Picking up new rescue dog

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xxISHxx

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Morning all.I'm picking up a new rescue dog this afternoon. Just wanted some advise as it's been 3 years since my old boy died. I think I've got everything covered. My only concern is my 8 year old cat. He's grown up with dogs so hopefully he will accept a new dog in his home in time and I know not to force the pair to meet. I'm abit of a worrier and just want things to be perfect. Any advise would be much appreciated.
 
My best advise is to try and prepare yourself for the worst case scenario (= cat hates dog, dog hates cat, dog have trouble settling down in your home etc.), because then it usually is much easier than you think. A little like when you remember to bring the umbrella, it seldom begins to rain, but if it still starts to rain, well, then you have the umbrella.

My second best advise is to relax, as much as possible, maybe even try to imagine yourself that everything is normal, and that you've had the dog for years. If you've done your best to prepare yourself, during the rest of the day, try to forget the worry and wanting things to be perfect. Maybe yesterday and tomorrow was/is appropriate days for worrying a little, thinking through what you could do/could have done to make the situation as perfect as possible, but today is the day for relaxing.
Whatever happens, will happen. Personally, I believe that if you're tense and worrying yourself about the outcome, the dog and cat will sense that, and it will only increase the odds for that things doesn't go perfectly. Admittedly, being relaxed is no guarantee for that things will go well, but I think that it increases the odds for that it can go as well as possible.

Good luck, and I hope you have lots of fun together.
 
+1 to above two posts and will just add that, as much as you can, try not to fuss/play with the dog too much. Be there for when the dog comes to you, but let the dog just settle in mainly by itself. It's the best way to allow the dog to get to know and become confident in itself in this new place, rather than needing you to feel safe. Can save a lot of stress with future separation anxiety.

Congrats and good luck xx
 
My advice would be - get some photos on here immediately! :-D
Nothing more really- I am pretty sure your cat will sort itself out and they'll work out their 'relationship' in good time. As long as the cat has somewhere it can get away from the dog they are usually ok
 
make sure the cat has its own space and don't force interaction. we are 2 months in, next tuesday, of having our dog with the cat. cat had never lived with dogs before and dog had only lived with other dogs. she now will only go in and out the window, not the cat flap, and sleeps high up on a wardrobe. he gets excited and wines at her, and she meows back. now they are in a routine she is fine, but was a bit aloof for a week or so, nose out of joint. but she will now eat, on a windowsill, with his nose sniffing her, and completely ignore him!!
not sure they will ever sleep together like some peoples cats or dogs, but they are both happy.
 
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