2007-07-04 12:33:18 · 10 answers · asked by impalagirl 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You have to get a puppy, or a dog that is known to have grown up with cats and already knows how to behave with cats.
Your cats will train a puppy to behave properly around them. Most dogs are smart enough so that it only takes one behavior lesson from a cat. Usually the lesson includes the cat turning around and fighting back. And winning.
2007-07-04 12:37:24 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Introducing a dog into the mix shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as it's done right. Are you thinking about getting a fully grown dog or a puppy? Have your cats been exposed to dogs much before?
Ensure from the first introduction, that your dog knows that chasing your cats is NOT acceptable. Once they get into a habit, it's very hard to break it, so if you make this clear from the beginning you'll have an easier time of it.
Also, you need to ensure that the cats have somewhere they can go to get away from the dog if they wish to. A room or an area that they can call their territory, so that they don't feel pushed out of their house. Because, lets face it, they were there first.
The other thing to consider is a border collie especially, is a highly active dog. It's probably not a wise choice if you don't have the time to keep it exercised. Boredom and pent up energy will most likely result in distructive behaviour, which could include harassing your cats.
Best of luck!!
2007-07-04 19:43:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both shelties and border collies belong to the sheepdog family and have a herding instinct, so they will definitely try to chase your kitties around a little. The cats will NOT be happy about it at first, but there is still a good possibility that they will become friends later.
If you do get a dog, make sure there are enough high places in your home where the kitties can jump if they want to get away.
2007-07-04 19:37:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aww Collies are awesome. I had one when I was growing up. I have a Chesapeake Golden Retriever now and she is the best Dog I ever had, even though all my dogs were the best. COLLIE Get a Collie they are awesome dogs. I never had a sheltie. We had cats too and they they got along fine. Also had a Cocker Spanial they all got along fine.
oh one more thing Keep the kitty litter clean, Dog like cat poo.
Hope it ia a pup.
2007-07-04 19:43:07 · answer #4 · answered by Chhaya05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at this site. Looks like the Sheltie would be OK but not the Border Collie.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/petreliability.htm
2007-07-04 19:53:32 · answer #5 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get a puppy, it should learrn to get along with them. Every dog is different. I have a Jack Russel Terrier that LOVES my cats and my cats love her, but I also have a German Shepard That HATES them And they HATE him. I would get your dog and see how it does with them, if they're not getting along, I would suggest giving the dog back to wherever you got it from. As Border Collies and Shelties are herding dogs, the possibilty of them not getting along would be higher. Good Luck! Congrats on your new family member!
2007-07-04 19:40:28 · answer #6 · answered by *Q-T Girl* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can purchase as a puppy then bring puppy home and make an introduction and be patient and see what happens. Usually best when as a puppy the dog grows up with the cats that way they are used to each others presence. Or purchase a dog that gets along well with other cats.
2007-07-04 19:40:41 · answer #7 · answered by Cactus flower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read about dogs that get on fine with cats in the 'papers, so it could work. If you look up previous questions about dogs with cats, you can find out what problems you might face, so that you are ready to deal with them. If the dog is a puppy, it may work out better, since it'll be young enough to get used to cats.
2007-07-04 19:42:44 · answer #8 · answered by jenesuispasunnombre 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen this work better if you get a puppy to raise around the already existing cats. A full grown dog may not take to the cats and vise versa.
2007-07-04 19:44:54 · answer #9 · answered by shortcake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hte only problem with teh dogs you like is tehy are usually natural herding dogs and may try to herd the cats. It's something you can't break so it mostly depends on teh puppy ( I would suggest a pup) and teh training.
i would suggest having a place or room the cats would be allowed in to get away that you would not allow the dog in.
2007-07-04 19:49:48 · answer #10 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋