Cats and dog
He everyone. We have a 40' DP and travel with two 5 year old cats. (Litter mates) They have been RVing since they were kittens and do very well. I really would like to Ad a Goden Retriever rescue do...
Forum Discussion
Have had big dogs and cats in a TT together full time for months in the past. If the dog is already cat friendly, it should not be that difficult. The cats will be cautious at first, as they should be. But unless you have extremely fearful cats, they should adjust. Pheremones and supplements can be used to ease the stress of that transition.
Remember that the cats must always be dominant and the dog may never dominate cats. Teach the dog from the get-go that any aggression or pushiness directed toward the cats will be corrected. Goldens are usually pretty soft-tempered and easily trained, so that should not be hard to teach. Be more focused on teaching the rules than fussing over the new kid when you bring the dog home. Bonding will come with time but getting off on the right foot with behavior is important and will save grief later. Be sure that the dog is also secured away from the cats when you can't supervise, until you are very sure that there will be no aggression.
But the first thing to do will be to let the rescue know what you need, so they can find you a dog that will fit in readily, respect the kitties, and respect the limits you set without a big struggle. Much easier that way.
Remember that the cats must always be dominant and the dog may never dominate cats. Teach the dog from the get-go that any aggression or pushiness directed toward the cats will be corrected. Goldens are usually pretty soft-tempered and easily trained, so that should not be hard to teach. Be more focused on teaching the rules than fussing over the new kid when you bring the dog home. Bonding will come with time but getting off on the right foot with behavior is important and will save grief later. Be sure that the dog is also secured away from the cats when you can't supervise, until you are very sure that there will be no aggression.
But the first thing to do will be to let the rescue know what you need, so they can find you a dog that will fit in readily, respect the kitties, and respect the limits you set without a big struggle. Much easier that way.
