[Lindy]

First off, I've raised dogs from puppies before but the last two dogs I owned were adopted as seniors. Every dog I've owned previously were between 40-80 lbs. I went a completely different direction this time. Not only am getting a puppy for the first time in several years but a small breed (chi and terrier mix)

So while I'm excited, I'm a little nervous too. I won't be able to get him until next week and hoping to get pointers to ease some of my nerves. He's very small (currently 3 lbs - may get to 10), and I'm wondering what differences I may find between him and the larger dogs I've owned. Can anyone give tips about owning a small dog vs a larger one? He's not yet potty trained and funny enough, feel like this will be different than training a larger pup. I took the larger pups out on regular intervals based on growth but with a smaller dog (smaller bladder) has me wondering how often I would need to do that. How the heck do you put a halter and leash on a 3 lb pup? I also have a cat who gets along with the dogs once she is used to them, but this one will be smaller than her for a change. So I worry about her too. These may sound dumb but just the weird questions that are coming to mind.

I know it will all be fine in the long run. I want to do the best for him. He's just sooo tiny!

 

[storyist]

I don't know about. most of your questions. Have never had a small dog.

However, I did bring home a puppy smaller than my cats once, and they were unhappy enough and looking at her in ways that made me nervous. So I never left the puppy where the cats could get to her, until lo and behold, one day the cats found they were looking up at the dog. That's to going to happen for you, so in your shoes, I'd separate when you're not there until you're sure the cat has accepted the dog as part of the family.

The funny part of this for me was watching my all American cats stretch their necks upward when regarding that puppy with disdain until they resembled the Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp. ?

 

[storyist]

Rats. Can't figure out how to edit the above. It should say, "That's NOT going to happen for you.

 

[Lindy]

I am definitely going to keep them separated until I can trust her. She's always been social and once she sees the puppy isn't a threat, she'll probably enjoy his company. I'm looking forward to that!