I've got a 6 year - old black lab. We got him as a puppy, and had 2 existing mature cats who very firmly showed him who was boss and stood their ground to him. He tends to give them a wide berth, but they can sometimes lie on the sofa/dog bed in the same space/not snuggled but tolerant. The cats are 17 & 15 years old.
We've now had 2 kittens for 2 1/2 weeks. They're living in the bathroom (with big cat tree/plenty space etc) whilst we do slow introductions. So far lots of having kittens in their carrier in same space/sniffing through bars/kittens playing in hall while dog watches etc.
We've tried having the kittens out in the same space with the dog on his lead getting lots of reassurance/treats for sitting etc, but he's looking pretty anxious/jumpy/fixated. The kittens have wandered up to him but don't have any fear (they came from a house with a big soppy dog) so aren't doing anything hisding/signals to back off. How do I know if the dog is just interested, or if he's going to hurt them?
I'm in no hurry to integrate, prepared to keep taking things slowly but they can't live in the bathroom forever!