Tips on introducing new puppy?

[SomeGirl]

I am getting a malamute puppy in a few weeks. I have had one before and don't need to know about exercise and everything the breed comes with. My mum runs, I rollerblade, and we have a treadmill for the days that we can't get our dachshund for proper exercise. You should see him, he runs 15K with me and my mum (I rollerblade) lol! Exercise shall be no problem.

The thing is, I am wondering how to introduce my dachshund and 2 cats to the puppy. My dog and cats get along just fine, they don't really mind each other around the house. The upstairs is also baby gated off (you know how hard dachshund are to house train lol) so the cats have their own sanctuary to get away.

I am wondering how to go about introducing the 4 animals? My dachshund does fine with other dogs, usually just lets them sniff him and then wants to go on his way (he is not big on playing unless he knows the dog well). I read that we should let our puppy meet our dachshund at a field or on a walk or something like that so they already sort of know each-other before we bring it into the house.

For the cats, I am already predicting my one cat will be very curious and open (I am assuming he will try and groom the puppy lol), but my other will probably hiss and not want anything to do with the puppy. Should we just let them work out their differences?

Also I am very hesitant to leave our malamute out when we are not home. I have read many horror stories about dogs/cats who got along great but then when you come home the cat/dog is dead on the floor. My mum doesn't want to crate our malamute when we are gone (usually only a few hours in the evening) but I am extremely firm about this. How can I prove to her?

Thanks so much, personal experience with similar situations would be great, any help is appreciated!

 

[xsarangheyyox]

Introducing a dog to another dog is usually easy because dogs just don't seem to care as much as cats do. Just let them sniff each other out and watch very carefully. Since a malamute is bigger than a doxie when it grows up you'll want to teach him how to play with smaller dogs. Dogs have their own language and your doxie will inform the new pup what not to do very quick. Let them do their typical butt sniffing and make sure your doxie feels plenty of LOVE from you guys since he could get jealous. Reward him with good behavior! Treats, treats, and treats. As for the cats its best to give them their space and let them approach the puppy. Even if you have to stop the new pup from walking up to your cat that wont take to him right away.

As for the crate tell your mom that a crate is a good idea for multiple reasons.
1. It gives your puppy a space of his own. Dogs are den animals and really like having their own space.
2. It may make introducing the cats to the puppy easier. Since the puppy cant get out and chase the cats they can make their own assessment of the newbie.
3. It's a very important tool for potty training! Crate training is the BEST way to house break a dog.

I would suggest getting one for your doxie too. Make sure that each crate is big enough for both of your dogs to stand, laydown, and turn around in. Stick food, toys, and water in the crate to make it more inviting. Put them in and rewards them. They may hate it at first and the puppy cries will be hard but eventually they'll love it and you'll probably find them chillin in their den every now and then. My dog loves his crate and goes missing all the time and is laying down in his crate!

If you need help picking out crates ask a store associate for help.