Training A Puppy

Question: Tips for train a puppy to get along with cats?

(Posted by: SomeGirl on 2010-02-08 11:37:42)

First of all, I have 2 male fixed egyptian maus, and a male fixed dachshund. The cats and dog I already have get along pretty well with. They often sleep beside each other and such. I am worried about my current animals being terrorized by the puppy, and really need some tips on how to introduce them and keep the environment calm for everyone. I am planning to get a Standard or Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai in a year or so. Before you get all get on my back, I do have sufficient time and space for this dog as I know training and exercise will be very important. Anyways, what I am really looking for is: 1. Based on my circumstance, what will be some good tips to introduce my animals and help them get along? 2. Would you recommend a minature or standard Klee Kai? I am leaning towards the standard, but I would love to hear others opinions. 3. Would you not recommend this dog at all for me and why? This is the only thing I am worried about, as I have bred dachshunds before and know how to socialize, obedience train, leash train, potty train, etc.

Posted by: tombraider97 on 2010-02-08, 12:17:41

1) I think that you should make sure that the dog and cat are introduced and both get a positive result from it. If that happens, the animals will associate good things with the dog/ cat. 2) I would recommend the miniature dog. I don't know why, I just like dachshunds to be of the smaller sort. 3) I would recommend this dog for you. As long as you know what to expect and how to take proper care of it. Which I believe you do. I hope this helps!!

Posted by: luckydog on 2010-02-09, 05:21:55

I don't blame you for wanting one..these are gorgeous dogs. You seem to understand what amount of work will go into this...they are very active and intelligent and will demand a lot of attention. And they are known as somewhat aloof with a high prey drive. Not that this can't be overcome..but as you said....a LOT of work. If I were going to get another dog, I would make sure that choice was an animal that had a lower energy level than the animals I have...something that is not dominant or prey driven by nature. If the Klee Kai is absolutely the dog you are going to choose, I would go with the miniature, and I would get a female. Are you going to select from a litter? Watch the litter play together...try to select the pup that is the most laid back one....alert but not pushy. Also, it is REALLY important to not play favorites once your pup comes home. You cannot single him out for attention. Do some training sessions away from your other animals so that he doesn't get the impression he is top dog. Always always supervise them together and if the Klee shows ANY behaviors like jumping up, pawing, standing over the others...correct immediately. From day one, put her in the submissive role to your other animals, and try to do directed play with everyone together. Personally, I would not get one...even though I would want to...because I would not want to do all that work. And the grooming of them....but what you suggest is not impossible and if you are willing to do the work...then go for it!!! Good luck, have fun with the new pup!