What to do with a seven year old dog and two newborn kittens??? How to help them get along?
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at
7:06 pm
I just got two newborn kittens (3 days old) & I have a 7 year old dog. My dog doesn’t freak out when he sees the kittens but when he tries to sniff them we get afraid he might do something because he might think them to be toys.
Also my dog is a german shperd mix, so as you can see hes a biig dog, and the kittens are just soo small.
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I think that your kitties are too young to meet a big dog so soon, but its your opinion.
(if i were you i would wait a minimum of another 2-4 weeks)
Its good that you are cautious, and your not free-willingly letting them meet on their own
German shepherds are smart, but they can easily mistake a small friend for a treat.
My best opinion is to find a small cage/crate/basket with firm & secure walls, so they can not get out.
Then, put the kitties in the cage/crate/basket and lock it securely so they cant get out (make sure they are comfortable)
then, put the dog in front of the cage/crate/basket, and let him sniff it.
He will smell the kitties, and if his expression stays neutral, then he’s ready to advance to step two.
if not, then you might have to use another method.
Now, step two is to open the gate of the cage or crate or whatever it is, and let the kitties move a bit, and then your dog can sniff the kitties with a more suitable reach.
YOU MUST BE RIGHT BESIDE THE ANIMALS WHEN DOING THIS WHOLE PROCEDURE!
If this step goes fine,
then let the kitties roam around in the room (you being right by their side), and get another person with your dog on a leash, and let him walk right up to the kitties.
(if your dog is aggressive, or has behavioral issues, please put a muzzle on him)
If your dog can walk right up to the kitties without biting or attempting to hurt them, then CONGRATULATIONS your kitties and dog can be friends.
If one of these steps did not work, start from the beginning the next day, never rush your dog.
if your dog can not complete this cooperation task for more then a week, consult with a behaviorist or a pet trainer.
Until your kitties are around 6-8 months old, never leave them unsupervised with your dog.
You never know what the pets might do to each other.
Think about your dogs previous behavior issues.
Has he had any?
Is he aggressive with just meeting dogs on walks?
Has he met cats before?
Does your dog need to wear a muzzle?
Does your dog bite strangers?
If any of the questions above are YES, please consult with an animal behaviorist or pet trainer.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DOG & KITTIES!