When should I introduce kittens to a dog?

[Rhian]

So you have a good idea how my dog is, I have to explain a bit of his backstory. He was a stray, picked up off the side of a road as a puppy by a neighbor who then gave him to me. I was living in an apartment, and had to hand my dog to a friend for about a week while I cleared it with my apartment manager to keep him as well as get the money for his deposit. His deposit cost me $500, so I didn't have the money to take him for a checkup like I wanted for another two weeks. When I finally was able to get to the vet, it turned out my pup was only about 4 weeks when I originally adopted him, and was now seven weeks- meaning he missed out on a TON of socialization that he needed at that age. My husband and I have tried working with him with other dogs, trying to socialize him since then, but he's always been far too excitable, and ends up pushing himself on the other dogs too quickly, thus freaking the other dogs out and causing them to snap at my dog. He's very friendly, just doesn't know how to say hello correctly.

Then, a few months ago, we moved to the country, and within a week of being there, we found a beautiful stray cat hiding under our porch. I ended up falling for her within seconds and began working with her to earn her trust (which I did within a couple weeks.) At the same time I adopted her, however, I apparently adopted her five unborn (now born) kittens. She's currently safely tucked away with her kittens under my bed behind closed doors.

I do fully intend on finding homes for the kittens, and if necessary I will keep them cordoned off away from my pup till they're ready to go at 12 weeks, but I would like to give them a greater chance at adoption by helping them become socialized with dogs. My fear is my pup might hurt them without meaning to by being too pushy and excitable like always though. He's a 70+ pound Boxer mix that can do a lot of damage to a little kitten if he accidentally steps on one or pushes too hard trying to sniff one.

Is there any chance I can safely introduce the kittens and my dog, or should I play it safe and keep them away from him? And if there is a chance, how should I go about introducing them?

(Oh, and side note on the mother cat: she's mostly domesticated, coming and going as she pleases from the house, but generally prefers outside and staying away from my pushy mutt. She's starting to warm up to him, but it's taking a LONG time and a lot of treats as bribes to get her to go close to him.)

 

[horselover]

i wouldnt risk it. do you have a friend or neighbour with a calm, quiet dog? i would introduce them to a dog like that FIRST. introductions must always be made slowly, but with a calm, quiet and gentle dog, the kittens will feel much safer. if they eventually become comfortable around dogs like this you can try introducing them to your dog, but only when he is calm. keep a leash on him and a firm hand, so that if he gets too pushy you can easily pull him away from the kittens.
i love hearing stories like this keep up the good work! you are saving these animals lives!