My brother recently brought home a large dog unexpectedly. I would appreciate some tips on getting her used to my cats, especially since I don't think she has ever been around cats before.
She's very gentle and friendly in general, and has already become friends with our other dog after just a few days. I just worry about how she might react to the cats. So far she is being kept in a baby-gated part of the house, and the cats can easily get away if necessary. They have been with her for short periods of time under supervision. One cat doesn't seem too concerned, but the other is afraid of her (he puffs up his fur and jumps onto things where she can't reach him - he's calm as long as he is above her).
She hasn't tried to chase them, or growled at them or shown any real aggression - she just gets very still and watches them. I'm concerned that this is her getting ready to attack them like prey, but she hasn't actually done so. Am I worrying for nothing? If not, what should I do to teach her that the cats are not prey, or at least that they are mine and not for her? I don't need them to be friends, only for the cats to be safe.
She's very gentle and friendly in general, and has already become friends with our other dog after just a few days. I just worry about how she might react to the cats. So far she is being kept in a baby-gated part of the house, and the cats can easily get away if necessary. They have been with her for short periods of time under supervision. One cat doesn't seem too concerned, but the other is afraid of her (he puffs up his fur and jumps onto things where she can't reach him - he's calm as long as he is above her).
She hasn't tried to chase them, or growled at them or shown any real aggression - she just gets very still and watches them. I'm concerned that this is her getting ready to attack them like prey, but she hasn't actually done so. Am I worrying for nothing? If not, what should I do to teach her that the cats are not prey, or at least that they are mine and not for her? I don't need them to be friends, only for the cats to be safe.