Adopting German sheperd

[Rose999]

Hi guys

I am not a first time owner of these dogs but defiantly the first time I have had one where I am living with two other cats. I live with 4 other housemates in a massive house with 2 cats...my new dog called backa who is 9months-1 year old is amazing apart from the fact that when she stares at the cats and then just walkes over really close to them and makes whining noises which I think is because she wants them to play and then follows them around! Even if the cats hiss or swipe her she still doesn't back off! Now Iam concern about her staring! I want more suggestion as I am still in process of adopting...is this something I can correct and not a major concern till I have a place where the cats can get away! As any othe German shepherd my family has owned we never had to worry about cats as we never owned any so a bit confused on how to approach this! Any suggestions and advice would be helpful as the last thing I want is my housemate angry at me! But I am in love with this German sheperd as she is amazing any other way especially for a rescue dog and want to adopt her! Thank you so much! :-)

[msvette2u]

I'd keep her leashed for the time being (yes even in the house) and redirect her when she's staring.
Take her elsewhere, and put up gates as well.
Others will have great suggestions I'm sure.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Rose999

Hi guys

I am not a first time owner of these dogs but defiantly the first time I have had one where I am living with two other cats. I live with 4 other housemates in a massive house with 2 cats...my new dog called backa who is 9months-1 year old is amazing apart from the fact that when she stares at the cats and then just walkes over really close to them and makes whining noises which I think is because she wants them to play and then follows them around! Even if the cats hiss or swipe her she still doesn't back off! Now Iam concern about her staring! I want more suggestion as I am still in process of adopting...is this something I can correct and not a major concern till I have a place where the cats can get away! As any othe German shepherd my family has owned we never had to worry about cats as we never owned any so a bit confused on how to approach this! Any suggestions and advice would be helpful as the last thing I want is my housemate angry at me! But I am in love with this German sheperd as she is amazing any other way especially for a rescue dog and want to adopt her! Thank you so much! :-)

She probably does want to play with them, but clearly they don't want to play back, haha. I have a senior cat who doesn't appreciate Bailey's attempt to play with him. He's very gentle with the cat, even will lick the cat's ears on occasion, but kitty doesn't care for it. It is a management issue. I don't let Bailey invade kitty's space when kitty is showing displeasure, as kitty has claws. I have a "no kitty" command and that means, leave kitty cat alone. He knows what it means, but it almost hurts him to obey, he wants kitty to play so much. He'll whine and walk away. Kitty is just off limits. Kitty is almost the alpha of the house, haha. But it has to be that way. No dog in this house can mess with the cat. Messing with kitty gets mama on your case and they all know it. Doesn't mean they don't try to sniff and instigate from time to time, but they know full well mama will be on them for it. I never leave the cat unsupervised with any of the dogs, just to be safe. Again, management. Allow the interactions, but control them and teach the dog that kitty is off limits.

[Mac's Mom]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

I'd keep her leashed for the time being (yes even in the house) and redirect her when she's staring.
Take her elsewhere, and put up gates as well.
Others will have great suggestions I'm sure.

I totally agree with this. Keep her on a leash at first and redirect. And I agree with the other post, you'll need to teach "leave it"

Many others on this site have successfully socialized their cats & dogs and I hope you get some advice from them. I on the other hand have not. So I keep them apart.

[Gatch]

Hi, were planning to adopt an adult german sheperd from a friend whos leaving abroad. Any suggestion or tips on how to make the dog adopt more easily, as they are very loyal to their original master. We are worried that changing homes or masters for him could make him depress or sick later on. Thanks for any help!