I'm a Brand New Doggie Mom!!!

[Rachel]

I would use the command *Leave It*, said in a rather stern voice when she starts barking at the cats. *Leave It* means don't mess with it, don't touch it, ....just leave it alone. You might also want to use it with NO. *No, Leave It*. Again, you tone of voice and a tug on the leash at the same time should convey that the cats are not to be bothered.

At PetSmart yesterday, they had one of the cats sitting in a cage on the floor as Hannah and I were walking through. Hannah came eye to eye with the cat and started barking. I immediately commanded *Leave It* and she knew exactly what I was talking about.

Other than that, I will have to let the people with dogs and cats chime in here.

[Tina]

Congrats!! She is so adorable!

[cocker_luva]

Originally posted by cocker_luva
what about Ebony or Butterfly. (ebony b/c she's black or butterfly b/c of her ears.)

or what about Raven. i've always loved that name!!!

[magcpen]

Of your list, I think Lakshmi is a cute name. Though I might start laughing every time time I called her, if that was my dog's name.

[lizbud]

Karen,

Happy congrats on the new addition. She's adorable.
On the issue with the kitties, Rachel suggested the "Leave It"
command & that's exactly what I did with Smokey & Buddy.
The stern NO, with" Leave It" as Rachel explained worked very
well for us too. She's bound to be a little nervous still & it will
take some time till she learns the kitties live there too. She
might even be a little afraid of them.Everything's still so new
for her right now. You might want to sit with her on leash for
awhile and went the kitties come around her, give the command
and offer treats right away if she stops the barking,etc. Reward
the good behavior & prevent a bad habit from forming. Best of
luck getting everyone acquainted. She's a cutie for sure.

[NoahsMommy]

Karen, she's such a cutie!!! I can't wait to meet her!!

OK, names:
Miaya (cute!!)
Raven is really cute, it looks like it would suit her

I went to the Indian names site and found these that I thought would fit her:
Asha - means hope
Charu - means beautiful, attractive
Daya - means kindess, mercy, pity
Dhara - means constant flow
Harshini - means happy
Hemangi - means golden
Indrani - means wife of Indra (I know, but the name is cute.)
Indira - means Lakshmi
Jaya - means victory
Juhi - means a flower
Kala - means art
Kalyani - means blissful, fortunate
Kamala - means lotus
Kasturi - means musk, fragrant
Kshama - means forgiveness
Malati - means Jasmine
Marala - means swan
Maya - means illusion
Nidhi - means treasure awww.....
Priya - means loved one, darling awwww...again!
Rajani - means night
Sarala - means dream
Sumana - means good natured
Urja - means energy
Uttara - means a star
Vijaya - means victorious
Vinaya - means modesty

Like any of those? I never realized how much I like Indian names, Karen! Look at all you're teaching me!

Can't wait to see more pictures of this little precious!! My new furry niece!! Yay!!

[NoahsMommy]

http://www.indiaexpress.com/specials/babynames/

Just in case you want to search for more.

[Uabassoon]

Congrats on your new addition! She is so cute!

[Karen]

I like Ebony or Obsidian (Siddy, Silly for short) - more elegant version of Inky ...

[Rachel]

Originally posted by lizbud
give the command
and offer treats right away if she stops the barking,etc. Reward
the good behavior & prevent a bad habit from forming.

Duh...how could I have forgotten the most important part? Good work, Liz!

[Logan]

KAREN!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! She is just adorable!!!

I have no advice for you. My cats have always done a good job of disciplining the dogs and training them all by themselves!!! LOL!!! In time, the curiosity will wear off and your girl will be ok.

Best of luck!!!!

Logan

[krazyaboutkatz]

I normaly don't go to the dog side but I'm sure glad that I did. CONGRATS KAREN!!! She's adorable. I can't wait to meet her some day. I like the name Raven. How old is she and how did you finally convince Aaron to get a dog?

[dukedogsmom]

She is so cute! Will look forward to the pics you took. Once you've had the love of a dog, cats won't even come close! Don't get me wrong, I like cats, too. Nothing like a cat's purr. Congrats on becoming a dog mama.

[tatsxxx11]

Congratulations, Karen!!! And welcome to the world of woofers! OMG, what a precious little one! You've gotten great advice re: the kitties. As one who has for years had to introduce new doggies to kitties and vice versa, I can tell you that with a little time, training and patience, they'll all adjust. Usually the kitties end up laying down the ground rules! Love so many of the names...wanted to add one more to the list "Sensei" (Pronounced sen-say) In Japanese, it mean's wise one/teacher!

[TheAntiPam]

So glad to hear about having a good first night together at your house. I don't have any doggie advice to offer, but in terms of naming your new sweetie, just remember this: The name you pick needs to be something that you can yell at the top of your lungs when she's running the wrong way! And, it should be a name that, when shortened, doesn't sound silly or like alphabet soup.

For instance, the name Fatima might sound great, and maybe "Tima" for short - but do you really want to say "Fat, Heel!" ???? Just practice the new names for a bit, the right one will come out!

Good luck and keep us informed!!!*tapping foot impatiently* Where ARE those other pictures?