Hey everyone,

My brother and his girlfriend recently got a Shar Pei puppy. He is about the same age as Miko (16 weeks old) and my brother and his girlfriend have been asking to bring the puppy over to the house. The main reason is that they live in a part of the city where it is difficult to get a large amount of pet supplies, so they have been asking to come back to the house for a day (they actually wanted to stay a night, but I said it was a bad idea) to buy supplies in our area for their puppy.

Their puppy is still young and has been biting my brother here and there, but badly enough that his hand/arm looks worse than mine (Miko has only given me one bad scratch). Also their puppy is 20 lbs and Miko is 4 lbs.

This makes me worried because both my brother and his girlfriend have not given the puppy/kitten introduction much thought and I am worried if they will be able to restrain the dog properly if it becomes aggressive. I have played with the dog before and it is pretty well behaved, but it is a puppy after all and is still learning what is okay and not okay.

I have been doing some reading on my own but am still unsure what the best way to approach this issue is. I have read that putting the cat in a safe room for the beginning is good practice, but when would it be okay to let the puppy run freely (if at all)? And should the puppy be on a leash the whole time it's in the house? Or in his crate?

Thanks! Dog owners, I'm looking at you for advice!

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Matt

Much like cat/cat introductions, cat/dog introductions take time and planning. If your brother is only bringing their puppy for a day or overnight visit, I would suggest you keep him restrained and separate from Miko. Do not let them be loose together. The smell, noise, and sight of the puppy may be disturbing to Miko and may cause behavioural issues, certainly if he is forced to interact directly with the pup.
Also, they shouldn't interfere with the puppy's training by forcing him to behave properly with a kitten. They are setting him up for failure. He will probably view Miko as an interactive toy.
You could suggest they stay in a pet friendly hotel.

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~ Kyenta

Oh Matt! I know you live at home and don't make the decisions for the household. But, if someone wanted to visit me with their dog -- breed and age don't matter -- I'd tell them "leave your dog at home or board it." My Raiden is terrified of dogs. There is no way I'm putting anyone else's pet above my own, especially in MY house! NEVER GONNA HAPPEN. If they don't want to leave their dog, then don't visit!!! Pet supplies are readily available online and can be ordered and delivered to the home.

I know this is a family matter, but I find it ridiculous that you would have to lock up your cat for the benefit of a visiting dog. If Miko has never seen a dog before, it will appear totally foreign to him. And he will get defensive. Puppies love to play and sometimes think kittens are toys. Crating a dog is not a good idea. Let's face it ... this is not the puppy's problem. This is an owner problem. Tying a dog up with a leash is just as bad. I know my advice is not going to help you at all. Sorry.

I would have said no if it were up to me, until at least they are both older.

Sadly, they are coming tmr in the morning until afternoon. I sent me brother this article on how I want the introductions to go. Can someone take a read and see if this is good advice? Pretty much Miko and the puppy will never be let loose together without a crate or carrier between them.

http://m.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lh ... _cat-13443

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Matt

If the 2 are going to have to meet eventually, is it possible for a short visit? Xerxes loves our dogs but he has been with them since he was 8 weeks old also. It is just my pinion but if they have to meet I would do it while they are younger than waiting. if it is too much take Miko to the basement (I believe I have read that is where your room is) and play with him till they leave. I have had to live with my in laws before, it is difficult to know what is best for your pet and what others permit. We wish you the best, Let us know how it goes.

The article is talking about a permanent relationship between a dog and a cat. Unless they are going to move in with their dog, this is not the solution. They won't see each other often enough to probably remember each other. I do hope it all goes well. I understand people don't like to leave their pets at home. I recall one walk with Raiden where they brought their dog and left it in their car that was parked on the street. That's no place for a dog either. Let us know how it goes.