by Jenna Obney

Created on: November 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2008

Any time you bring home a new pet there is some tension and worry about how they will interact with your other animals. Sometimes the transition can be effortless but sometimes it is a bit trickier. Introducing a kitten to a dog can be the trickiest of them all! You can relax though, I am about to tell you how to make it as painless as possible!

First of all, you need to remember that no matter how adorable this new kitten is, your dog is still going to want attention, love and praise from you. Do not neglect your dog to play with your new kitten or you will just make things tougher for all involved!

Set up the litter box, and food bowls ahead of time so your dog can get used to them being around. While you are out shopping for these essentials, it would be wise to buy a baby gate. It doesn't need to be expensive or hard to use, just a simple one that you can use to block off a doorway in your house. I tend to use it to block the doorway of wherever I am putting the litter box. Make it high enough that the kitten can run under it, but your dog cannot. Once your dog has adjusted to these new things, it is time to bring the kitten home.

Your dog is going to be naturally curious about this little ball of fluff that is invading his territory. This is OK. Let him sniff the kitten and check it out. Make sure that you stay in the room with them so that if there is any trouble you can intervene. The kitten may get scared and try to run, hide, or even hiss at the dog. This is also OK. They need to decide between themselves who is the alpha of the house, and come to an agreement not to hurt one another.

If the kitten runs, let her. If the dog chases, that is ok too. Just be sure to follow. If at all possible, guide them to the room that is blocked by the baby gate. This will allow your kitten to see this room as a safety hole away from the dog. Your dog can continue to watch the kitten and get a feel for things, without actually encroaching on the kitten's territory. This will make them both a bit more at ease.

While the kitten is exploring it's new home(and your dog is anxiously watching) make sure that you are giving your dog plenty of attention. Scratch his ears, give him a treat, tell him what a good boy he is! If you are loving up your dog, he will be less inclines to worry about the kitten, because he will see that you aren't replacing him.

If you are loving up the kitten, your dog may want to come over and investigate. This is good! You can pet them both at the same time and talk in a silly voice(as most pet owners do) to reassure them you love them both and that they can be friends. If your dog is allowed on the furniture then invite him up to sit next to you and the three of you can cuddle together and get to know one another.

If your new kitten is a hisser or spitter, this might not work out so well. With time, patience and a sense of humor though, this too can be overcome. The main thing is to reassure both animals that there is enough love to go around.

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