Pets
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Getting nervous for new puppy
in Pets
My husband and I are going to look at an 8 wk old yellow lab puppy tomorrow. I have been the one who's been dying to have a dog and my husband has been pointing out the negatives to this: we live in an apt, we have a cat, we're hoping to move in the next year and a half. I have been researching and begging for a cat and now that my husband has found a place with available puppies and wants one, I'm starting to get nervous. We have a 1 1/2 yr. old cat who is our baby. We've been married for over a year and the cat is our child since we aren't ready for an actual baby for quite a few years. She is our everything and isn't used to having to contend for attention, space, etc. I'm nervous that she will get jealous (which I know she will as is only natural) and I'm also worried that the new puppy will eat the cats food and get into the cats litter box. We have a 1 bedroom apartment so it isn't a large space but my husband and I are both young and active so we would be able to give it the exercise and walks that a lab requires. I guess the reality of actually having a dog and the responsbility it comes with is sinking in. I def. still want the puppy but I'm just feeling anxious. Also, I'm sure this is ridiculous, but I feel like my cat will be upset that I am giving attention to someone else...she sleep with me and follows me constantly and since my husband travels overnight for work alot, she looks to me for everything...I guess I worry that she will be mad/sad that she's not my only baby. Is this illogical and am I getting way too emotional and thoughtful over animals? This post probably seems like rambling...and it is because it's all of the feelings I've been worrying about lately.
Re: Getting nervous for new puppy
I hae an idea --- when you go to look at the puppy, bring home something with his scent on it -- you cold probably bring an old towel and wipe the pup with it. Bring it home and then let your cat get used to its scent.:)
This way, your pup won't be a complete suprise to the kitty when the pup comes home for good.
Is this a shelter or rescue? Most shelters and rescues around here have info sheets on introducing resident animals to the newly adopted addition. I don't have a copy here at home, though, otherwise, I'd C&P some of the advice.
I really like the idea of bringing a towel and getting the puppy's scent on it. It is from a breeder so we are going to go look and pick out which one we want tomorrow and bring it home next Friday. We are waiting on our crate to arrive and will be putting in a puppy pad and old towels to help until it's potty trained so I think we'll take one of the towels and try and get some of the puppy's smell on it to help introduce it to our cat. I know several people who have a dog and cat and they get along fine, i'm just worried about the initial introduction and first few weeks as they get used to each other. I have a friend whose cat always hides under the bed whenever their dog is around and while I don't think my cat will do that as she's really friendly and outgoing, it's still a worry in the back of my mind. I appreciate the tips!
Before you commit to bringing home a puppy from this breeder, please read these two links and make sure you've found a reputable breeder:
http://tinyurl.com/7b52qya
http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html
I think you may be looking at a backyard breeder. Reputable breeders don't have litters of puppies ready to go to anyone who comes by to look at them. Homes are lined up before the puppies are even bred.
Backyard breeders also don't take the time and money to show their dogs in the ring (so an independent breed expert can judge their quality) or genetically test the prospective dog parents. They can unknowingly pass on genetic defects to the puppy, which can be costly and heartbreaking for you.
There are quite a few former regulars who sadly don't post here anymore that either have dogs with chronic health conditions, or who lost their dogs way too early because of conditions that could have been prevented through reputable breeding.
Do you have a crate for the puppy?
You are defin. going to need a crate and this will offer your cat some quite time from the new puppy. Put the towel w the pup's scent in the crate.
Congrat's on the new puppy.
I do think you are worrying too much about the cat's feelings. All cats are routine animals and anything that is new and breaks the routine will upset the cat for a while. It depends on your cat how long he will take to adjust-- it might not bother him at all, or it might be a few days or weeks before they get comfortable with each other. I have 3 cats and they all adjusted at different speeds to my dog and to each other. One of my cats is ok with the dog near her on the bed or couch but doesn't let him touch her or play with her, and the dog respects that. The other 2 will play and cuddle with him and lick his face.
Another quick thing to mention, it is not a good idea to put puppy pads in the crate. The idea of crate training is for the crate to be a bed and not a toilet (so they hold it until they go outside). Puppy pads have a scent that encourages urination. If the puppy thinks its ok to pee in the crate since a puppy pad is in there, you will never be able to potty train him. It's best to put a dog bed in there or some other blankets. And while he's growing, the crate needs to be small enough that there isn't much space to walk, so he doesn't poop in one corner and sleep in the other.