Lab and new kitten

Question
I have a lab/chow mix that is a male, about 1 1/2yr old, and is neutered. I've had him for about a year and he is a very sweet playful dog. I recently moved, and were I was living before there were adult cats in the house. My dog was very playful with the cats and would chase them whenever they came around, but he never actually could catch them. So I am thinking about getting a kitten but am sceptical on how he will react and treat the kitten. I don't want him to think he can be rough and play with it like he does with other dogs. Any advice?

Answer
That is only going to work if you are giving him strong leadership.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

When he goes for the kitty, in a quiet, but firm voice give him an ''Ah, ah, ah!''offer him one of his toys.

Make sure the kitty has safe places to escape to.  Some of the cat furniture with poles and boxes with small entrances woudl be good.  Never leave the the 2 of them loose alone.