Congratulations on the new addition to your family! It's wonderful to hear you decided to offer such a caring home to a dog in need.
Introducing an adult dog to a resident cat will require patience, structure and slow, predictable exposure. Management is key in the early stages, to help keep everyone safe.
It's important not to leave your Welshie free with your resident dogs and cat to begin with. Start with separate spaces and controlled meetings. You can let them get used to the scent of each other through a closed door or covered baby gate - letting them gradually gathering information.
Scent pads can also be great for this:
Place a blanket or bed with each animal, and wait until they've spent some time using it. Then remove it and leave this somewhere the other pet has access to. They will be able to approach when they feel ready, picking up details and familiarising themselves with the smell of one another.
You can slowly let the dogs and cat see each other- for brief periods at first, and always in a controlled setting (via a baby gate, for example).
The use of a long lead can also offer your Welshie the freedom to start exploring, while maintaining control.
Kitty highways are also excellent ideas when it comes to letting your cat move around their space without feeling too close to your Welshie. These are spaces only your cat can get to - think shelves along the wall, cat trees and perches. Reward any calm behaviour you see from your dog when your cat is using the highway.
“Look at That” (LAT)
This technique helps your dog focus on you instead of reacting to the cat. During moments together, keep an eye out for signs your Welshie is looking at the cat. The second they calmly look in the cat's direction, they get a high value food reward. They don't have to do anything, except calmly let your cat move around the space. The reward each time will help build positive associations, particularly if you repeat the exercise regularly.
In terms of general management, the following can go a long way in helping set your Welshie and your cat up for success:
- Feed your cat in a safe, elevated space. Do not leave any treats or chews around the house.
- Spend time with each of your pets separately- Plenty of enrichment and individual attention will help reduce any jealousy.
- Short, frequent sessions are better than long stressful meetings. It may take many months for your pets to feel relaxed around each other. Don't leave your Welshie with your dogs or cat unsupervised until you are certain they're fully integrated and comfortable with each other.
If you feel you need some extra support with this, you could reach out to a behaviour consultant in your area. Many professionals have extensive experience in the successful introduction of new dogs to the household, and they will be able to guide you as you go.
Best of luck!
Greta Inglis, BSc (Hons) Applied animal behaviour, A.Dip.CBM
