How to train cats and dogs to get along

It’s just the way, and most people would agree, cats and dogs do not get along. However, households with both cats and dogs are more common than you think. A recent survey states that 45% of cat owners have a dog, meaning the need to train cats and dogs to get along is a regular household issue.

So, just how can you train cats and dogs to get along?

Expose dogs to cats early in life

Puppies are easily trained and tend to absorb new situations well so exposing dogs to cats early in life gives them a better chance of getting along. Puppies also have more placid personalities which allow the cat to show its dominance and create hierarchy in the household.

Take personality into account

You must know your pet’s personality and try to match them accordingly before you make living arrangements. An aggressive, territorial dog will not go well with a hyperactive cat. If you’re adopting a new cat or dog, make sure you discuss their background, behaviours, and reactions to other animals before you make the final decision.

Exercise your dog regularly

Dogs need to release energy. However, instead of going for a walk introduce stimulating exercises for your dog. This can include short training sessions, doggy daycare, or mix up the walk so it’s not predictable. This will discourage the dog to pay excessive attention to the cat because it has already been stimulated by other exercises.

Plan their first meeting

Introduce your cat and dog to each other in a planned way. You may want to keep them behind a closed screen door so they can smell each other but not touch. Ensure your dog is on a leash so you can control them if anything goes wrong. Increase the meeting length and frequency until you feel they are relaxed around each other.

Keep food separate

Have set meal times for your cat and dog and ensure you stick to them. Place the bowl in different areas of the house to avoid any territorial reactions. It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding them snacks or scraps at other times as this may prompt them to fight over food.

It’s important to spend the time to train cats and dogs to get along. It may seem time-consuming but it will make day-to-day living a lot more enjoyable and stress-free.

If you want to know more information about the dynamics of cat and dog relationships, feel free to comment below or contact Karingal Vet Hospital.