How to help two scared adopted dogs adjust to a new home with pets?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would allow the cats to safely sniff and see the puppy through a baby gate for 2 weeks. Then when you let them interact the puppy should be on a leash 100% of the time so you can control him. The cats should have a safe place (cat tree, a room with a cat door only then can fit through) to be able to escape from the puppy. If the puppy shows any form of aggression towards the cats he should never be allowed to be alone with the cats and off a leash in the house. That means he is crated when you are not home. Hopefully since Moose is young the will be easy to teach and the cats will put him in his place! Good luck!

If you will be inheriting her dogs I would recommend getting them used to them now. Slowly introduce them to each other outside the home and once they are doing well together I would then bring them to your house. I would bring them little by little and leave them for longer periods of time at your home. That way the transition is a little easier for everyone. I am so sorry about your significant other's grandmother. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would plan on taking things very slowly when introducing the cats to your new puppy. Since the puppy is so young he should adjust very well and learn easily how to live with cats. The cats will most likely avoid him a lot and that’s OK. Just let them come around to him in their own time. It is important in these early days to make sure that they are not left alone together until you know how they will act with each other. Congratulations on your new puppy. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Awww cute pups! They look like they have the couch figured out already. I'm including some articles about new dogs/homes that may be helpful for you! https://www.petcoach.co/educational-center/care/new-pet-basics/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-you-need-to-know-before-adding-a-new-pet-to-the-family-durin/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-things-to-do-as-soon-as-you-adopt-a-dog/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-introduce-an-anxious-dog-to-new-people/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-introduce-a-puppy-or-dog-to-your-older-dog/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/10-things-every-new-dog-owner-should-know/

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. You aren't insane at all! Especially since you have experience with animals. Just introduce them slowly and it should be fine. I have an old Chow Chow (age 12) and three cats. She pretty much ignores the cats, but does share her dog bed with them and sleeps next to them. It should be ok! I hope this helps!

Adopting a new dog is so much fun! Whenever bringing a new dog into the home, it should be done slowly with the existing animals already there to make the transition smoothly. The new dog should be kept separated from the other animals when home alone to avoid any problems, and their interactions should be monitored when you are home so you can separate them at any problem. I'm not sure if you have any additional animals in the home, but if you have cats for example, it's normal they will hiss at the dog. Do not allow them to swipe at the dog, separating them right away if you notice the cat getting upset. Also do not allow the dog to chase the cats. If you don't have any other animals in your home, then just be patient with the dog as it acclimates to his new house. Moving into a new home can be stressful, and some dogs may not eat or drink at first. This will pass in time. Shelter dogs should be taken care of just like any other dog: Fed twice a day, make sure they are up to date on their vaccines, flea and deworming treatments, and feed them a high quality dog food :-)

I would recommend walking your two current dogs for a big long walk (30-60+ minutes) to get them tired out a bit. And then having them meet Pete out in your neighborhood at the end of your walk. One person should have your two older dogs, and one person should be walking Pete. Start out walking parallel on either side of the road and slowly get closer and closer over 10-15 minutes until they are walking next to each other. Don't actually encourage them to interact, just walk and distract them with treats if they seem overly interested in the puppy. End your walk at home and take them all inside. If they show a lot of interest in the pup, use treats to distract them or separate them. Keep allowing them to interact while supervised until you are comfortable with their interactions. Good luck and enjoy your new pup! Let me know if this was helpful information and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!