Introducing a puppy to cats

[jackthelab]

Morning all

I am now a proud owner of a 9 week old Irish Wolfound pup (Rescue pup) , she is adorable, and already making a complete nuisance of herself.

Now, being a Sighthound, I want to make sure she gets to know the cats that live upstairs better, now, apparently she isn't allowed up and downstairs for 6 months, and she is very heavy to keep carrying, so should how do i go about it?

Secondly, how about small terriers anf other small furries, is there an age by which it will be too late?

[Princess C]

Sorry, absolutely no idea about introducing puppies and cats - not sure that the fact that IWs are classed as sighthounds makes much difference (as far as I am aware, wolves have been extinct in England since 1700, so it's doubtful that she has come from working stock! )

It's highly unlikely if she is properly socialised that she won't be able to tell that a terrier is a small dog Most of the issues people have with sighthounds chasing small furries are based upon genetic wiring and speed, training for the track or working, poor or lack of socialisation as puppies and squealing in fear by the furry. They don't suddenly reach an age where they think terriers are prey!

Have you tried a giant breed forum? I always tend to think that IWs have more in common with other giants than sighthounds

[jackthelab]

Thanks for the advice, I actually managed to get hold of Liz and had a chat with her, its funny, I am really good with other people's dogs, but when it comes to your own you got to pot..lol.

Anyway, took Tara upstairs and introduced her, no reaction whatsoever, each sniffed each other and that was that.

SO on a daily basis (on the advice of Liz) I will be taking Tara for a trip upstairs to go visit the resident felines.

Natalie x

[Nettie]

At her age its socialisation, socialisation and more socialisation with everything and every animal you can meet.

[Houndlover]

Nov 20, 2008 13:53:22 GMT -5 Nettie said:

At her age its socialisation, socialisation and more socialisation with everything and every animal you can meet.

Absolutely, this is a must do - I would also enroll her in a puppy socialisation class so that she gets to meet lots of other breeds of dog, it will pay nothing but dividends long term ;D

I would look at the classes asap, as usually there is a long waiting list and some only take pups up to the age of 20 weeks.