Cats and Dogs Help...

We are going to the NSAL to look for a puppy. I have been wanting one for a while and have researched and read all about it. DH wants a Rotty, however I will be home all summer to train the dog and wanted a Lab.
Also we have a beautiful cat which I LOVE...I don't want her upset.
Anyone have a cat and brought in a dog?? How was the cat? I don't want my baby "Chilly" to be upset by the dog.
PS we are also TTC how are the animals and baby all together under one roof?
ANY HELP with ANY info greatly appreciated!!!

Re: Cats and Dogs Help...

I have 4 dogs & a one month old & we are all getting along just great!

Training from the beginning is key, and knowing when to call a professional is also important.

As far as the cats, I had a house with cats & dogs. They got along OK but for the most part they just stayed out of each other's way. If you go to NSAL 2 pieces of advice.

1- plan to go home with the dog right away. They will not "hold" a dog until later. If you see a dog you like then you have to take the dog right then & there, so if DH needs to be with you, etc...make sure you go together. Also have references and your vet's phone # ready.

2 - Be aware that they sometimes label dogs as "terrier mixes" when they are Pit. Not that I have anything against Pits..I actually love them, but the training for a Pit or Pit mix can be more demanding than a Lab or even a Rotty.

Congrats on deciding to adopt

Re: Cats and Dogs Help...

First of all, Congrats on adopting.
We had a cat when we got our dog. The cat was two years old and we had him from five weeks, so he was the king of the castle.
We got the dog when she was eight months old and brought her home and kept her in her crate in our bedroom.
The first few days, we would let the cat in the bedroom while the dog was in the crate and when we took the dog for a walk she was leashed up and walked through the house on her leash so the cat saw no threat in her.
After a few days, we let them loose around each other under our supervision and within two weeks they were fine together. We had to teach the dog that the cat was not prey, but because of the way they were introduced it wasn't a big deal at all.
Now, two years later - they sleep together.

Re: Cats and Dogs Help...

thank you both for your response. We are going in a little while and I will take the vet # and bring some info. What type of references are needed????

Re: Cats and Dogs Help...

We went and they didn't have any puppies. They had two but the one Lab was a male and I wanted a female. I thought females are not as aggressive. Any suggestions??
Thanks!