How to introduce a new kitten to my dog?

[likesmountains 52]

My 15 year old cat died 2 months ago and I want to get a kitten. The problem is that my old cat did not like my dog, so the dog might hold that against the new kitten. Any suggestions? Thanks all.

[xultar]

1. Place a blanket or towel on what the new kitten sleeps on, then

after a day or 2 with the kitty scent on it place it in the dogs crate or on the dogs bed.

He just needs to get used to the scent. Dogs are incredibly forgiving. He more than likely wouldn't take it out on the kitten. I bet ya your dog and new kitten grow to be best of friends.

[likesmountains 52]

2. thank you

sounds like a good idea.

[Eurobabe]

3. I have always found it most helpful when introducing a newbie

to the other fur kids to keep the new one in the bathroom for about 2-3 days, and let the oldsters sniff the new member through the door, and occassionally take the kitten out and let the oldsters troll around the bathroom for a few minutes. They will hiss or growl of course at first, but after the 3rd day, the transition seems to go effortlessly. Good luck...

[likesmountains 52]

4. thanks

I had the old cat and dog together for 3 years and they never got friendly so I am a little gun shy.

[Lorien]

5. Try some clicker training

in addition to the great advice already provided on this thread, try getting a clicker and a bag of treats. whenever the dog gets close to the kitten and acts in a gentle or frindly manner, give the dog a click and a treat. Do this supervised, with one person holding the kitten and one watching the dog. Praise the dog generously for tolerating the kitten well. Soon he'll start to associate good feelings with the kitten. For more information, go to www.clickertraining.com .

[likesmountains 52]

6. thank you too.

That clicker sounds like a good idea. I hope to pick up the kitten next week. I'll let you all know how the meet up goes.

[demnan]

7. The kitten will be easily accepted by the dog

even if the old one was a rival, he'll probably see the new edition as a strange looking puppy who just needs some training up! They will probably play together. And all the other suggestions above are excellent to assure this.

[likesmountains 52]

8. thanks to all of you

I guess my last cat was just a natural born dog hater..looks like I will have better luck this time around.