One would think the dog, being bigger and louder, would become the animal leader of the household but that is not always the case. As a matter of fact, if you were to ask a cat they would give you a totally different answer!

However, taking steps to properly introduce your dog and cat to one another will help matters to run smoothly no matter who is in charge! Take a look at these tips:

Keep Them Separated
If you are bringing a new dog or cat into your home, it’s important that the pet gets adjusted to a new space without the added stress of additional animals right away. In this instance, Bales suggests keeping the cat in a separate environment with plenty of stimulation for several days.

A closed bedroom or large bathroom decked out with scratching posts, toys, food, water and the litter box is the perfect option for a new cat. Be sure to also give him a lot of attention during this time. If you’re bringing home a new dog, consider keeping your existing cat in a separate portion of the house and follow crate-training protocol with the dog.

Bales suggests placing some of each animal’s personal items—like beds—in the other animal’s space during this time period so that the cat and the dog become accustomed to each other’s scents. You can repeat this process until it’s no longer stressful for both animals. Once your cat is calm, eating well, and using the litter box consistently, it’s time to make the introductions.

Keep the First Meeting Quick
When you are ready to introduce your cat to your dog, make the initial meeting a quick one—approximately ten minutes. Keep the dog on a leash and allow the cat to roam around and venture as close to the dog as he or she wishes. Use a head collar (halter) on your dog if there is a chance that you may not be in complete control of the situation. Reward your dog with treats and praise for calm behavior around the cat.

As long as the process is going smoothly, gradually increase the time the animals spend together. Once you feel comfortable, allow your dog to also move around freely, but keep his or her leash attached so that you can quickly regain control if needed. Be patient—it may take weeks or even months for cats and dogs to finally accept each other and be comfortable.

There are others things to consider. Think of your pet’s personality, supervision and dog skills. Read up on these and other things over on Pet MD.

Different cats and dogs have different personalities. That first introduction will be nerve wracking and unpredictable. However, just be patient and prepare for chaos but allow yourself to feel relief if all goes well!