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INTRODUCING A NEW ANIMAL INTO THE HOUSEHOLD: DOG TO CAT The old tale that a cat and dog cannot live together peaceably is untrue. What is true, however, is that is does take some skill and patience to make it work. It also takes a dog who is already well trained and an owner who has excellent control of his dog. Without this you may be putting a cat (or even the dog) in a potentially dangerous situation. All dogs should be trained to be gentle and well behaved, but particularly those who will be asked to live with a cat or two. Successful introductions have much to do with each animal's previous experiences with other animals, if any at all, and how well their guardians introduce them. When choosing an animal (whether a cat or a dog), be considerate of each animal's background, and, in some cases, breed. For instance, a dog who has been around bully cats may not be too keen on your idea of adding a cat to the family. Or a cat living in a household with a dog who has a nasty habit of chasing other animals, may just decide to live the rest of her days perched in fear atop the refrigerator or dressers. But lets say you go to great lengths to choose the right cat or dog to live with you and the rest of your animal family, do not ruin things by introducing them improperly. First impressions between cats and dogs are as important as they are between people. Making sure that there are as few problems as possible is an important guide to helping these animals form a lifelong friendship (or maybe just to get along.) Keep a positive attitude and don't apologize or agonize over your decision to bring another animal into your home. The stress it causes you will reflect in how you interact with your companion animals. In other words, if you are nervous, you will make your companion animals nervous, too. This will certainly affect how they view the other animal and you may be sabotaging your efforts for a successful relationship. Begin by keeping the new animal in a separate room or area for several days. Make sure they are kept comfortable with food, water, bedding and a litter box for cats. The current pet(s) should have free roam of the rest of the home. Allow them to sniff and growl under the door. After all, they have to accept the presence of an animal of another species. If you wish to let the new animal out of confinement for short periods, it should be done only when they can be supervised by an adult and the current pet is kept in another room or area. Once the grumbling has lessened, allow the animals to see each other through a screen or slightly opened door. This allows each animal to work out defensiveness or aggression without really being able to harm each other physically. Do this exercise for several days until you feel comfortable enough to introduce them face to face. When you can be home all day and are feeling quite relaxed, allow the new animal out of his confinement. Unless you are certain that the dog(s) involved is very well trained and has been gentle with small animals in the past, introduce the dog on a very loose leash. Do not force them to be together. Doing so could make each animal feel out of control or threatened and a fight could easily break out. Instead, be casual and let them encounter each other on their own. It is perfectly normal and expected that these animals hiss, growl, chase, swat, and bat at each other. This may go on for several days or several weeks. Do not punish one animal and/or rescue the other. This may only serve to teach one animal that the other causes him to be punished, or that he has to make no effort to defend himself. Be patient. If your animals are well adjusted, they will work things out in their own time. However, if there is severe fighting in which the animals are being injured, separate by throwing water on them or making a loud noise. Do not try to separate them with your body. In the frenzy you could be bitten and scratched by accident. Keep the animals apart, and after a few days, try to introduce them again. Do not expect your cats and dogs to become pals right away. Friendships take time to develop. It is not wise to set a short time period or to expect too much from your companion animals too soon. Have realistic expectations and goals. If problems persist, or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call your local shelter. |