Elka and Mali, not quite snuggling yet…

When I first posted about the puppy, I saw a comment from someone how I was going to handle introductions. I had to restore from a backup and that comment was lost, however...

What I had done was to keep Elka on a leash around the cats until the chasing died down. Elka is actually very interested in the cats, and quite loving - but she also loves to chase. She doesn't want to eat the cats, just catch up to them for sniffs and playtime. The cats are not pleased about that. But, the chasing has died down to about every other day, and Elka just trots rapidly rather than a full out run. In other words: we're making progress. I do keep Elka on a short leash in the house so if I can catch her chasing, I step on the leash - but they're all usually too fast for that.

I also practice every day putting Mali on the ground, and treating Elka as long as she stays in one place, sitting or laying down. If I see the cats moving, I'll have Elka look at me when she gets too focused. It's working, but it's slow.

Proof it's working?

More over on Flickr.

As you can see, Mali isn't actually all that excited about the situation - but she is patient and putting up with it. Kayne still stays up high but it is now much more common to see him venturing on the floor. And he's snuck up on Elka for a quick sniff before hiding again.

Progress - small steps, but forward motion occurs.

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