Dog advice needed

[bunster]

My 80lb greyhound is afraid of my cats. One cat is interested in being cool and sniffing him and the other is still hissing (his lack of enthusiasum is starting to show). When Phaser sees a cat too close to him, he whines and cries.

What do I do?

Comments

[whintyr]

I have more cat experience than dog experience, but here's my two cents:

Give it some time and let Phaser see you interacting positively with the cats. That may help reassure him that the cats are not to be feared. Think of it in these terms: He's a stranger in what he sees as the cats' territory. Try to slow down introductions, keep them positive and short at first. Is Phaser cool with the cats being in the same room as him or is it just close contact? Maybe try feeding them all at the same time on opposite sides of the room and gradually move the bowls closer and closer together, find some toys and blankets that can be interchanged between them all. Try to make the association for Phaser that when the cats are around, good things happen. It becomes play time or treat time or maybe bring out a special toy just when the cats are around, something like that.

[vanillagenocide]

just pet him/ reassure him.

it will take time. :) no worries.

[ignis]

yah, totally need more time. and honestly, it's better that the big fast dog is scared of the little fur ball. my brother and sister in law had three cats and adopted a retired greyhound. well the dog had spent years chasing a little fur ball all it's life, then he finally caught one. now they have two cats....

[reloria]

I know that introducing a new cat to a household of cats usually goes easier if you give the cats each other's bedding to sleep on, that way they get used to the scent of each other. Also, feeding them in the same room, or each on the opposite side of a closed door can work. They are in the same area, smelling each other, and doing something positive. It just might work for dogs and cats. Lots of attention to all of them and a lot of patience is all it takes.

[queenbarbee]

My dogs were afraid of the cats initially too.... I reassure them and get them to their own place - use the baby gates again, so Phaser feels comfortable.

Bumper eventually became okay with the cats and would snuggle with them, but Momma dog never got used to it. She's okay - but she'll bark (yell) at the cats if they come into the room.

Give him some time and if the cats get mean (like swatting at him) use the squirt bottle - but try to let them work it out themselves. They are establishing dominance right now...