cat and dog questions

Hello there


i am very new to this forum and fortunate enough to finally able to get a GSD. The thing is I have a small 12 weeks old kitten, and I understand that introducing a puppy to her will no doubt take careful management and patience. But wondering if any of you could give me a few pointers.

I came across a year old GSD and she is beautiful !! the thing is she has never been with or seen a cat. So the first impression is that she will be 'very curious or interested' in the cat. I am wondering whether I would have a better chance introducing a small puppy, say 10 weeks old pup than a year old half grown pup to the kitten. Any civilised opinion is appreciated!

spaceman

[GSDOWNER]

Best situation you could be in, both the cat and dog will be curious of each other at first, however its not the dog you need to watch its the cat ! I am fortunate that George was used to cats from the day he came home and he is like okkies however Lexi was like I gonna get you xxx first and last time Lexi chased the cat , I am fortunate to live in a three story house, so they have all there own space when they need it, when there paths do cross, the cat makes it known he is the boss in the house !

Don't rush introducing them let them find each other xx

[Stuart]

I have gone through this four times so far, and I used the same method each time,... put the cat on your knee,.. or a family members knee,... then bring the dog into the room on a lead,..dont say a thing, dont talk to either cat or dog.

When the dog see`s the cat, it see`s that the cat is with you, and not just walking by, if the cat was on the floor, the dog would chase.

The chances are that the dog will want to approch the cat and use its nose,..allow this, remember that the dog is on the lead and is still controlable.

Once the dog has met the cat, you can release the dog, and the introduction is complete.

............ but be aware that as soon as you put the cat down, the dog may still want to chase,..so although you have introduced them successfully, it is,...or can be an on going training project,... but most dogs and cats will get on well with each other

If the dog barks at the cat,.. it probably will not work as the cat will be too worried about the dog,...I was glad that all my dogs were calm

[Caryll]

Agree with the above. The only thing I'd add, is perhaps put up a baby gate so that the kitten can get away if it needs to!

Thanks guys, it would be nerve racking for me. The dog is HUGE in comparison to the kitten!

I understand the intro must be slow. But do you have any view in terms of getting a young pup or a year old pup?

Best

[Stuart]

Its been a long time since I had a pup, and at that time I would much rather have taken on a young pup rather than an older one,..

But now belonging to a rescue, I would seriously be looking at young rescue dogs,.. remember not all rescue dogs have issues, many are there for no fault of their own,.. owner died, went abroad etc

HI Stuart

Yes, my partner and i have been considering adopting a dog. But this may sound sillly, we are a little concerned re its temparenment. It is not a risk to take on a full grown big dog with little known history? I am sure i sound very silly for saying this, do forgive me. I have been told that GSD is not an easy breed, hip problems etc, I am trying to avoid getting a dog and grown attached to it later found out it has severe or develop serious physical illness etc. Your opinion on this subject is greatly appreciated it. We have yet to make up our mind whether to buy a pup or adopt a homeless dog.

Best

[elfshimmer]

i was worried when i introduced the dogs to my cats but luckily my cats arent that botherd by my cats its love all round lol

Hi Elfshimmer, how old were they when u first introduced them together? Great looking pair !

Originally Posted by spaceman

HI Stuart

Yes, my partner and i have been considering adopting a dog. But this may sound sillly, we are a little concerned re its temparenment. It is not a risk to take on a full grown big dog with little known history? I am sure i sound very silly for saying this, do forgive me. I have been told that GSD is not an easy breed, hip problems etc, I am trying to avoid getting a dog and grown attached to it later found out it has severe or develop serious physical illness etc. Your opinion on this subject is greatly appreciated it. We have yet to make up our mind whether to buy a pup or adopt a homeless dog.

Best

Not answering for Stuart here, but I'd go with a rescue unless you're prepared to do a lot of research into getting a pup - plenty of bad breeding resulting in the conditions + more that you've mentioned.

Pros and cons for both - a pup from a good breeder will be health tested so you know hip, elbow, genetic health etc. Cons - you might have to wait a LONG time for such a pup.

Young pups = toilet training, chewing, sleepless nights, more training... whereas a young year old rescue from a home will be easier in that respect. Though expect a settling in period depending on the dog's past and temperament.

You should research the breed temperament of GSDs, go in prepared and you'll have the most loyal dog you could imagine. They need more exercise than other breeds, can you give that, can you continue training etc. They know right from wrong, don't under-estimate their intelligence as a bored GSD can re-arrange a kitchen in minutes!

You can judge a dog's temperament when you meet it. And the rescue's volunteer will have assessed it so if one's got a very high prey drive, and is untested with cats for example, it might not be worth the risk for you.

The rescue work with the adopters to place the right dog with the right home and owner, so you're not on your own, and there's always advice available while the dog settles in.