There are a number of steps to take when introducing your cats to the dog.
- Ideally, the dog should first be contained in a covered crate or indoor kennel in the room where the ‘controlled introduction’ will be made. The cats should not be in the room when the dog is first placed in the crate.
- Place a number of different treats on saucers or in small containers around the room. Introduce one or more new scratching posts, pre-sprayed with catnip.
- Allow the cat to enter and explore the room in their own time. If they use the scratching post(s) and take food, this is significant progress. You can give the dog some food treats as a reward for being in the crate.
- Following the initial period (15-30 minutes) of exposure, and assuming there have been positive signs rather than aggression (some cats will investigate the sides and top of the crate, and this may encourage the dog to react by smelling or trying to lick them), lead the dog from the crate, out of the room and into another part of the home. Again, reward the dog for displaying any composure.
- If all went well during the first period of exposure, return with the dog after 15 minutes and repeat the process.
- If there was much spitting and snarling, offer the cats an extended period (1-2 hours) in the introduction room in which to calm down. Do not offer the cats or the dog excessive attention or eye contact, in order to reduce owner triggers for problem behaviors. If the dog is showing no sign of accepting the cats during a number of controlled introductions, you will need the help of a professional behaviorist.
- If the initial exposure has been free of any disturbed behavior by either the cats or the dog, move on to the next stage. Click and treat the dog while ‘controlled’ contact is undertaken, with the dog outside the crate and the cats allowed to wander around the room. Never force the dog to approach the cats or vice versa, as this will create a negative association for both.
2 responses so far ↓
1 LitterKwitter // Jun 5, 2008 at 5:21 am
Nice post.Thanks for your post.By proper training you can have cat to have your partner accepted.I am using a cat toilet training system
2 matt // Aug 4, 2008 at 4:58 pm
i have two cats one boy one girl. they are 4 and 5 just bought a english bulldog she just wants to play. cats run away and stay away. my boy hissed at her and the other one my girl runs away they been coming down stairs to look at her but you can tell there upset are they going to accept eachother or did i just make a big mistake cause these cats are my life and my friends and family say dont worry. should i
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