Introduction of Dogs and Cats
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Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats can learn to live together in
harmony. However, depending on the situation, this can take some time and
effort. The ideal circumstance is to obtain a kitten and puppy at the same
time. This way, they grow up together, never knowing of their differences,
only companionship. This can also work well when introducing a puppy into the
home of a young cat. The acclimation period may last a month or two,
depending on the puppy's activity levels, but the young cat's curiosity will
overcome his initial shock of sharing his territory and a relationship will
form.
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The most difficult situations are introducing a dog into the home of an
older cat, or introducing a cat into the home of an older dog. Either way,
the first pet will have feelings of territoriality and their first instinct
is to protect their territory, thereby trying to chase off the intruder.
Should the cat tend to run instead of stand it's ground, the entire scenario
is even more difficult to for dogs have a strong prey drive and their first
instinct is to chase a moving object.
Regardless of when the cat and dog meet, it is best to exercise caution,
to prevent any mishaps on either party. Basic control of both animals is
necessary. Control comes in the guise of obedience training. The animals must
know how to be attentive to you regardless of the distraction of the other
animal. And, yes, cats can learn this too.
Animals thrive with proper training. It gives them an outlet for their
energies and stimulation for their minds. A hyper dog will relax, a bored dog
will stop being destructive, multiple animals will learn to live together,
harmoniously.
Once both parties have learned how to walk with you, sit and stay and
come when called, you can place both in the same room and practice these
exercises. A well trained animal will continue to perform these exercises,
ignoring the other animal, thus learning to accept the other animal's
presence. Should the pet you are working with not listen because of the
distraction, make sure you back up all your commands, regardless.
For example, you heel your dog into the room where your cat is sleeping.
He suddenly surges ahead to get to the cat. Correct this behavior by turning
in the opposite direction as you give a leash correction with a verbal
correction. When he is heeling at your side again, turn and move toward the
cat once more. Continue in this manner, until your dog maintains the proper
heeling position all the way to the cat.
When your dog can maintain a sit and stay in the presence of the cat, it
is time to teach the cat to do the same near your dog. Begin by teaching him
to sit and stay in a quiet area. Then move him to a room where there are
minor distractions. Once he accomplishes this, do the same exercises in the
same room with the dog. Gradually, close the distance between the two. Within
a few weeks both cat and dog should be performing the sit and stay, side by
side.
Pets that work in the presence of each other learn to live together. And,
this is not only true of dogs and cats, but also more than one dog. But, that
is another article altogether...
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