How To Properly Train & Introduce A New Dog To Your Cat

By Teri Champigny

Many movies and cartoons depict cats and dogs being highly aggressive arch enemies.  While this may seem to be true in some cases, it is quite the opposite in most instances. Cats and dogs living together can actually make great companions. However, when first introducing a dog and a cat, there may be some heated issues that need to be taken care of.

Regardless of how small and how cute a new dog is, when you introduce him to your home and to your cat, your feline friend may become suddenly anxious and start to leap for higher ground or dive under anything he can to take cover from this new strange creature. So it is quite obvious that regardless of how well mannered and well-trained your cat is, you will need to make plans and teach the new dog how to interact with the cat(s) you have at home.

Dogs and cats are two different types of animals, therefore they speak in different languages.  You must start them on the right foot if they plan on living together in peace and harmony.  Dogs have an entirely different way of playing and having fun than cats do. Cats are very independent creatures while dogs enjoy chasing and play-wrestling. This kind of play makes a cat uncomfortable and often becomes defensive. Your cat may run away to avoid the dog. But the more he runs away, the more your playful dog will chase him because he thinks that the cat is playing with him.

Dogs are pack animals and may not understand how cats approach or greet another animal.  Cats have a particular way of greeting one another. For example, while dogs may quickly become friends with another dog, cats are not the same in this regard. There is a different protocol altogether. Your job as their owner is to teach your dog how to approach your cat in a manner that doesn't scare him off.

Helping Your Cat & Dog Adjust

Basic training sessions can be simple and fun. All you need is a leash and you can begin with the training. You should allow your cat to be loose inside your house while your dog is on a leash.  It is even better if the training was secluded to one room. The goal here is to get your dog to maintain his focus only on you while ignoring the cat in the same room. While your dog is on the leash, you will want to get his attention and play with him, while at times allowing him to take the focus off you and look around and sniffed towards the cat.

Have your dog do some simple commands such as sit or stay. Walk around the room towards the cat. Allow your dog to head his way and sniff towards the cat. This should only last a few seconds before you tug on the leash and call him to get his attention. After playing with him for a minute or two, allow his attention to be brought back towards the cat.

This should go on for as long as possible and as many training days as possible. It's a simple procedure, and it works. It allows your dog to get used to the idea of being in the same room as your cat while taking his attention off of the cat without the need to constantly chase. Eventually, your dog will be able to remain unleashed without being completely fascinated and overwhelmed by your cat(s).