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©Alana Stevenson 2008
Often when a person brings a new dog or cat into the family, if they already have other animals, mayhem ensues. Introducing dogs and cats to each other can take time, but they can coexist happily together. Many dogs are quite gentle with cats. Other dogs need some training, and still others need more management. Unfortunately, when people introduce dogs to cats, and vice versa, the usual scenario is the dog chases the cat, and the poor kitty ends up hiding, and subsequently living in the bedroom, spare room, or basement. This is unnecessary and not fair to either animal, especially your kitty. Your cat should not be relegated to the basement. Below are some helpful tips to follow when introducing a dog and cat to each other.
If you have a dog who is shy, fearful, or timid, and a kitty who is aggressive, territorial or confident, reverse some of the instructions below. Modify them so your dog gets some preferential treatment. Interrupt and prevent your kitty from becoming aggressive to your dog, and reward your kitty for being friendly and/or ignoring your dog.
Designate a room or location in the house that is entirely your cat’s territory or domain. Your dog is not allowed in this area.
Your dog should not have access to litter boxes or to your cat’s food. In addition, your cat should not be forced to dodge your dog or pass your dog to get to his or her food bowl or litter pan.
Make sure your cat has extra hiding spots and places to climb to escape from your dog. Invest in a few good cat trees or cat condos. Cats love them.
Use Feliway (a synthetic pheromone) plug-ins to calm and soothe your kitty.
If you frequently wear a certain perfume, cologne, or lotion, rub it on your hands. Then pet your animals. You can spray your perfume or cologne on a cloth and wipe your dog and cat with it. This way you can create a “communal” scent. Odor is very important to animals. If they smell similar to each other, they may bond to each more quickly.
Let your dog and cat get used to each others' smells and sounds through a closed door. Reward your dog for showing calm behavior. Also, treat and feed your kitty when your dog is nearby. When your dog is calmer and more mild-mannered around your cat, your cat will relax around your dog.
Make sure your kitty gets top notch spaces, places, and your attention. Your kitty should get your preferential treatment. You need to teach your dog that cat’s rule, period. Your kitty should get the best digs. Your kitty should be in rooms first whenever possible. At least initially, your cat should get more attention from you.
Exercise your dog before introducing your dog to your cat! If your dog has just run four or five miles, or has been on a long hike, your dog will probably be less energetic, and hopefully a bit calmer when meeting your cat. Do not introduce your dog to your cat when your dog is too energetic or has not been exercised.
Use a front-clip body harness when introducing your dog to your cat and make sure to have your dog on a leash. This will give you more control over your dog. It will prevent your dog from chasing your cat and will allow you to reward your dog for ignoring your kitty. Reward your dog for behaving gently around your cat. Most importantly, reward your dog anytime your dog looks away from your cat.
Feed your cat and dog together. If your cat is afraid of your dog, feed them in separate rooms, but so they can visually see each other. This way, you can begin to establish a positive association between them and give them a reason to like each other.
Always place your kitty on higher surfaces than your dog. This not only protects your cat, but makes your kitty feel more confident. If your kitty is less likely to run, your dog will be less likely to chase.
Set your dog and cat up for success. Introduce your cat to your dog when your dog is tired, sleeping, or resting. Bring your kitty on the sofa or on your lap, or feed your kitty treats on a kitty condo or cat tree. Reward your dog for ignoring your cat, and if possible, for lying down and relaxing. If your dog cannot relax, teach your dog to back away from the area, or temporarily remove your dog from the room. Then allow your dog back into the room, and reward your dog for being calm, friendly, or relaxed around your cat.
Teach your dog polite manners. Train your dog using positive reinforcement when your cat is in the room. This will teach your dog how to behave when your cat is present and will teach your dog to listen to you.
Play with your dog quietly when your kitty is in the room. This is also a good time to feed your dog. Reward your dog any time your dog does NOT show interest in your cat. If your dog does not chase or pursue your cat, your dog should be given a fantastic reward.
Give your dog and cat reasons to like each other. Feed them extra good food and treats when they see each other. Prevent any negative interactions or altercations from occurring, and manage the environment so that your dog can be rewarded for exhibiting friendly, non-threatening behaviors to your cat.
Always praise and reward your dog for friendly interactions with your cat, such as looking away, sniffing, licking, and wagging his or her tail. Prevent your dog from chasing your cat by immediately interrupting your dog and redirecting your dog to a more appropriate behavior, such as sitting, coming, or lying down.
When you are not there to supervise, your dog and cat should be separated until you know they will behave well with each other.
A dog who cannot coexist peacefully with your cat or continues to chase your kitty, despite training and following the above guidelines, will need to be managed, so that your kitty can live peacefully without being threatened by your dog. If there is a savvy positive animal behavior specialist or positive dog trainer in your area, seek his or her assistance.
Alana Stevenson, MS is a professional Animal Behaviorist and humane Dog Trainer. She is the author of the "The Right Way the First Time, Teaching Your Dog Kindly and Humanely." She can be reaced at her website www.AlanaStevenson.com. |
