How to Bring a New Dog Into a House of 3 Cats

Bringing a new dog into an established household with three cats is never easy. The cats will often suffer hurt feelings for weeks, and they will snub their owner with a true arrogance that cats are notorious for. The dog might end up with a scratched nose and hurt pride in the process. Despite all of this, the introductions can be accomplished between the four animals and a relationship can slowly be allowed to build so that peace and harmony reign. The dog will normally end up accepting the cats first because of its inherent pack mentality and its need to be accepted by the family group. Eventually the cats will also come to accept the dog and friendship might even form.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog collar
  • Dog leash
  • Dog crate
  • Water
  • Lemon juice
  • Handheld sprayer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cats in a separate room before bringing the new dog into the house. The cats will know there is a change in the house by hearing the dog's entrance and the new smell of the canine.

    • 2

      Maintain control of the dog using a leash. Never turn a dog loose in a house with three cats when they are all introduced for the first time. The dog must be controlled through the use of a leash. This establishes the owner's place as pack leader by controlling the dog's behavior in the house with a leash.

    • 3

      Place the cats into a dog crate. Close the door of the dog crate so the cats are secure. The cats will not be happy about being placed in the dog crate, but this offers them protection from the dog when the first introductions are made. It will also give you an idea of the reaction the dog will have to the cats in the crate.

    • 4

      Carry the crate out into the room with the dog. Pick up the dog's leash and let the dog sniff the crate. Judge the dog's reaction to the cats. Does the dog lunge at the cats or does he simply sniff the cats in the crate? The dog's behavior will let you know how successful introductions will ultimately be. The cats will typically huddle in the back of the crate hissing and spitting.

    • 5

      Correct the dog by pulling the leash sharply if the dog lunges at the crate. If the dog starts to try to dig on the crate, pull the dog back so the dog can no longer reach the crate.

    • 6

      Spray the dog in the face with a mixture of 50 percent water and 50 percent lemon juice with a handheld sprayer if the dog should bark at the cats in the crate. If the dog continues to bark at the cats, remove the cats to another room and release them from the crate in a secure room with the door closed so the dog cannot reach them.

    • 7

      Repeat the crate introductions every day until the dog no longer barks or lunges at the cats. If the dog never barks at the cats in the crate, then the introductions can progress rapidly; but if the dog barks at the cats every time, you will have to repeat the crate introductions every day until the dog ceases barking. This might take up to a week with a stubborn dog.

    • 8

      Release the cats from the crate when the dog no longer barks at them. This might happen the first day or a week later. At some point the cats will be released from the crate. Keep the leash on the dog for complete control of the dog. Allow the cats to roam the room and set the pace. If the cats feel comfortable enough to sniff the dog, then acceptance is on the way. Normally one cat will sniff the dog first and then the other two will follow suit.

    • 9

      Acceptance is gained and harmony established when sniffing between the the dog and cats takes place. The dog is on its way toward accepting the cats as family pack members when the dog allows the cats to sniff it and vice verse. The cats are showing a willingness to accept the dog by sniffing the dog. The first cat to sniff the dog will more willingly accept the relationship than the other two but eventually the foundation will be laid toward all three cats accepting the new canine addition to the family.