Thanks Deanna, so much for what makes sense and seems like really sound advice. You are the voice of experience, that's for certain, and I do really appreciate it. I probably would be getting a puppy. I have located a 9 week-old puppy, "Cortney" at a place in Louisiana (Little Paws Kennel) that sounds like a reputable breeder. She has been operating for 14 years and had lots of pictures posted of her facility and sounds as though anyone is welcome to tour her kennel. I will talk to her tomorrow, probably inundate her with way too many questions .I see on her page where she recommends male puppies as being more happy to please their owners (for lack of a better word) because everyone is afraid of a male puppy being territorial and more readily given to leg lifting on furniture and said everyone seems to want a female puppy because of that misconception; if males are neutered before 6 months age that is not a problem that develops. She feels girls are more stubborn and headstrong and not as easy to handle. I had another breeder tell me the same thing, that girls are more independent and not as affectionate as males. I'm sure it depends on the individual puppy also. I really had my heart set on a little girl, but will think it over, weighing all the different options. Again, THANK YOU! LYNN In a message dated 2/6/2011 11:50:23 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
If during the initial introduction you have a cat that is calm and does not "react" negatively to the dogs hyper bounces and wiggles...then all goes well. Give the cat a way out and a position so that he can view the dog from afar. That may take some weeks before the cat feels safe enough to engage in a positive way. With a puppy, the cat sets the stage and determines how things will go. Do not make the mistake of keeping them separated. The only way this works is when one is a baby or you have a cat that is already use to dogs....or an adult dog with little to no prey drive. They have to have time and the right environment to meet in and then to get to know each other. Keeping them separated only heightens prey drive in the dog. I had two cats with my present pack and everything was great with everyone...except my son's pit who came here as an adult and saw cats as prey. With Miles (our big orange neutered male)...because of Mile's calm demeanor and intelligence there was no issue...but with Brewster...our very moody...not so smart Hymmie, things were not good. That pit, Max and Brewster where the only two issues I have ever had my whole life with one of my dogs and my cats. I didn't raise Maxine...she spent her first 2 years with my son in a very angry environment...she really was not a part of our pack and had little to no manners and a VERY high prey drive...she was prey aggressive big time. Brewster lives with my friend now because I just wouldn't take any chances...but after a good solid 18 months, Maxine is now totally 100% bomb proof around cats...it took a lot of work and my son still keeps up the socialization and work. She is NOT bomb proof with other outside animals like squirrels or birds...she wants to get them and play!!! Just like a squeaky toy. Realize too that a dog with squeaky toys that shakes them and plays really rough with them is attacking prey...that squeak spurs them on to attack...we are simulating prey when we give our dogs squeaky toys....which isn't a bad thing UNLESS you have a dog with a high prey drive...then you are just feeding the unwanted behavior. So...my advice is start with a puppy and all should go well...or a cat who is already confident around dogs...or an adult dog that has little to no prey drive...maybe one that has a positive history with cats. Just my 2 cents from the dog park! Waggin' Tails in The Dog Park, Deanna DeannasPack2Ani-CaNb-1v9-1" src="_http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/247842/sn/1754783897/name/DeannasPack2Ani-CaNb-1v9-1.jpg_ (http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/247842/sn/1754783897/name/DeannasPack2Ani-CaNb-1v9-1.jpg) "> and The Dog Park Pack: Nugget, Shuai-Li, Mouse, Myrtle, Mable, Madison and Caleb and honorary non-dog members of The Dog Park: Stella-Macaw, Stanley-Amazon, Miles the cat _www.joys4toys.com_ (http://www.joys4toys.com/) ____________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sun, February 6, 2011 6:59:56 AM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Madison and Myrtle got new sweaters today!!! Some Chis get along with cats, some don't. There are people on this list who could probably give you advise on how to encourage it to happen. Gloria
