How to help a kitten be less afraid of an older dog?

jacksonholegoddess: How to help a kitten be less afraid of an older dog?
I just adopted an 10 week old kitten and have a 9 yr old black lab. My lab is trying so hard to play and be nice to the kitten, and she is still (2 weeks) running from the dog, hissing and growling.

Answers and Views:

Answer by nedzephyr
time..try spending time holding the kitten while the dog sniffs the kitten..won’t happen overnight.. but the kitten will get used to the dog and they will end up if not best buddies.. at least tolerant of each other

Answer by jacksfullhouse
Exposure.

Answer by Rolf
I so beautiful “scooby doo” customs at universal studios… find one that goes to the kitten…

Answer by capricorn_11376
The kitten is tiny and scared of the big dog. She/he is hissing and growling trying to say stay way . I would separate them when you are not home or not in immediate contact. As for the dog tring to play he might be playing to rough in for what the cat feels safe with. I think after time they will tolerate each other but might never become friends.

Answer by kill_yr_television
Keep them seperated unless you are there to supervise. Then try VERY gradual exposure. Make the dog lie quietly on the floor while you are across the room with the kitten. Arrange things so the kitten can SEE the dog, but isn’t close enough to feel threatened. Then give the kitten a treat. Keep petting and giving treats for a few minutes. Do this often. The idea is to get Kitty thinking “I’m scared to death of that awful monster, but every time I see it the most wonderful things happen!”

After Kitty has had a couple weeks to make this connecting, start VERY gradually decreasing the distance. Have someone walk Rover around a little, but not real close to Kitty. Stop isolating Kitty when you aren’t home, as long as there is somewhere safe and secure to hide.

It takes patience, but it is worth it when your pets form friendships.

Answer by kaylablizzard
The kittens have to be around the older dog a lot and you should hold the kitten or kittens in your lap or hand depending on how big the kitten(s)is/are and let the older dog sniff the kitten to know that its not prey and so the dog can get used to it.

Answer by Sheido
Kill yr tele has answered beautifully!
I just want to add, your Lab obviously is a well loved secure dog and he is being wonderful about the new baby.
Be patient once the kitten realizes that the dog doesn’t mean any harm, they’ll be best of buddies!