new puppy into a home with a cat and dog

Question
hi cindy, Was hopeing you could help, we got a new 10 week old puppy a week ago with out thinking about the problems that we would have, we also have a indoor cat and a seven year old cocker spaniel called sweep, so far sweep is really annoyed and his nose is put out of joint, but the cat is just really aggressive towards our new pup, she hisses and go"s to attack the pup if they get any way close to each other. As a result ive had to keep them apart there is no way i could leave them tougher or even let them get close, the cat is now living in the sitting room with a baby gate keeping them apart and if shes not in there she is living in the airing cupboard! sweep is just tolerating the pup trying to climb as high on the furiture as he can, and i am ready for pulling my hair out!!please help any suggestions you have i would be very greatful.

Answer
Hello Frances, I have had others with the same problem.  Believe it or not the best thing to do is not to separate them.  First trim the cat's nails so no one loses an eye.  And let things happen, of course correct the puppy when necessary as puppies need to learn good behavior from bad behavior.  Sweep will put the puppy in his place eventually and establish top dog position.  He may even growl or pin the puppy down in a submission to get his point across.  As long as no one is getting seriously hurt let nature take it's course.  Sometimes is can take longer than we might hope.  They all will eventually come to some sort of relationship, even if it is -you leave me alone and I will leave you alone-  Also there is a dog trainer that has a website and show that you may find helpful tactics on.  The show is called the dog whisperer and is on National Geographic and the website is:http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/  I hope this helps and all works out for you.  Good Luck, and Thanks for asking, Cindy Lou :)