Bringing home a new dog is always exciting, but you will need to prepare your house and your other pets for the new companion before he arrives home for the first time. Having your dog's food, water, and crate or bed set up before he comes home will help give him a sense of belonging. For the first few days, you will need to monitor your cats' interaction with the dog to avoid confrontation.
Instructions
1. Set up your dog's new living area in an easily controlled space, such the kitchen or den, the day before you bring home your dog. Be sure you are not putting the dog's food, water, and bed or crate in the way of your cats' food, water and litter box.
2. Bring your dog into your home on her leash to show her around the house. The leash can give you control if she tries to run off. Be patient and let her explore the smells and sounds of her new home. Keep your cats in a closed-off room or in a cat carrier while your new dog explores her home.
3. Keep the cats and dog in separate areas of the house for the first few days. Give your cats the opportunity to get used to the dog's scent by letting them smell his crate and toys while he is out on a walk.
4. Put a leash on your dog and let the cat explore the dog from a distance. You can also use a gate to give your pets a safe boundary. Dogtime.com notes that you should not restrict your cat by holding her when your dog is present, as this may frighten her. Repeat this interaction every day, allowing the cats to come to the dog on their own.
5. Allow your pets to interact without a leash or gate after they have become relaxed around one another. As cats are territorial creatures, it is best to let your cat approach the dog, who will already want to play and socialize. If your pets become violent and anxious around one another, separate them and start slowly reintroducing them.
Tags: your cats, food water, your pets, around another, first days, food water crate, home Keep