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Looks as if a puppy is joining the family. Advice please

(35 Posts)
Lizbethann55 Thu 15-Jun-23 13:24:56

My DD has had a torrid year, resulting in a divorce and loss of her home. At 40 she finds herself divorced, childless ( miscarriage and failed IVF) and living back at home in her childhood bedroom. She has decided she would love a puppy. DH and I think it will be good for her and she knows it will be entirely her responsibility and she has done a great detail of research and given it a lot of thought. The only problem is that we have two middle aged/ elderly cats. Does anyone have any experience of bringing a puppy into a cats home and can you offer any advice? We have always had cats but have never had a dog before. Thank you.

missdeke Sun 18-Jun-23 15:45:18

My friend has a 3 legged cat, he was the only pet until she got a Kangal puppy. Kangals are huge dogs but the cat is still in charge as he established himself as boss from the start. She now has 3 dogs all below him in the pecking order, resident cats almost always assert themselves right from the beginning. Enjoy the puppy.

MayBee70 Sun 18-Jun-23 15:54:03

That’s anew breed to me so I looked it up. I’m fascinated by these breeds that live with and protect the flock and the way they have been bred with that specific trait.

Blondiescot Sun 18-Jun-23 15:57:42

missdeke I love Kangals. The resort where we often stay in Turkey used to have a dog shelter there and we would regularly go there and take some of the dogs out on walks. My favourite was a beautiful big Kangal called Azra.

CazB Sun 18-Jun-23 17:06:54

My cocker spaniel arrived in the house at 8 weeks old and terrorized the timid middle aged cat. She took refuge in an upstairs bedroom and rarely came downstairs. As the dog grew older, he grew quite fond of her, though she was always wary of him and stayed mostly upstairs. It wasn't an ideal situation. I do hope it works well for you and your daughter, and that your cats will be in charge.

Anneeba Sun 18-Jun-23 17:40:14

Feeding treats together, usually with the cat on a higher surface and the puppy having to sit and wait its turn after the cat has its treat first (pecking order reinforced) has always worked for us. A puppy has not learnt bad habits of chasing cats, which is helpful. You do need to protect the puppy from claws near their eyes though, and their noses are super sensitive too. We've had numerous cats and dogs who ended up being friends in the end, despite some rocky beginnings.

missdeke Sun 18-Jun-23 18:18:30

Blondiescot

missdeke I love Kangals. The resort where we often stay in Turkey used to have a dog shelter there and we would regularly go there and take some of the dogs out on walks. My favourite was a beautiful big Kangal called Azra.

I worked in Turkey for 13 years, kangals are such beautiful dogs, unfortunately I can't have a dog now as I can't walk far enough to exercise one, nor can I bend down to pick up after it. If I could have a dog I'd choose a kangal evry time.

Iam64 Sun 18-Jun-23 18:55:58

Great advice here. My experience is cats rules, a swift hiss and paw swipe usually establishes the pecking order.
Crate train the pup. Never use as punishment, leave the door open during the day, throw in the occasional treat ‘find it- good dog’. Feed in the crate. Buy a beating heart soft toy (e veil empires£12.99) for the pup to snuggle on in her crate. Pups need 19 hours sleep s day build that into her routine/toilet training.

Bluedaisy Sun 18-Jun-23 22:39:16

I hope she’s not getting a Bichon Frise as I’ve had 6 and my mother’s had 2, DS got 2 and there’s not one of them that wouldn’t chase a cat indoors or out! They are known to chase cars and no matter how much training they usually still do. Bichons usually hate cats. My last Bichon who lives with us now we rehomed from her previous owners due to they had 2 cats who she chased and made one of thems life a misery and the owners ended up locking said dog in the kitchen and the cat spent it’s time upstairs until they realised it wasn’t fair to the dog locked in the kitchen all the time and put her into rescue! Please tell your DD to do her research well into which breeds of dogs tolerate car’s well.

Dancinggran Sun 18-Jun-23 23:20:29

Got our spaniel aged 15 months so not a young pup. Cat swiped him once or twice but 6 months on they can sometimes be found in the crate together (never locked in) ... especially when I get the vacuum out