Cat joins Vic’s dog family
WE adopted a young cat this week (or he adopted us… I’m not sure). He’s black with white paws and extremely fastidious, so we named him Carson.
He’s a confident little chap so meeting people wasn’t a problem but dogs were going to be different. His early experience would make a major impact.
I didn’t want to introduce the dogs in the house where Carson could hide. Avoidance is not a good way to integrate.
I bought a medium-size dog crate and placed it on the patio in a pleasant shaded location. Taking his favourite cushion I placed it in the crate. Finally, I installed Carson allowing him to explore and settle in his new surroundings.
I then led Murphy (my senior dog) to the crate. He approved of Carson’s calm demeanour and lay down outside the crate.
I returned to the house and brought Tally, my trusted yellow Lab and led her past the crate. Carson came over to take a closer look and they touched noses through the bars.
One by one I introduced Carson to all the dogs. It was a civilised and relaxing experience (Murphy fell asleep).
That is not the end of the socialisation process, but it is a good beginning.
Over the next few weeks I’ll give Carson more supervised exposure to the dogs until he’s fully integrated.
All new pets need careful introduction. Simply leaving them to ‘sort it out’ is no way for a leader to behave.
Bad experience is the major reason dogs become anti-social. Socialisation must be done carefully and correctly if you are to have a happy ‘family’.
Join one of my classes and see how it’s done.
Visit www.vicbarlow. com or text 07590 560012.