how do I introduce our new dog to the house cats
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Great question! Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your dog home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure your cats have a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cats and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once all the pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the cats in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are all comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to the cats while they are in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near the cats. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cats have a cat tree where they can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase the cats. I hope this helps :-)
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