Have you ever successfuly trained dogs to live w/cats?

Question

How did you do it? I'm sheltering a 4 y/o rat terrier and need help.

Answer 1

I have searched on line for info for you. I have never had problems with cats and dogs being aggressive to each other..My daughter raised Persian cats, in the same house as I had several large hounds, and 2 terriers, and all got along fine..some even loved each other...You might go to http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=5
and put in your zip code... it will give you a list of local rescues and foster homes. These people would be very knowledgeable and helpful.... Many of the foster homes do socialize the dogs to get along with cats.

Answer 2

I, for one, believe trying to train behaviors that come natural to a dog is completely pointless. Even if it is possibly, why strip away what it's bred for? It's like training a Siberian Husky not to howl or training a bloodhound not to use his nose to track. If their characteristics bother you, why not get another breed? Many people get, say, Australian Shepherds, then complain about the dog nipping at their ankles. It's what they were bred to do; they herd. They get Siberian Huskies because they're so cute, then they complain about the howling and barking. Why get a dog bred to track if you expect it not to? Why get a dog bred to herd then expect it not to nip at ankles as it does when herding? Why get a dog bred to hunt, then expect it to stop bringing dead animals to your frontdoor? I have three dogs that I do trust, but to a certain extent. I have a Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees mix, a Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland mix and an Estrela Mountain Dog. So naturally, they have a low prey drive. These dogs I would only allow off the leash if there was no on going traffic nearby, such as a large meadow or during a hike in the mountains. They are very good about keeping to my side, but too much noise scares them and they will panic and run off. So off the leash in any settings far from busy streets, yes. On a walk through the neighborhood or the city? No. However, my new addition to my family is a Kuvasz. And there is no way in hell that she will ever get off her leash. Don't get me wrong, she is trained, but she has a natural high prey drive and well, pretty much anything small and moving gets her attention and she will not stop until it is in her mouth. As soon as she sees prey, she bolts after it and all the training seems to go down the drain. She's been through many trainers, because I thought maybe I wasn't enough, but I finally realized this was instinct and could not be trained. I was about 2,000 dollars late on that lol. All of my dogs are indoor dogs, they have a very big backyard, which they are welcome to. But I have to put my Kuvasz on a chain (except for when I'm out watching them), because she a tendency of jumping the fence or digging under it - anything to get her prey. The chain reaches every bit of the yard, minus the fence, it cuts a few feet short, so she is able to run around with the other three dogs. So to answer your question, no. I don't think dogs can ever be trusted 100% because there's bond to be something that will trigger their natural dog instincts.

Answer 3

I have introduced cats and dogs many times. If the cat is a kitten it is much easier than with an adult cat. If the cat was there first then you need to limit the areas the dog can be. The cat and dog will slowly start to figure each other out. Make sure the cat has an area to go to that the dog cannot access. Baby gates help here. They will either make friends, or they will learn to give each other space. Keep a good eye on them as a cat can do serious damage to a dogs eyes, etc. This has always worked out for me and my pets.

Answer 4

i've always had a houseful of dogs and cats and never had any that didn't get along but they were also pretty well trained
if you have a foster dog that you didn't raise and you tried to bring it into your house with grown cats you have some work to do
first of all remember that its fun to chase cats
i'd keep a leash on the dog so that when he wants to bother the cats you can get a hold of him, tell him no, let the cats swat him a few times, just be patient, since you are dealing with grown animals it will take longer

Answer 5

Not a full grown dog, but puppies - yes. The cats can be fully grown, but the dog needs to be puppy size. I have a great mastiff, one of the largest dogs in the world. As a puppy, I had him around my 5 cats quite a bit. All are outside animals. Now, I'm the boss of my dog, and he's the boss of the cats - but they live happily side by side. He tolerates them, and they keep him warm in the winter. But they'd better not eat his lasagne. All of our kittens have names resulting from the dog, like Chewy and Lucky.

Answer 6

Yes.

It takes a lot of work. With puppies, it's a matter of training them not to chase the cats. With adult dogs and kittens, it's a matter of training them not to eat the cats.

Answer 7

I had a dog and cat at the same time before...the dog was fine, but every now and then the cat would just reach up with his paw and whack the dog a good one in the nose lol it was so funny :)

Answer 8

Yes, all the time. Includes chihuhuas, Tamaskan's, Rottwielers, Huskies, Akitas, Affenpinchers, Doberman, Retrievers and German Shepards. Just show them the cat is your friend, they learn to respect that quickly.

Answer 9

yes and they were best friends. My king charles would take care of the kittens too. Sit with them both and love on them both and give them each a place to lay down like their own towel on the bed or floor. Teach them to be nice to the other. It can be done.

Good Luck!!!!

Answer 10

The animals do not have to be young. They will eventually get the idea that they both are friends and welcomed in the place of residence. All they need is time, for adjusting and getting to know the other.