How would I introduce my dogs to my new cat?

[Lili M]

I have 2 english springer spaniels (males) who are a bit nervous (aggresive almost) around other animals but not sure about cats yet. I also have a maltese x and an english bulldog (both females). I would love a cat or two but im not sure on how to introduce them? im mostly worried about the two males! Please tell me how to introduce them! iv already found a 2 yr old male and two 7 and a half yr old females, im still going to see them but i want to be sure first about the dogs. And please dont give me crap saying dont get a cat then because iv waited 6 yrs and now im responsible enough!
Thanks

 

[Xanarella]

Usually dogs think they have their territory to themselves, and they're fine with other dogs going into their territory. Find the place, in your yard, at the park, or anywhere else that the dogs don't think of as their territory. We recently got a new dog, and introduced them in the front yard, along the driveway, and because we didn't introduce them in the back yard, or the old dog's "territory", they were fine and grew to like each other.
I hope this works for dogs meeting a cat, which may be more difficult. Just really try to notice where your dogs like to hang out most, and bring home your cat and get your dogs together in a place that's NOT their favorite spot. This will probably work better than slowly trying to get them to like each other, because they really feel threatened if you bring home this new animal to their favorite place.
I hope you don't have any troubles with this!

 

[Tiffany]

Well, first you need to ask yourself if you think your dogs can handle it. How did they react to each other the first time you brought a new dog home? Have you seen them react to cats in your yard and how aggressive were they? I have 3 cats and two dachshunds, my dogs are outside most of the time but they love my first cat. He grew up with dogs so he will play and wrestle with them. The other two cats are kittens and they are still unsure about the dogs. They will let the dogs smell them and lick them, but if my dogs get to excited the cats will pop the dogs on the nose. The key is to introduce kittens to your dogs, not full grown cats. Cats are set in their ways at that age. Kittens can become accustomed to dogs being in their household, cats can not. You don't want to introduce them straight off. Let the kitten become accustomed to the new house first. Introduce the dogs a few days later. And don't let all the dogs at once smell at the kitten, it will just run and hide and you will get no where.

Introduce them slowly, and frequently. And constantly watch the dog and cat interaction. You don't want anyone to get hurt. What I have done is hold the kitten in my arms and let the dog get closer. The kitten already trusts you and will not scratch you to get away or to get at the dog. If your dogs know commands, tell them 'Easy' or 'Be sweet'. If the dog gets too excited and you think it is unsafe, remove the dog from the room. Repeat later. It can be done but is very strenuous. Just make sure you know what you are getting into.

 

[Jerome]

ive had many animals and i can tell you that your female dogs might suprise you. the females are very territorial they can be the nicest in the world untill they feel like they must protect you or themselves. you might try introducing them one at a time to one cat at a time. but most importantly you must embed it in your dogs mind that you love the cats and there will be dicipline if thay try to harm them. but if your dog is older than four years and has somthing against cats, i dont think its going to happen. im just giving you my two cents im not an expert or nothing. but i know dogs from alot of experience.