Introducing a DOG AND A CAT

It is important to realise, that from a dog’s point of view, this is not a new friend you have brought into your home but an invasion of territory and family by an unknown animal. ALL KINDS of problems are waiting to happen. The dog may perceive the cat as an animal to be chased, caught and killed. Or the dog may try approaching the cat as he would another dog. If the cat is not familiar with the social niceties of a dog, he may be frightened or take offence. Or the dog may just perceive the cat as competition for the attention of the owners. Hopefully, this article will help you make a calm and successful introduction between your dog and the “invading” cat. Read more

Introducing a Dog To a Crate and a Second Dog (Part I)

Sometimes we need to introduce a dog to various other animals and objects these can range from cats to muzzles, crates to a new dog in the household. Following these introduction articles should help you over most situations.

Introducing a Crate to a Dog

Dogs have a natural liking for enclosed sleeping places – think of how often your dog chooses to sleep under the table, against a wall or behind the settee! In the wild your dog would seek out a cozy safe den to sleep and rest up, that is all a crate is. Although their resemblance to cages or prison puts many people off. If they are properly used and introduced, they can be a helpful aid to training and toileting and a comfort and a bolthole when the dog is feeling stressed. Read more

Introducing a New Puppy into a Home with an Existing Pet

By Cass Hope

It was November and I had spent 3 months searching for just the right puppy. Finally we had found what we considered to be the perfect one. Luckily she was already 7 weeks old so she could already be separated from her mother. I was so excited when we brought her home, our new addition to the family. I made sure I had all the required supplies; food and water dishes, food, a bed and a crate. We were ready. The fact that we already had a cat never really caused me much concern. I figured they would give each other a good sniff and surely it would not take long for them to become the best of friends and live happily ever after. I had visions of our little puppy all curled up with our cat in front of the fireplace. Read more

Keeping The Peace – Life In A Multi-Animal Household

Dyed-in-the-wool animal lovers seem to have a great deal of trouble limiting the nest to just a single animal. I know I do, with a dog and three cats sharing my life. If it weren’t for my very resolute husband and a smallish apartment, I have no doubt there’d be at least another dog in the mix.

When deciding whether to open your heart and your home to another pet, make sure to consider your current furry family member’s perspective. While many will thrive having the company of another, especially if they’re left alone for long hours at a time, others prefer being the only pet, either because they’re not particularly good players with other animals or because they don’t want to share your attention. If this is the case, then your current animal should have the deciding vote; after all, he’ll be the one living day in and day out with the newbie. Imagine if someone were to thrust a new housemate on you against your will!

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