't out lmao.

[Wahey]

My mate has 1 dog and a 1 cat
You probs should make them avoid each other for a few days, let the dog get used to the "smell" of your house ect then introduce your cat to it

[Crimson]

I've had my dog for a year now. We've constantly tried introducing the dog and the cat. The dog is perfectly fine and just wants to sniff the cat, but the cat always struggles and tries to run away. If he happens to run away then my dog seems to think it's a game and he chases my cat around the house... Like.. Dog and cat! Our dog lives downstairs and our cat lives upstairs, that's just the way it is now. It's a very difficult situation, it really depends on the cat. We've tried so much, but unfortunatly it's still not working. I guess we'll just have to keep on trying.

I suggest after about 5 days of having the dog in your house; keep the dog on the lead and hold the cats infront of him/her. Let the dog have a sniff but keep your distance. Everyday keep doing this, and get a little bit closer everytime. Another method is to put the cats in those cat basket thingies, that you take them to the vet in, and place it on the floor and allow the dog to have a sniff around - but, that's a little bit cruel :P

[Mrs.McCall]

You must feed the cat first and let the cat feel dominant over the dog. When you come in, always embrace the cat first.

Then just hope it works out.

[PaintYourTarget]

I know someone who used to have a Greyhound and a Rabbit so, they can learn to get on... the Greyhound and the Rabbit didn't, but that's not the point.