Things You'll Need
- Dog-training collar, such as a choke chain
- Leash
- Crate
- Treats
Instructions
Put the puppy in a separate room while the cat explores her new home. You want the cat to feel comfortable before introducing playmates, and this will give her a chance to leave her scent throughout the house.
Place the cat in a separate room and allow the puppy to get used to the smell of the cat in the house. Approaching it in this manner is akin to letting the two animals come to terms with the idea of sharing not only a residence, but you. This is also ideal if the puppy is the newcomer.
Introduce the animals by placing your puppy in 'sit' and telling him to 'stay.' Be sure he's wearing a training collar attached to a leash, and have someone else hold the cat across the room. Depending on the personalities of the two, you may be able to let the cat loose to explore around the puppy.
Carry the cat closer to the puppy. Take your time letting them get used to the idea. If the puppy lunges or gets up out of his 'sit,' be firm but gentle -- tug your leash and scold him, return him to the 'sit' position and praise him when he obeys.
Allow the cat and puppy to 'meet.' This may be a mutual touching of noses, or some other gesture. If the reaction is volatile, with hissing from the cat, or barking or growling from the puppy, back off and approach it more slowly.
Repeat the above steps as necessary until both animals are comfortable. It may take a few minutes, or a few days, but by starting the introductions at this young age, they will likely become best buds in short order.