 |
       |
|
|
|
Dog Meets Cat…without all the fireworks By Cynthia Edgerly, Bingo! Dog Training (Originally written for the Press Banner, a San Lorenzo Valley Newspaper) The key to successful dog-cat introductions is gradual exposure under controlled conditions. You want to avoid creating situations where the cat runs away and the dog's prey-chase instinct is activated. If your dog has lived with a cat and your cat has lived with dogs, they may progress quickly to tolerating one another. However, if you will be introducing adult animals that have never lived with the other species, you should expect a very gradual warm-up period lasting as long as two months. Step 1: Prepare the environment Create a safe space for the cat. The cat must be able to eat, drink sleep and potty in safe place without having to interact with the dog. Choose a location that you feel with be suitable for this and get your cat used to it a week or two before the dog arrives. Step 2: Getting to smell you One of the best ways to first introduce dogs and cats is via scent. Scent swapping can produce positive associations between cat and dog even before they meet eye-to-eye. I recommend spending at least two full days on this step if possible. Here's what to do:
Step 3: Allow controlled meetings Controlled meetings are all about controlling the dog, because it is very hard to control a cat. Most people use a combination of tools to control the dog. These might include: a crate, baby gate, tether, dragline or leash. Give your cat the freedom to approach your dog at her own pace. By all means, allow your cat to walk up and investigate your dog but watch carefully so that your dog does not attempt to chase your cat. Through this process, your cat will develop trust. During this stage, the dog should not be given the opportunity to chase or bark at the cat. Interrupt all interactions that result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become a habit, they can be difficult to change. It's better to introduce your pets so gradually that neither animal becomes afraid or aggressive. While you can expect mild forms of these behaviors it is important that you don't give them the opportunity to intensify. Increase distance or completely remove the dog from the situation if he can’t be interrupted. A few more tips:
Step 4: Gradually Provide More Freedom The final step is to allow the animals to interact more freely. Begin with short periods of time together, especially after the dog has been well exercised. Keep a close eye on them and continue to interrupt all inappropriate behavior. To be absolutely risk-free you may want to use a muzzle with the dog until you are confident that he will not harm the cat. Provide more time together as their behavior permits. When To Get Help Seek profession help if introductions don't go smoothly. Animals can be killed or severely injured in fights. The longer problems continue, the harder they can be to resolve. Conflicts between pets in the same family can often be resolved with professional help. Cynthia Edgerly, owner of Bingo! Dog Training in Watsonville, California, is a Professional Dog Trainer & Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. To contact Cynthia please go to her website: http://www.bingodogtraining.com or Phone: (831) 768-9308 or (408) 335-8745. . |
|
Send mail to
bingodogtraining@yahoo.com with
questions or comments about this web site or call 831 768-9308.
|