Dog Obedience Training - Introducing Dogs to Cats

Dog Obedience Training - Introducing Dogs to Cats & Vice Versa

It is a misconception that dogs hate cats - this is simply not the case. If you are sensible and supervise the first contact that your dog or puppy has with you cat or kitten you can train your dog to be very comfortable around your feline friend. A cat that was was not introduced to dogs until he was seven years old (and the dogs were from six months up to four years old) was initially wary of being around four bigger and mixed breed dogs - however, through a gentle introduction program and constant supervision before long they were quite happy to be around each other. Below are some tips and advice on how to introduce your dog or puppy to your cat or kitten for the first time.

1. Start by bring the kitten (or cat) into the House in a wire crate so that your dog or puppy can see the kitten and smell this new addition to the House - remember that smell is very important in relation to dogs and puppies sensing new additions to their environment.
2. When you decide the time is right to let your cat or kitten out of the crate (wait for things to settle down) and remain close by at all times) open the crate door near an area where the cat or kitten can jump to or escape should he or she become a little worried.
3. When you put the liter tray on the floor make sure that it is well away from your dog or puppy as the smell of cat poop and urine is very attractive to a dog or puppy.
4. Never leave the kitten or cat alone with your dog or puppy until you are absolutely sure that they are safe together and their wont be any problems.
5. Introduce one dog at a time - don't introduce all the dogs to the cat or kitten at this same time as one dog may start winding up the other. A cat and even a kitten is actually very capable of looking after itself when faced with a small dog - a quick swipe will soon put the most attentive dog off.
6. Use positive reinforcement and rewards based training techniques to reinforce positive behavior from your dog or puppy when he behaves around your cat or kitten.
7. If you already have a cat at home and you are introducing a dog or puppy for the first time - start by removing the cat litter box and allow your cat to have access to a higher area in the House or room so that the cat or kitten feels safe up high and away from the dog or puppy. Before long through regular socialization and over a period of time your new dog will start to get used to the cat and vice versa.

Tobias Charles writes on all aspects of dog obedience training, puppy training and dog health care. For more information visit his website for the best dog obedience training tips, health care advice and recipes for homemade dog foods for more great tips and information.

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