Dog help-

[Nephythys]

Hey Lisa!!! (or anyone with knowledge)

We are considering a dog- we visited with an Australian Shepherd and Australian Kelpie mix at the shelter today. He is 5 months old and about as big as he is gonna get (medium size)- sweet dog, likes cats and kids. Only drawback- a nervous pee-er but he is just a baby and with age and time with us I am sure that would stop.

Anyway- we have two cats- well established male cats. Any suggestions on introducing?

Is a smaller dog a better idea?

How do you keep a dog from eating from the cat box?

There are suggestions for feeding a cat above floor level- how does one accomplish this?

Help? :D

[CoasterMatt]

Well, if the dog eats the cats, you won't have to worry about it eating from the cat box... :evil:

I don't have much experience introducing dogs to cat households, but I've always just made sure to be there and supportive of both the cats and dogs.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I introduced a cat to two dogs but I expect introducing a dog would work the same way. I supervised them the whole time they were together and let the cat get up away from the dogs if she got scared. It takes a while for them to get used to each other but now the cat sleeps on the dog bed with my girl dog and they play.

As far as the cat box goes... I haven't had much luck keeping the dogs out except by putting it up. My cat has her litter box, food, and water on top the dryer and it works out nicely. She can get up, dogs can't.

Good luck! And congratulations on your new addition. :)

[mousepod]

Nephy,

Our little family has had several combinations of dogs and cats throughout the years. When Heather and I first got together, she had two boy cats and I had a new shelter puppy (a medium-sized lab mix).

Our experience was that dogs and cats can get along fine as long as there are ground rules.

Make sure to diligently train your dog. A dog who sees you as the boss will respect the cats.

Don't get mad at the cats for being territorial. They're cats. As long as they don't claw at the puppy, they're just training him, too.

Feed the cats on the counter - that way, they won't gobble their food in a panic in fear of the dog. There are no tricks to doing this. If the cats get hungry, they'll eat as long as they know where their food is.

Keep the litter box in a place the dog can't reach. If he develops a taste for cat poop (or "almond roca" as Heather and I referred to it), he'll keep coming back. We put a little doggie gate at the bottom of the basement steps and the litter box was right on the other side. The cats had no problem clearing the fence, but the dogs couldn't.

When we moved to SF, our dog was full grown and we had a chihuahua puppy along with the two cats. They all got along great (if I was home, I'd post some pictures of them cuddling).

Congratulations and good luck!

[Capt Jack]

you could always teach the cat to use the toilet.

[Nephythys]

Right now there are 3 cat boxes in the house- one in the bathroom downstairs, the bathroom upstairs, and one in the basement. Do I whittle that down to one and keep it gated off? My older cat will not like hurdling the gate-but I could try.

I think I need a cat tree- I dread teaching my cats to jump on the counters to eat.

I was all excited earlier- now I feel nervous, especially about a bigger dog.

I'm torn- Rose and the cats would likely prefer a smaller breed. But I like the idea of having a medium to large dog in the house for protection (woof woof rather than yap yap)

If I am not sure- I won't do it- there are so many questions. Thanks for the input- keep it coming :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

The dog does not need to be large to be a security feature- any dog reduces your chances of a break-in. The security of a dog isn't that it will bite an intruder, but that it barks.

[wendybeth]

We have an Aussie Shep/Akita mix, who was intro'd to our three cats with little problem. (Now they're all buds). I love our dog- we were looking for a small one, but I fell for Mellie the second I saw her. She sounds ferocious, but she's a total love bug, although I do think she'd kill anyone who tried to harm us. Aussie sheps are so funny- they try to herd you all over the place, and it's an instinct that never stops. We all now walk down the hall to the left, because Mellie cuts left and has us trained.

Get the dog- you won't be sorry!

(and covered cat boxes help reduce the scrounging for Kitty Rocha).

[CoasterMatt]

You could always teach one of the kids to bark ;)

[Capt Jack]

I have two dogs, one of which is a breed that was purpose bred by monks in Tibet to be an 'alarm dog' (Lhasa Apso) to call the bigger Mastiffs to deal with said intruders . basically, I think they bred all the courage out of them, so he barks at pretty well anything...imaginary or otherwise. It works really well, except like I said, he barks at any and everything.

I get to play the part of the Mastiff.

WOOOF! :p

anyway, my point being, smaller dogs have their uses. you just have to be willing to be a mastiff.

[Alex]

It's all common sense so don't get too worried about it.

As you introduce them make sure that the cats have somewhere to escape to and that you can quickly restrain the dog if things do get ugly.

But unless the dog is truly aggressive towards cats (and the shelter should be checking for such aggressiveness) the cats should be able to dominate the relationship if need be. Puppies are usually friendly aggressive more than violent aggressive a couple swats to the nose from the cat and that will start to resolve itself..

There is no guarantee that they'll be become great buddies (especially with older cats) but they'll eventually work out their own structure and ground rules for getting along.

The only way to guarantee that the dog doesn't eat the cat poop is to make sure the dog can't get to the cat poop. But not all dogs are interested.

[CoasterMatt]

The only way to guarantee that the dog doesn't eat the cat poop is to make sure the dog can't get to the cat poop. But not all dogs are interested.
You could also try mixing in some natto...

[Nephythys]

I guess 5 months is a puppy- even when they are almost full grown.

According to the info on him- his reaction to cats is to try to lick them- same as people......I mean, he licks people, not that people lick cats- well some might...

Any opinion on the nervous pee issue? WB? Since you have that breed-

[wendybeth]

She outgrew the nervous peeing pretty much- it was only an issue for like the first year or so. Once they really settle in and become part of the family I think it tends to go away, unless they are unusually skittish. Now, Mellie has taken to drooling, which is messy and annoying. She sits in front of the pantry and drools when she wants treats- I'm thinking about changing her name to Hooch.

[Not Afraid]

I'm home now (with a dog on my front porch :rolleyes:). Aussie Shepheards are FANTASTIC dogs (I'm not as familiar with the Kelpie). When you first introduce them, keep the dog on a leash in the house and hold on so you can control the dog if you need to. Expect a lot of hissing from the cat camp. But, cat's do pretty well adjusting and/or taking care of themselves. Dexter lived with an Aussie Shepheard for a while and they were total buddies. I was sitting 2 mini Aus. Shep. pups for the first year of their life and they moved into a household with 2 cats. They adjusted just fine. They also ate poop and one had the sympathetic pee reaction. To solve the poop proble, they got a covered cat box with a door and placed it with the door towards the wall so the dogs couldn't manouever into it, but the cats could. As far as the sympathetic pee thing, only one puppy did it and he grew out of it. AS's aren't known for having that trait for long (spainiels are another story). I think once he gets settled and comfortable he will grow out of it.

It actually sounds like a good match. AS is a great breed with the only downside being heart defects that effect them when they are older. Not all AS's have it, but it does run in the breed and can shorten their life. But, any breed has some sort of issue or another.

[mousepod]

...just got home. Here's some visual proof of what everyone here is saying:
http://mousepod.com/lot/pets1.jpghttp://mousepod.com/lot/pets2.jpg

[sleepyjeff]

. But, cat's do pretty well adjusting and/or taking care of themselves.


Our cat thinks the puppies tail is the best toy ever:D

[Nephythys]

No dog tonight.



We all went to see him- and he was sweet but he did not seem to be as comfortable with Rose as I would like. In fact he seemed to want to ignore her and only pay attention to the males in the family.



He is also listed as "will not go bathroom outside"



Ummm....no. Too many reservations- so we are going to do some research and go out to some shelters tomorrow- maybe.

Zeus is still there- but I am not sure I can get past the reservations I have.

He thinks he is a lap dog- it's hilarious. That little nub tail going a mile a minute-

I want it to be just right-is that a bad way to approach it?



Thanks for all the help-

[Not Afraid]

Well, the potty thing is a BIG deal. They can be trained, but it takes lots of time and effort. Any puppy will require this sort of time commitment.

I peruse petfinders.com on my free time (yeah, I'm obsessed). This is a clearning house for most rescue groups in your area (search by zip code and miles).

My phone hasn't been ringing off the hook about the dog I currently have in my living room, so maybe I can just put him on a plane. He's cute (see the sooooooo thread).

[Nephythys]

awwwww - if I was there I would love him!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Now, Mellie has taken to drooling, which is messy and annoying. She sits in front of the pantry and drools when she wants treats- I'm thinking about changing her name to Hooch.

Heehehe... you have an honorary basset hound! :)

I want it to be just right-is that a bad way to approach it?
You'll know when the right dog finds you.

[Nephythys]

Our new fur baby!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Nephythys/Comet010.jpg

Here he is- our new baby Comet. He is 3 and just the sweetest thing ever!

Beware!! Home guarded by a ferocious chihuahua!

He likes the cats- more scared of them than they are of him but he is curious about them. One of them has come face to face with him many times and there has been no meowing, no hissing no barking- good kitties and good doggie.

[Alex]

Yay! You'll be very happy, rats make for wonderful pets.

[Nephythys]

bwa ha ha! Yeah- my rodent doggy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Nephythys/Comet009.jpg

[wendybeth]

I used to really dislike Chihuahuas until my friend got one- now I think they're pretty cute. Her dog likes to play with my big ol' Mellie dog, which is hilarious to watch. Mellie is really careful with the little one.

Congrats on the new baby!

[mousepod]

CONGRATULATIONS!

Don't listen to the naysayers (as if you need advice from me) - chihuahuas are the best!

[Not Afraid]

Cute boy!!! I could hear Jesse and H oohing and Ahing all the way in Long Beach! :)

[Nephythys]

He's taken to me- follows me around and had to sleep glued to me. He does like everyone else though too- which is important.

Dog thinks he's a little person- he slept on his back with his head on my pillow!

We had one accident-he was looking like it was potty time and he smelled an area our cats have decided to use when they are protesting the cat box- and before we could catch him he piddled. We put him outside and he did his business- came in and got huge praise. I'm sure that will take time-

He's a great little dog- very loving. Thanks again for all the help!

[mousepod]

NA was right. H & I oohed and aahed.

As far as the peeing on the cat odor is concerned, we recommend Anti-Icky Poo (http://www.antiickypoo.com/). It gets rid of pet urine odor - so Comet will be less concerned about territorial peeing.

http://www.antiickypoo.com/homepage_images/Anti-Icky-Poo-Gallon.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

Vinegar does wonders as well.

[Nephythys]

NA was right. H & I oohed and aahed.

As far as the peeing on the cat odor is concerned, we recommend Anti-Icky Poo (http://www.antiickypoo.com/). It gets rid of pet urine odor - so Comet will be less concerned about territorial peeing.

http://www.antiickypoo.com/homepage_images/Anti-Icky-Poo-Gallon.jpg

Thanks- I am eager to learn more about this breed and dogs in general. Been a long time since I had one-:D

[Not Afraid]

If there is cat odor hanging around, get Natures Miracle for Cats. It's is a miracle.

[alphabassettgrrl]

What a cute boy! Glad he's working with the family. And yes, they do think they're people. :) I think it's part of their charm.

[RStar]

As far as the peeing on the cat odor is concerned, we recommend antiickypoo. It gets rid of pet urine odor - so Comet will be less concerned about territorial peeing.

Oh, great stuff! It worked for me!

I stopped peeing on the doggy door.

:D

[Nephythys]

Ok- so I have a few more questions.....

He doesn't bark. I mean hardly ever! Quietest dog I have ever seen. He has barked twice I know of- once when he got agitated at my mom's dog. Then he barked at my dad when he came home yesterday (he spent the day there)

Is that normal?

He doesn't drink much water. I am worried about that- he eats, he pees and he poops- but I almost never see him drink water! Though I have seen him eat snow and drink some milk the cat left behind- how do I encourage him to drink? Is his behavior normal? Will he drink when he needs it?

Every now and then he huffs, almost like he is going to throw up. He does not do this often and I have heard that some breathing issues are normal for the breed?

He has a check up at the vet this coming Saturday-so I will also take these up with them.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Some dogs are just quiet. Believe me, be thankful he's on that extreme vs. one that barks if a snail crosses your front yard. He may start to bark more in time as he feels more comfortable in your home and decides that it is indeed his territory. Right now he may just be feeling like too much of a visitor to have the right to bark much.

He'll drink when he needs to. As long as he knows where the water is, it shouldn't be a problem.

[mousepod]

I wouldn't worry. The barking will come when he gets more comfortable with his surroundings - at some point that he will "find his voice". Cherish the silence.

As far as the not drinking is concerned - it's a little more worrisome, but definitely not serious. As long as he's excreting regularly - he's getting his fluid somewhere. Are you feeding him wet or dry food? If you're only feeding him dry (which is actually recommended for dogs - esp. small ones) and he's not drinking, you might be a little concerned.

I'm sure you're a great doggy mommy, Nephy. Plus, according to today's news, owning a dog is beneficial to your health (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006225648).

[Ghoulish Delight]

Plus, according to today's news, owning a dog is beneficial to your health (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006225648).

Having children (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/14/AR2007011400480.html?nav=hcmodule), on the other hand...

[Nephythys]

Thanks GD and MP-

I will check with the vet about the drinking thing- he is on dry food and he will drink. It's just that he doesn't do it as often as I would think he needs to....

Last night he fell asleep curled up on my chest like a human baby- all tucked in a ball. Sweet little thing- he likes to sleep under, and I mean totally under- a small blanket.

I just love that little doggy face-those big eyes. "cuddle me, feed me, hug me!"

[bewitched]

Yay on the new doggy!

(As long as he is peeing regularly, I wouldn't worry about how much he is drinking. Generally you only need to be worried if he goes 24 hours without peeing.)

[Moonliner]

Thanks GD and MP-

I will check with the vet about the drinking thing- he is on dry food and he will drink. It's just that he doesn't do it as often as I would think he needs to....

Are you sure about that? There are other sources of water in a house besides the water bowl.

[sleepyjeff]

Yay on the new doggy!

(As long as he is peeing regularly, I wouldn't worry about how much he is drinking. Generally you only need to be worried if he goes 24 hours without peeing.)


What if they won't go 24 minutes without relieving themslevs?:eek:

I have an 8-month old Beagle who will give you no clues that she needs a potty break before going on the floor......

After she goes, she then comes and tells us she needs to go outside:rolleyes:

[bewitched]

What if they won't go 24 minutes without relieving themslevs?:eek:

I have an 8-month old Beagle who will give you no clues that she needs a potty break before going on the floor......

After she goes, she then comes and tells us she needs to go outside:rolleyes:

LOL!

I'd have to say that if she's been checked for an infection or kidney stones; ummm...

Nope, I've got nothin'.

[sleepyjeff]

LOL!

I'd have to say that if she's been checked for an infection or kidney stones; ummm...

Nope, I've got nothin'.

Other Beagle owners have told me this isn't all that unusual with this breed and that she will grow out of it with the onset of adulthood; they also tell me that her puppy like behavior will last for as long as 3 years:eek:

Oh well, she is a love and our other, much older pets(Cat-Maine Coon and Dog-Dashund/Basset mix) find her entertaining.

[bewitched]

I have a standard poodle that is 2 1/2. He totally acts like a huge puppy. :rolleyes:

He's also very fancy. :D

[sleepyjeff]

I love puppies....but puppy like behavior in dogs that are nealy full grown can be a bit annoying at times. I am spoiled I guess....all of our other pets up to this point have been adopted as adults and were quite well behaved from day one.

[Nephythys]

erk- R wants a beagle- but that tale does not inspire me to run out and get one.

[sleepyjeff]

erk- R wants a beagle- but that tale does not inspire me to run out and get one.

Heh. heh....I could go on and on. She is a big handfull. Everything is a chew toy, simple barking is not enough......one must howl from the very depths of ones soul in order to get any point accross, and every scent one finds must be explored to its source:rolleyes:

Thankfully, Beagles are also very friendly. They get along with children and other pets remarkably well. Even strangers, once introduced, are friends for life.

Now if I can just get her to tell me she needs to potty before she wets the floor:)

[bewitched]

Heh. heh....I could go on and on. She is a big handfull. Everything is a chew toy, simple barking is not enough......one must howl from the very depths of ones soul in order to get any point accross, and every scent one finds must be explored to its source:rolleyes:



I loooooove Beagles with their sweet little floppy ears, wittle soft mouths, liquid eyes...




wouldn't own one though. ;) :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

My boss has a pair of beagles and loves them to death.

As far as the not drinking thing, I'm trying to get my boy to drink more. I suggest it to him frequently and offer him fresh water ( as water that has sat for a moment is no good anymore!). Often he'll take a drink. As others have said, though, as long as your little one does his business regularly, it's probably not much to worry about.