Two cat household, one dog; introducing 2-year-old rescue dog. Please help.?

[Margi Peterson]

I recently adopted a 2-year-old best guess Pomeranian/spaniel mix. He's a small dog, about 15 pounds. My 12-year-old alpha female Corgi/sheltie mix seems to like him, but we're having some issues with the cats. The older (10 years) cat, who is kind of grouchy anyway, rarely comes down from the top of the piano, and when she does she freaks out. The younger (3 years) cat seems to be establishing a relationship with him, but every time she runs he goes after her. How can I resolve this crazy situation?

 

[Natalie]

Train the dog and have him sit or lay down any time he is around the cats. If he will not sit down and be calm, then tell him no and take him away. When he is good, reward him with treats and/or attention.

Cats usually don't take well to dogs because they are too excitable. A calm dog shouldn't bother them. Don't force a relationship between the dog and the cats if it isn't working. I have a 14 year old cat that has never learned to like another animal. My other three cats will greet, rub up on, and lay with dogs as long as they are staying relatively still.

 

[Rosalie]

Gate them off, and give them separate zones of the house.
No ten year old cat is going to want anything to do with a curious little dog that probably wants to chase her - she needs peace and quiet, and whatever territory she had before the intruder arrived, and a safe zone where she can get to her litter box.

Animals don't want to mingle and be freinds - they want their area.
If you don't divide things up appropriately, you will soon find out what "pissing contest" means...
You may love your new little rescue, but the cats won't - guaranteed.
Give them space and time, and someplace to go.

Any animal that is "grouchy" should be examined for pain - that cat could very well need some pain meds.