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Training Cats And Dogs To Live Together

By Patricia Ramsey


Cats and dogs are known to be mortal enemies. Though this can sometimes be a fact, some pet parents who want to have both animals as their pet are hoping that everything will be fine if they do the right steps on introducing the newcomer to the chief of the house. Felines and canines have their own unique needs and wants. Being aware and understanding all of it will help you to introduce the two and help them enjoy each other's company.

Before the Introduction

Before you add a new pet, there are things that you have to keep in mind in order to prevent the cat, dog or even you from getting harmed. The perfect time to introduce a canine and feline is when they are both young. On their baby stages, both are trying to familiarize themselves of the things around them. Getting them aware that the other kind of species exists while they are young will give them the impression that nothing is very special about the other and this will save them from the possible shock. If both or the existing pet is an adult, this is where the real challenge sets in.

The older pet or the existing one is the king or queen of the kingdom. The new pet that you will introduce will be seen as an intruder or an unwelcome guest. Cats have the normal behavior to protest by marking their territory whenever there is a threat to their status while dogs have the instinct to chase small things that move and run especially cats. Another important fact to remember is that, dogs are easier to train and cats are rare to follow commands. With this, you will have to focus on training your dog more to leave something alone, sit and stay when told. If the newcomer is a dog, do not let him roam around the house as the adult cat will see him as a threat. The same goes for a new kitty if you are uncertain that your dog will not harm the cat if it was spotted around the house. Space, place to sleep, food and your attention is something that both need and will fight for.

Meetings and Visits

Introduction doesn't have to happen on the day that your new pet steps inside the house. A new environment is stressful for cats and dogs that they would need some time to adjust to it. Meeting them up immediately with the bosses will only cause fear and shock. Provide a separate room for the new member of the family for days. The correct way on meeting them up and training the two to live together as a family is by letting them get along little by little. Remember to be there and observe every move that they make.

When you started the visit, watch out for nasty things that they might do. Treat them well and never scold anyone during the meet up. Provide rewards if they are behaving properly to give them the idea that being with each other is good. Introduction should happen for over a few days. Allow them to visit each other every day and supervise each visit. If someone do things that might harm or unfriendly towards the other, separate them immediately. Do not harm or punish a pet for the other's sake. Enjoy the visits with your pets for those to become a pleasant experience for them. It does take time before you can be at ease that they will get along well. An approximate 3-4 weeks of patience and understanding is needed to get this all done.




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