Struggling with a pet issue

[Mike 03]

I have the most amazing dog (black Labrador Retriever) that I adopted from an animal shelter 18 months ago, but he NEEDS to be with other dogs. We have recently begun to visit the local dog park, but it's often empty, but it does help his mood.

Okay: Now I have a cat that I also love, that I've had for ten years. He has put up with so many dogs over the years (one at a time, never more than one at a time), and I know he's jealous of how the dogs get to go on walks, leave the house, etc... (I would love to let my cat out in the yard, and I do sometimes, but he will try to escape if possible)

I am considering adopting another dog, maybe even a puppy lab, so that my dog has a dog pal.

But I know this will be traumatic for my cat.

I've never been so torn about a decision in my life. I want to get another dog to cheer my dog up, but I realize that this decision will depress my cat, who has, over the years, had to adjust to so many dogs in his life (and big dogs, usually).

But I was wondering if I were to get a puppy if that might be easier for the cat to accept, since it would be about his size. On the other hand, puppies are notoriously energetic, and my cat is a low-energy cat.

Maybe it would be better to get an older, less energetic dog, even if he/she were larger?

Any thoughts?

Sorry, this was a long post...

EDIT: Just for clarification, my black Lab is about three to four years old, a big dog that behaves like a puppy... VERY high energy.

[CreekDog]

1. get the puppy but make him understand the cat is boss

i'm not sure how you do that.

i would pay extra attention and affection to the cat when the dog is around so the cat associates the dog with your love for the cat.

and shoosh the dog away when you're petting the cat. the dogs will have their moments with you, but don't let them stop your cat from getting near you either.

[Mike 03]

2. Yes, that makes sense.

Actually, thanks to Cesar Millan, I have an idea about how to do exactly what you are suggesting.

Cats are able to use "vertical space" which makes them the boss.

Thanks for your input!

Much appreciated!

[femmocrat]

3. My two cents....

The cat is going to "hate" which ever option you decide, but will get over it eventually. I would go with whatever you thing YOU can handle the best. If you have the time to care for a puppy, then get a puppy. If not, there are tons of adult dogs who need good homes.

See if the shelter will allow you to bring your other dog along to see how the two dogs interact. That is probably your best bet, IMO.

I have always had multiple dogs, but only one cat (he has now out-lived all the dogs). It's funny how the cat "adopts" one of the dogs and ignores the others. Cats will do their own thing, regardless of what you do!

Good luck!

[XemaSab]

4. Do NOT get a puppy

Get an adult dog that is good around cats.

If you get a puppy you will live to regret it.

I miss my vine maple! 3.20.09 RIP! :cry: