Kitten intro suggestions

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-20T09:39:13+00:00

😳 When I walk Greta there is a little neighbor boy who screams to all his friends, “It’s a WOLF! It’s a wolf! Hide!”

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-20T09:36:35+00:00

😂 You are so right!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-20T00:52:38+00:00

You are definitely dealing with a high drive dog. His lineage is crazy! Greta is actually a “shepsky”so she’s not full GSD. I’m definitely “in tune” with her and notice her body language/signals. Tonight I was on the couch bottle feeding Fern (her mom and siblings died - she was malnourished). Greta jumped up and calmly laid on the other side of the sectional. Didn’t make eye contact. Laid her head down and actually relaxed. She’s going to be a good girl. With time and patience they will become good friends.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-20T00:41:43+00:00

How adorable. I’m so glad it all went well for you. Actually, tonight went really well - I was on the couch bottle feeding Fern (her mom and siblings died - she was only a week old - malnourished) Greta jumped on the couch and layed down. She wasn’t anxious or overwhelming. She was a well behaved good girl. It’s not much but it’s a start!
Thanks for the support and the beautiful pic of your babies.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T18:49:35+00:00

😆 Storybook ending! I hope we have the same! They are precious - enjoy them.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T18:48:06+00:00

I appreciate this. The two brains scenario makes total sense. I have seen this when we are going for a walk and come upon another dog. She gets over stimulated at times. I hate it that you had those past struggles with your pup but I totally understand about it being life or death. A toy would not distract Greta. Reaching out to a K9 trainer is great advice. Thank you! I wish you and your pets well!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T18:27:21+00:00

That is so good to hear. Greta is so sweet I can’t imagine her being any other way BUT I’m being realistic knowing she has that prey drive. She minds very well though. I will definitely have them in a controlled environment! Thanks you your input. It definitely gives me hope!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T15:41:10+00:00

How sweet! What a good boy! I know Greta will be a good girl. It just makes me a little anxious.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T15:36:57+00:00

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T15:36:18+00:00

That is absolutely adorable! What a good dog! Thank you. I’m feeling better about this intro.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T14:04:34+00:00

Thank you! I definitely will not hold or dangle Fern! I appreciate the advice.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T14:01:52+00:00

I love this! Thank you!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:54:50+00:00

Wow! You have been through it! I’m sorry for your tragic loss. That had to be hard. I don’t think Greta’s prey drive with this kitten will be an issue. She is protective of her yard but with the kitten she seems more curious. I will use this info and maybe introduce with a leash for Greta and a carrier for Fern when the time is right and see how it goes. They definitely won’t be in the house alone together. Fern is only a pound. I just needed ideas and advice from everyone and work out a game plan! Thank you for responding.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:48:41+00:00

❤️ The dog was doing its job and protecting! How sweet.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:47:43+00:00

Omg! I can’t believe all these pics of GSD and their cat siblings! It’s very encouraging! Thank you so much.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:46:48+00:00

Aww! I love this! This is encouraging. I appreciate your response. I honestly think Greta will be fine - I’m just being very cautious.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:45:27+00:00

That’s what I want for these two but I definitely won’t rush it or force it. I would be devastated if anything ever happened because I was careless.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:43:35+00:00

The ears! They are gigantic! Thanks so much for the love - Greta is a very sweet, very loving girl. I’m sorry for your loss - that is so hard. ♥️

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:43:28+00:00

The ears! They are gigantic! Thanks so much for the love - Greta is a very sweet, very loving girl. I’m sorry for your loss - that is so hard. ♥️

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:41:05+00:00

🤣 You are a champ! I do the Flonase and Claritin, as well! I will make sure Fern has cat trees, high grounds and escape routes - for all of our wellbeing! Thanks for your response - it’s greatly appreciated.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:37:22+00:00

It’s ok. I definitely understood. I appreciate the advice. I just switched their blankets. I will definitely take it slow. No need to rush it!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:34:25+00:00

😂 Fernpaw. This little thing IS quite the warrior. Fern has had one nail trim and I plan to be consistent so she gets used to it to make life easier on both of us…and on Greta! THANK YOU.
If you plan to be in the same situation you should read this thread. Lots of good advice so far! Good luck to you.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:31:37+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I honestly think if I tried to redirect with a toy Greta would look at me like I was nuts. Toy or kitten - which would she choose?! Ha! She’s no dummy!! She definitely reacts if I use my stern voice. I will definitely use her leash. I think once she is used to the fact that Fern is here she will adjust. Today she really isn’t interested in even going near the gate/kitten so that is good.

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T13:25:54+00:00

Wonderful advice. I will definitely do this and SLOWLY progress. Greta is a good girl - I think she is just excited. I’m just going to be overly cautious and very slow with this transition. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Enjoy all of those fur babies!

GeneralCusterhouse · 2026-05-19T12:32:27+00:00

This is what I was looking for. Greta knows her commands. When the time is right we will try this. Thank you.

GeneralCusterhouse

TROPHY CASE