Training Dogs and Cats to Coexist in Your Home

 

What do you think of when you think of dogs and cats together? Many people envision the traditional cartoon of the dog who is constantly plotting about how to catch the cat, while the cat is always planning how to get the dog in trouble. Others may think of the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs.”

In most households where there are multiple pets however, the dogs and cats get along just fine. So what’s the trick? Following, are three things you can do to help your pets live harmoniously together.

First, remember that obedience training is the key to getting your dog or puppy to comply with any  rule. In this case, it’s “no cat chasing.” Work with your dog on simple obedience training commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “down” on a regular basis. This will help your dog or puppy to respect you more and to pay attention to you even when he’s distracted or excited. (Like when he sees the cat.)

Second, work on socializing both your dog and your cat with many things. A skittish pet is more likely to have a problem adapting to something new or different. Work on socializing both pets with things such as noises, movement, guests, and household items. The more comfortable they are with these things, the more easily they’ll adapt to the movement or noises of another pet. Click here for another article with tips on socializing your pets.

Last, and most important, is to make sure the pets have plenty of opportunity to coexist. In other words, don’t keep them separated from one another. If you keep your cat in your bedroom and he only comes out occasionally, then when your dog sees him, he’s likely to react excitedly, “Oh my goodness! A CAT!” If they see one another all the time, your dog is more likely to think, “Ho hum, there goes the cat again.”

If your cat seems to want to hide all the time, you may need to work on a nightly coexisting routine. First give your dog or puppy some exercise and practice some obedience training. Then, keep your dog on a leash, and use the “sit/stay” or “down/stay” while another family member keeps the cat on their lap. Sit together in your living room, perhaps watching a television program for half an hour or so.

With enough practice, constant coexistence, and the use of obedience, your cat and dog can soon get along nicely, and may even begin to play or snuggle together!