Cat / Dog Merge

Question:
 My boyfriend and I moved in together after 4 years of commuting between separate residences. I and my cats moved into his place in the country. Here's the scoop... My two cats: Ralph, male, 3 yrs., fixed, very laid back & personable, thinks he's a dog Cinder, female, 3 yrs., fixed, very shy & somewhat skittish, hides from strangers in house His two dogs: Newt, male, 6 yrs, not fixed, border collie, high strung but sweet Gus, male, 5 yrs., not fixed, lab mix, very laid back & great History: Cats and I lived alone, they love him (almost as much as I do) spoiled and had run of the house Dogs and he lived alone, they love me I know, spoiled and run of the house - clarification = sleep in bed with him, wake him up in morning for treats and when let inside they get treats, listen to his gentle voice commands on 2nd or 3rd try What we've done so far: I read a lot of articles and we built a 4' high gate that blocks off half his house - kitchen, 2 bedrooms and bathroom; the gate (when shut, gives the dogs the living room, master bedroom and bathroom; the dogs stay in the backyard while we're at work and the cats get full run of the house; Once we are home, then the gate closes and the dogs are let in. Gate is made of thick lattice so they can see/smell each other but are definitely separated with no possible break through. I spent first week in separated portion of house until the cats were comfortable there and exploring; now I'm trying sleeping in the master bedroom (where I should be) and leaving the gate closed while asleep. Problems I see: * Cats have never been around dogs, but are slowly coming closer to the gate to investigate them * Dogs are in the yard all day and have been known to kill rabbits * Ralph chose a midnight walk over to the dog's side of the gate (while I was staying on the cat side) and was quickly tag teamed and jumped back over safely; he tried again during the daytime while we were both there = same result * Ralph has reached thru the gate and swatted at the dog's if they got too close * While the dogs respond to him after he gives them their soft commands 2 - 3 times, they ignore me for the most part when I tell them "No" or "Get Back" because I forget he uses different words like "Uh huh" and "Shoo Shoo" and "Out" So........ Is there anything we're doing we shouldn't be doing? Something a different we should be doing? I'm worried about my kitties while at the same time he feels the dogs aren't wanting to attack - they're just curious and wanting to see the cats. I just want the merge to go well - no matter how long it takes. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer:
 :D Wow. What a sigh of relief! I was so worried we had somehow messed this whole process up somehow. Excellent idea on the dog training and exercise - will look into immediately. Karen, thank you for your kind words and informative post. I was so afraid I'd get blasted posting this long "synopsis" and you were really great. Have a good day!
Answer:
 Sounds like you are on the right track. Remember, it can take months to get dogs and cats to meld in a house. Keep the dog-free zone up permanently. We actually put a cat door in the door to the ultility room where the cat food and litterboxes are kept. PLus the dogs cannot jump the closed door (my concern with some dogs and baby gates) You (not the guy, but you) should start taking the dogs to a good training program and also I would practice a NILIF program. Deb McKean has one of the best outlines of a NILIF program I have ever read posting on this site under the dog care. Read it. Allow the cats to tell the dogs off. It is the only way the dogs will learn. If you interfere too much, the dogs may take longer or never learn what the cats will and will not tolerate. Just keep an eye on them. If the dogs get too pushy or do nto back down, then intervene. If the dogs get increased exercise, this will help temper the energy levels in the house as well. Tired dogs are better behaved dogs. Dogs can learn what os prey and what is not. I have a dog that would hunt regularly if allowed (he has nailed mice in our yard) but he is fine with the cats and other animals in the house. Another dog of mine is the sworn enemy of any loose cat that comes into our yard, but sleeps with the cats in the house. It takes time, patience and work, but eventually they should all come around.