How do you train a dog to cope with cats?

Question

Like a puppy to deal with cats and the cats dont get stressed?

Answer 1

I have had dogs and cats peacefully co-exist in my house for years.
I started with an adult dog and a very tiny kitten. The kitten did not know yet to be afraid of the dog, and the dog actually adopted the kitten as something to love and protect, although it was a male dog.
From there, I had a calm and fearless cat. When other dogs were introduced, the cat just walked up to them, confident as ever, and the dogs accepted the cat.
Several years later now, most dogs that come along with friends to visit the house get along with my cats just fine. Some are a little aggressive (the dogs), so the cats stay out of their way.
Start with your puppy and get a small kitten - one that hasn't learned to fear dogs yet. Or find an older cat that has been living peacefully with a dog. Perhaps introduce your puppy to a confident cat at a friend's house. Once the puppy has been exposed to cats, he may accept a cat 'of his own' that is older. Cats pretty much have the upper hand when it comes to puppies and will teach them respect.
On the occasion, some animals just won't get along with each other (same happens with humans). In that case, there is nothing you can do except keep them separate.
But try. Chances are they'll get along fine, and you get to watch them play together. It has brought a lot of smiles to my face :)

Answer 2

As dogmom said, the cats will teach the dogs themselves very quickly what is okay and what isn't. For the beginning you may want to try keeping them in different rooms where they can smell under a door. If the cats have been there for awhile and the dog is the newcomer give them the larger space so they don't feel like their territory is threatened. Make sure the dog gets plenty of playtime with you to make up for what he can't have with the cats. It may also be good to try for the occasional socialization time with other dogs. Give the cats cuddle time without the dog around. Get some treats for both of them. I have heard of cats who seem to boss the dog around just for kicks of it, so, if this seems to be an issue try ignoring the cats until they cut it out. A big thing for the cats is to make sure they have a tree or room or something that is dog free. A tree is expensive (or at least the ones I've seen are) but if you get a good one now you won't need one later and then they can sleep in peace away from the dog and they'll feel safe up high. They can watch him and he can't touch them. Also, if they are hissing and 'fighting' don't get in the way. I mean, you may need to quietly remove the puppy after 15 minutes of it, but just stay calm and ignore them. They'll figure it out. Who knows - maybe they'll be best friends!

Answer 3

The cats need to have an area in the house they can run to where the dog can't go. They will pretty much train the puppy (the cats) but by no means allow the puppy to hurt the cats. The puppy needs to know it's NOT OK to get rough with the cats.

Answer 4

You need to focus more on your cats than your puppy. If your puppy is young enough that means it will adjust easily and will grow up around cats all its life, meaning cats won't be a bother to it later on.

For your cats, though, make it clear to them that the puppy isn't a threat. Play with them both at the same time, and have them just live along side by side. However, your cats may be too old to become comfortable with a puppy, or dog. Cats don't like change, and may never get over it.

Answer 5

I've been in houses with both dogs and cats in it. Usually the cats will train the puppies in matters of ettiquete. Sometimes if the dog gets too rambunctious, you might have to step in and tell him, 'No!' But unless there is a serious problem with the critter, it's very possible for them to peacefully co-exist.

Answer 6

Make sure your dog can chew well, or else he will choke on the cats...