Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently acquired a kitten, and the introduction to my five year old chihuahua (Rico) went surprisingly well, to a certain extent. No fighting or anything like that, and now the minor issue he had with the kitten has past.

However, now he's become extremely jealous. He's not angry or anything, he just seems extremely depressed. He's shying away from people and I'm wondering what I can do to lift his spirits back up.

Thanks in advance.

>>I recently acquired a kitten, and the introduction to my five year old chihuahua (Rico) went surprisingly well, to a certain extent. No fighting or anything like that, and now the minor issue he had with the kitten has past.
>>
>>However, now he's become extremely jealous. He's not angry or anything, he just seems extremely depressed. He's shying away from people and I'm wondering what I can do to lift his spirits back up.
>>
>>Thanks in advance.

>>>>>>>>>>

Teach him a few cues or tricks with treats, and reward him for doing them in sight of the cat. Don't rush him to go closer than he feels comfortable, but aim to gradually move this fun activity closer to the kitten. Don't encourage any chasing whatsoever, or any dog-slapping by the cat, either. Your goal is for them to just be comfortable around each other, and either calm or gently playful.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Most dogs have a pity party when a new pet joins the household- new person as well sometimes.

I don't cater to that personally. I know they feel bad and want more of my attention, but it's not possible to give them. I do make sure each of my pets gets one-on-one attention every single day. It doesn't have to be much, but they need it.

I also praise them lavishly for cooperating and being around the new pet. I encourage them to be next to each other, share my attention, and I reward them for it.

Give your new pet and your current pet attention around each other . Don't let the current pet get away with pushing the new pet out of the way and it will get better.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles