Need to introduce my shy cat to a dog household

[charlie and algernon]

I'm in the midst of having to move out of my current apartment and will be moving in with a friend. I've got a cat and was finding it nearly impossible to find a place that 1) I can afford and 2) will accept pets. So a close friend, who recently moved into a new place herself, is renting out her spare room to me. It's a great place and I'm taking the offer, but there is one issue, she's got an active Shih Tzu.

I brought the cat over earlier this week and while they didn't attack each other, my cat was still pretty terrified.


So I come to you, the pet experts of DU: what's the best way to peacefully introduce a fairly shy cat to an active dog? I did read that it may be best to alternate keeping one of them confined to a bedroom while the other has free roam of the house for a day. I'm also considering getting a pet gate so the cat could have her own section of the house by my room to hang out in while the dog keeps the rest.

What are your tips for getting the two to coexist?

Thanks!