Puppy!

[_Lisa_]

1. Find out if this dog has been socialized with cats in the past. If he has done well before it is a good indication he will do well now. Has your cat been socialized with dogs in the past? It might be a great idea to let them meet a few times (supervised) but do not leave them alone together.

2. Is the dog crate trained? If so you will need to return home every 4 hours or so during the work day to make sure he goes outside to use the bathroom. Is he potty trained? If he is going to remain free in your house while gone you may be able to train him to use pee pads (which I wouldn't suggest as he'll just learn that peeing in your house is OK.)

3. He is most likely slow witted because he is a puppy-in a way, he is similar to a child-in that he only learns what he is taught. Its great news for you if you want to train him to heel, sit, down, or hell-just offer his paw to shake. There are few important things when it comes to training a dog-always set them up for success, don't repeat yourself (give one command for each action, make the dog follow through), have a lot of patience, and repeat repeat repeat.

4. Make sure he is up-to-date on his flea/tick meds, the summer season is ripe with fleas/ticks that can spread to your cat if the dog brings them in. On this same note, don't leave him outside for prolonged periods of time-and if you do be sure he has a shady place to lay (all day, even as the sun rises/sets), and an endless supply of fresh water.

Be wary that his first few days in his new home may be unsettling for him & his routine, but he will adjust in time as long you keep him on a routine. He may not eat as much at first, or need to use the bathroom as often. Just keep a close eye on him & don't let him have too much free reign of the house until his routine is settled.

Let me know if you have any other questions that I may be able to answer, I've got two dogs myself (one from a rescue & another from the humane society) and they're such great dogs (as pound dogs are often are!)