Minnisewta

As off Oct. 1 , we will have our son and his cat and Our daughter, son-in-law and their cat living with us. And we have a cat. They all know each other and get along fine except for my daughters at is a pest. As a surprise for my son-in-laws 30th birthday my daughter wants to give him the ok to get a dog. She will be unemployed and I only work 2 days a week. We will have people around during the day to help housebreak and train puppy. If they wait until she gets a job the puppy will be home alone all day and be harder to train. How do we introduced the cats to the puppy so we don't have angry cats that don't use the liter box?
They are thinking of getting a Brittany Spaniel, anyone have any experience with that bread.

QuiltE

Is this what you want? or is it time for you to say "no"? being that they are living "with" you.

Cyn

We didn't have good results with 2 Brittany Spaniels that we got as puppies. They were hard to train, needed lots and lots of running and CHASED everything. It may have just been the 2 we adopted but we got them young :) I can't recommend Jack Russells either and we have one of those but he is a special needs fellow and takes meds to stay calm and help with anxiety.

Missysgottohelp

I've had Brittany's got them both as pups, they are high energy breed after all the are hunting dogs. But they are trainable and can be wonderful family dogs. Mine were both very protective over my boys and me. As with any puppy you need to spend time with them, teach them the do's and don'ts. Brits are also known for being very smart.

Minnisewta

I'm ok with getting a puppy. I have had dogs in the past and have had dogs and cats at the same time. The mix always worked out in the past I'm I just more worried this time for some reason.

wartime jane

I would be tempted to get an adult dog who likes cats and has already settled into a mature disposition.

KarenR

Somehow I have learned that cats always seem to get the upper hand. The puppy may chase them until he gets taught a swift swat on the nose. That usually takes care of any chasing. LOL

One of our barn cats left its nails in one of the dogs noses, but when that dog sees a cat he takes the long way around.

wartime jane

That's a good point. I have a terrier mix who is unrelenting in his cat obsession. A large number of polydactyl cats slapping his eyeballs wouldn't deter him.

If you're unfamiliar with the stereotypical stubborn, fixated terrier nature, then I would steer clear of them. I love 'em but some of them are not peaceable.

Up North

My cat would say No Way! This is her house, if my sons come out with their dogs she wait in hiding to get them with a good claw and hiss. My son brought his cat to me cause they could no longer have her in the apartment I saw her twice in 2 weeks and had to live trap her and let her go live on a neighbors farms.

wolfkitty

Sounds like you might need a lower energy type of dog.I hope everything works out well with all your critters! I have had cats & dogs at the same time.