does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this so as to avoid any fights? The dog has never really been near cats before, but the cat used to live with a collie (although she didn't like it much).
2007-02-19 05:53:21 · 10 answers · asked by Fred 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The dog is adult and its a very large GSD, he is mussel trained so he will have that on just in case.
2007-02-19 06:53:07 · update #1
No declawing I'm affraid, I live in the UK and we don't do that here. The problem, if any, will be that the dog is so big.
2007-02-19 06:56:11 · update #2
Make sure the cat always has somewhere to escape to that the dog can't go. Also try never to give the dog a chance to chase the cat as if he does he will learn that he can.
If possible the first introduction should be through a dog gate or with either the dog or cat in a crate so they can see & smell each other but not get to each other. When you first introduce them keep calm and praise the dog for being calm. If he gets too excited remove him from the situation, give a few minutes to calm down and then try again. Don't get angry with him for barking or lunging, instead praise him and give him treats when he is calm. Clicker trainining works really well in this situation as you can click him for being calm and ignoring the cat.
Be patient - it can take a few weeks to introduce a dog to a cat, especially if the dog has never lived with a cat. Never leave them unsupervised together until you are 110% sure that the dog can be trusted.
Good luck!
2007-02-19 23:35:05 · answer #1 · answered by Clanger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a cat and then we re-homed a dog.All we did was let the cat out in the garden leave it until it settles some where, then let the dog into the garden.The dog will not see the cat straight away cause it is not looking for it but the cat will see the dog.If the cat feels threatened it will jump up a fence and stare the dog out with a warning hiss.Leave them too it for a short while.Don't make a fuss or the dog will think its a game.Then take the cat inside let it settle on a chair then let the dog in.The dog will no doubt go up to the cat but if the cat has means of escape it will just hiss and maybe scratch, tell the dog No and take its attention away from the cat by playing.They will soon get used to each other if left to there own devices.Dont use a gate as the dog will just get frustrated and will chase the cat 1st chance it gets.If you want them to live together then they have to sort out who's boss and 9/10 times its the cat.
2007-02-20 08:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by Nookie bear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the lead on the dog to help maintain your control. If it does start to chase the cat its easier to catch the lead and regain control. Be sure te initial meeting the dog is being held by the collar as to not jerk towards the cat unexpectedly. Usually its just a mis communication when dogs and cats meet that results in a horrible experience for both. Cats freak dogs think cool and its really not the intention. I use the command easy and I have only had one rescue I could not break of chasing cats. I have had a couple that were difficult because of their size and speed but eventually they started getting the hang of it. Its usually they don't know what it is and want to Check it out!!!
2007-02-19 06:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is (for a couple of days anyway) separate them with a baby gate so they can see each other but not get at each other. Do not try to introduce them with dog on a leash because that's going to bring out aggression in the dog. When you do let them together, you can be ready to grab his collar if necessary. Be sure your cat can always get away - there's likely going to be a lot of chasing going on, but most dogs and cats learn to tolerate each other over time.
2007-02-19 06:22:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is what i told someone before. Hope this works for you too.
our puppy did the same thing. he is playful and wanting to play and doesnt understand the cats are not puppies. he's gotten the message after the cat swipped his face. (thankfully the declawed one did it!!)
from reading all the books, it says that they should be kept in separate rooms. after sometime, switch the rooms and let the other pet smell the room so it knows that there will be a new member in the house. when you think the time is right, slowly introduce them. hold the puppy and let the cats come up to him/her. OR place the puppy in a crate and let the cats come over and sniff 'em. when the puppy barks/ reacts, tell puppy "its okay, this is (cat's name).
hope this helps.
2007-02-19 06:00:07 · answer #5 · answered by hydez2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest I think you are over complicating it. Regardless of size of dog or cat, the cat will very quickly let the dog know who is in charge. It may mean a wee scratch for the dog, but leave it too themselves and it be all sorted quicker then if you constantly try to intervene.
It is not natural to stand by and watch, I know, but it is for the best.
2007-02-19 08:08:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in the same house they should be fine my 14year old cat beats up my 3 year old jack russell weve only had the dog 1 year they will learn to get along
2007-02-19 05:59:55 · answer #7 · answered by foxy30ish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ow good luck with this one, my dog loves cats for breakfast and not much else. I sympathise for you, at least you are being sensible and have taken precautions good luck
2007-02-19 08:09:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep their food and water bowls away from each other at first, and slowly let them smell each others toys etc... have someone help you hold one while you hold the other, and let them smell each other. Do it all slowly....
2007-02-19 06:01:15 · answer #9 · answered by thezookeeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hope you like fireworks
2007-02-19 06:39:23 · answer #10 · answered by driver3260 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋