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Originally Posted by angieh
I can only relate my experience JB .... we bought Monty as an 8 week old puppy into our house with two resident cats Kizzy and Pip. Monty is a Miniature Schnauzer who will actually have his 1st birthday tomorrow. We did do forward planning, to make sure that the cats had a separate room with a baby gate where they can go in complete safety and peace. Their food and water is in that room. We also have a baby gate blocking the utility room which is where we would put a litter tray if needed because of bad weather - not really needed this winter as the cats have been going out throughout. We also had to have a larger baby gate across the hallway because Monty managed to get out the cat flap a few times when he was smaller, although he could probably not do it now he's fully grown. This also allows the cats to come in and out unhindered. There is also a largish cat climbing frame in the hallway, so they can get up and out of Monty's way.
Pip has proven to be the most tolerant of cats, he and Monty will be friends once Monty calms down and stops pouncing on him. Pip doesn't appear to be stressed in any way and is certainly not afraid of Monty. I do rescue him from Monty's mouth several times a day.
Kizzy started off as she meant to go on and hissed at Monty. Monty does not go near her but barks at her.
A KCS would undoubtedly be less "terrier like" in behaviour - you just have to be mindful of both cat and dog and I would ask yourself a question as I remember AJ had urinary problems a while ago?
I don't intend to pry, but are you confident that you will be able to take your dog for daily walks, given your agoraphobia?
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Thank you for the reply, I remember seeing a photo of Monty a while ago, he is gorgeous! I was going to get two baby gates for the stairs anyway as I know while they are puppies they shouldn't be using things like stairs too much because of their joints. I could then move those gates to our bedroom and the rabbits room which is where the litter trays are. We also have lots of tall furniture and scratching posts that a dog couldn't reach if he was being too boisterous for them.
As for my agoraphobia, of course that thought crossed my mind many times. I have been walking my partners family dog with them for a few months now, without my partner with me which is usually my "safety net" and I have felt good. Our move has also done me a lot of good as we are in a much nicer area with a huge park (sutton park) about ten minutes walk from us so we are in a perfect location for the first time ever
I'm confident for the first time that even though it will be hard at first, eventually il start to enjoy it and although I don't expect a cure that would be pretty close!
I will also say that if the worse happens(which I'm positive it won't) my partner is more then happy to do walkies lol
I have given it all a lot of thought, something I've gone over time and time again the last 8 years, but it does feel right this time. I've looked into dog care and known a lot over the years so I'm quite confident that I can take a puppy on and be a good dog owner. My main concern really is as always, my boys. It did cross my mind that if I found a puppy with a willing breeder I could perhaps bring the puppy to visit at home a few times to get the cats a little used to him before he moves in?
I usually do! 
