The lady of the manor

[Jerseyknit]

You probably don't recall but I posted a while back about maybe having a dog. I was worried because my angel kitty might be put out. Well, long story short, my new addition is visiting tomorrow. He's a two year old boxer, he's a beautiful, gentle giant and he's grown up with a cat. I'm in love already but kitty's happiness is a deal breaker, I feel confident she will be ok but I'm worried about her. Just thought I would let you all know. I'm so excited.

[cozietoesie]

I've mixed dogs and Siamese cats for a long time and without any real problems. The cats - who rather rule the roost - seem to regard the dogs as big no-account lumps tolerate them well although they can go to a safe place upstairs if they're fed up and we've always had a strict rule that dogs aren't allowed up there.

Let us know how things go?

[roundandroundthehouses]

Our lady had a dog visit once, albeit a small Bichon Frise. I'd asked my sister not to bring her dog around because I thought our cat would be terribly upset. Dsis Brought him in anyway and he went BANANAS at our cat in a way that presumably your prospective chap won't do as he's lived with one before. Sister had to hang onto him, frantically panting and struggling, whilst our cat sat... juusst out of reach..., and stared at him. She was completely unbothered, despite never having seen a dog before. I'm sure she'd have skedaddled pretty quick if he'd got loose, but as it was, I think she quite enjoyed it . (And dsis never brought him back.)

I really hope it works out for you. He sounds like a lovely boy.

[cozietoesie]

How did it go?

[Jerseyknit]

I'm so sad to say it didn't work out. He was really aggressive and I had underestimated how powerful he is. We immediately agreed he wouldn't fit our house. What it has shown us is that we need a different type of dog but goodness only knows which. We spent hours reading up on different types of dogs. We visiting the dogs home. We spoke with staff there. They thought we should have an older puppy. I'm really struggling to understand what's right for us. I don't want to get it wrong because understand it's a huge commitment. Any advice would be really well received.

[cozietoesie]

That's a shame because you were so hopeful. What sort of household are you though? We mainly had collies but we were in a position to give them the kiind of life they enjoyed eg with a truly ferocious amount of exercise every day.

Is your family life and routine the sort to make a dog happy do you think?

[roundandroundthehouses]

Oh, that's a pity. But better for everyone - including the dog himself - to know that now.

[Jerseyknit]

It's just me and teenage ds. I'm my precious cat. I work from home with occasional travel away. We live in the city but lots of fabulous parks at every turn. I have a back garden. If I'm away I will pay for walkers. I love the outdoors. I love big dogs like German shepherds but they probably wouldn't suit us. Ds would love a pug but I'm not that keen. I love bichon fiche and collies, sheep dogs but not sure how practical they are.

[BagelSuffragette]

I would suggest you look at loads of rescue FB groups and websites. A much smaller dog would really be more practical. Smaller rescues often have dogs in foster (some with cats) or can cat test for you. Instead of thinking about breed, you need to put temperament at the top of your list.

Have a look at Heathlands, Pro Dogs Direct, Balkan Underdogs, Black Retriever X, if you are interested in particular dogs, you can ask re cats etc,

[Jerseyknit]

Bagel, thank you so much. I've had a look at the websites and I'm 100% having a rescue dog. It makes me so sad to see all those beautiful dogs without permanent homes. Temperament is key. W are really not too bothered about breed. We just want a dog that fits well with our family. Ill sign up and do more research tomorrow.

[Jerseyknit]

I've done a lot of ringing round this morning and completed a few application forms. I've enquirers about a ten month rescue staffie. I know they are often hard to home and this little one likes cats. Fingers crossed for me. I'm starting to feel much more positive. I had a lovely conversation with a lady from a local rescue sanctuary. Thanks all for your help. Ps. My grand parents had a staffie so I know a little of what they're like.

[cozietoesie]

Good luck then. Terrier breeds are actually a dog that I wouldn't be thinking of with a cat if I had the slightest doubt - but if you know the breed, I trust that they'll be OK.

[Jerseyknit]

Oh no cozie. Really? The foster home say she is good with cats.

[cozietoesie]

Ach - that's just me, Jersey and I'm sure you'll get a lot of posters who have great confidence in them. I'm just wary of putting cats in the way of dogs whose bloodlines include eg ratting/coursing that sort of thing. (With working collies you run the risk of them herding everything in sight when they're young but a sensible cat will just ignore that until they mature a little and stop as required.)

You'll just be making your own assessment as you did with the young boxer; and you were clear enough in your mind there. Individual dogs have their own characteristics as well.

[Jerseyknit]

Its a good point cozie. I'm wondering about dogs like bishon fiche or a maltipoo?

[BagelSuffragette]

Surely a lot of any potential stress can be avoided with use of stairgates in the house? The cat will probably disappear upstairs anyway, so if you can prevent the dog following, that will be that.

In the early days, if the cat is downstairs, I would keep the dog on a lead anyway so you can quickly react if you see any warning behaviour.

A staffie I know would probably be scared to death of a cat so it might be fine. Does the foster home actually have a cat? Or do they just "think he'll be fine" Quite a difference...

Will your DS like a staffie? You'd mentioned he liked the idea of a pug! I know a couple of people with staffies and they do say that people avoid them out walking because of the breed and their reputation, so that's something to consider.

Although I take cozie's point about terrier types, I'm sure there are plently of success stories out there as well. It's lovely that you're considering rehoming a staffie, as they're not always popular and rescues are full to the brim with them. Do you mind saying which rescue? No pressure, I'm just being nosy so don't bother if you don't fancy saying.

[Seawig]

As I out on the staffie thread, we had one who'd chase cats and one who was scared of them so depends entirely on the dog.

Some staffie's seems more terrier like, protect, guard, dig, clever, chase, and others more bull breed side, eat, eat, cuddle, eat, walk, eat, eat, cuddle. We had one of each and they were both fabulous but one could've lived with any cat or other animal, while the other would chase something that ran.