13 week old lab/shepard/rott mix and cats?

Question

I just recently adopted a very very nice gentle and smart puppy. I have 5 indoor cats, that he going to have to live with. Right now, he is living on the patio until some training is established. So far, so good on that aspect, he's a very quick learner. I have just started letting the cats sniff the dog through a baby gate, and the dog sniff the cats as well. One of my cats took a spit at him, and got a little bit of claw on his nose, and he flew back, and started growling and tiny little barks. Nothing on the aggressive side, just a reaction to the happening. Now, he won't even come near the baby gate, which in the end of things, that could be a good thing to keep him out of the carpeted area's of the house. BUT, now he is afraid of the cats, and won't even go near them with a closed slider door. (glass) I don't know quite where to go from here with these introductions, as I don't want the cats to see they can harm him, and take over him, and i don't want him to be so afraid that when encountered in the future, he strikes reacts and kills. 
He's going to be a very big dog. He's a very cautious dog, but not aggressivly cautious. He just likes to be in a comfort zone all the time. When we go on walks, we always stop by our friends houses so that he can see that other people besides us, are okay. He warms up to them after a few minutes no problem. I also take him to see a few of my friends dogs so that he still has dog interactions as well, and those go well after a few minutes too, he's just got to check things out, and make sure everything is going to be okay. 
As far as my cats go, I fear that they will be to rough on him in the introductions period, and he will be a very skiddish and aggressive dog in the end of things. 
What can I do at this point, to ensure that my cats and he have a good introductory period after this encounter, I don't want any one getting hurt, or killed.

Ruby&#39;sMom · Accepted Answer

You sound like a good companion and one who cares about her animals!  Good for you!!
You might want to spray water on cat(s) when they swing at the dog if the attack is unprovoked. 
It may actually be good if your pup is a little cautious around the cats for a while. 
I have two cats, had one dog when I brought the kittens home. I worried that dog might harm the one who seemed to hate her, but cat was always faster on feet and had better traction than the dog did on the bare floors. 
And there were places small enough, or high enough, where dog couldn't get to cat.
The second cat came to like the dog, would sniff noses
You do need to watch the initial stages, as you are already doing. And socializing him -- good for you!!!
Link below shows cat and dog getting along -- it is possible.
Best wishes.

? · Answer

I severely desire you're looking to be humorous right here. Even if you're, it is a very POOR strive at humor! It's unhealthy sufficient whilst folks wish to declaw a cats entrance paws, however to do all FOUR? How maddening might or not it's to you, when you could not scratch your self while you had an itch? Declaw surgical procedures are unlawful in lots of nations, it is a disgrace the USA and the relaxation of the arena have not stuck as much as this considering. I assisted ONE declaw surgical procedure whilst I used to be nonetheless a Vet Tech, and instructed them they would hearth me in the event that they wish however I REFUSED to support one other. Not handiest is it a greusome surgical procedure, however the restoration is lengthy and terrible for the cat. They cry in spite of the agony meds and usualy rip the bandages off to lick their mutilated ft. And they can not avert jogging on the ones deficient tortured ft of theirs. How might you suppose having your ft and palms mutilated like that? For what, furnishings? Invest in Soft Paws or positioned double stick tape at the places she is scratching. Use water bottles to deter scratching on furnishings. Buy scratching posts. If you can not reside with the movements of cats (scratching is one in all them) then maybe a cat isn't the puppy for you. Many rescue firms have it written into their adoption papers that when you have the cat declawed now not handiest will the take the cat again from you, they're going to take you to court docket for violation of the agreement. Be a liable proprietor and love your kitty. Don't punish her for doing anything that's traditional to her. Cats can also be knowledgeable to not scratch your furnishings.

Jhay Chiong · Answer

Despite the cliché about fighting like cats and dogs, it's perfectly possible for the two species to live happily under one roof. However, it's also possible for a cat to injure a dog, and for a dog to seriously hurt or even kill a cat. To keep everyone safe, separate your new dog and your resident cat at first and introduce them carefully.

Anonymous · Answer

try not to let him get too close to the cats without your supervision until he is used to them and they are used to him because the cats can hurt him as a puppy, but i have a few cats and many dogs, and teh yall get along, including my new puppy and the cats

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13 week old lab/shepard/rott mix and cats?

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