How do I introduce my german shepherd to our new pets, a cat and a horse?

Question

I have a german shepherd, with the normal over-protective character. How do I inroduce him to the new pets,without getting any of them hurt?

Answer 1

I would allow the dog and cat to sniff one another thorugh a door for a while first so they learn that this is a new member of the household that must be accepted, then maybe let them see one another through a fence, a gate or a crate door and finally a nose to nose introduction, with the dog on leash.

If the cat is a kitten, the dog will most likely take to it pretty immediately, but should be watched in case a game of chase begins, but with an older cat you may need to move more slowly.... mostly for the cat to be comfortable and to avoid it running.... that would immediately provoke a chase response form the dog and then it's all over.

It may take a matter of weeks perhaps before allowing both dog and cat to cohabitate happily. And even then the dog will learn after a few swats on the nose that a cat is nothing to be tangled with.

As for the horse.... it depends on the horse, but the dog (if well socialized) shouldn't have a problem with it and may just assume that it's big and he should probably use caution. My dogs have come i contact with many different farm critters (cattle, goats, horses, alpacas) and the only one they show any real intrest in are sheep.... I think they get the feeling that the sheep know they are prey and the dogs read them so clearly, the dogs ready themselves for a showdown.

I think the key is to take it slow.... let the animals get used to seeing and hearing and smelling one another and don't force them to come face to face until they are BOTH ready. Use the animals' body language to guide you as to when they can get closer to one another.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Show your German Shepard that you are in control and you accept these new characters, therefore he should, too. Try neutering your pup if he isn't already. German Shepards are a very obedient and easily trained breed. They're beautiful and wonderful animals. Good luck!

Answer 3

Is your pet a friendly pet or not? If it is friendly well i think they'll get along with each other coz any friendly animal gets along with others.
If it isn't friendly then try asking him nicely to meet them, you know, try saying "This are our new pets, sheila and carlos (example), they want to stay here, so please be nice to then" and put a smile so ur dog cud know that theyr nice.