dogscats

Introducing a new dog or cat into the household

Preparation is the Key
Often we allow this to just happen and expect that they will just get on, not taking into consideration the natural inclinations some dogs have to chase, hunt, herd, or stalk. And the natural tendencies for cats to be inquisitive and sometimes territorial.

A general rule of thumb it would be preferable if the new animal is younger and of the opposite sex than the resident pet, even between dogs and cats. It may also be simpler to bring in a puppy into a cat household, as the puppy won't be as big or as threatening as a full grown dog, However a puppy may be more boisterous than an adult dog that had previously lived in a cat household.

The cat may not view the new addition as a friend but rather as an invader of its territory. In addition, the dog will probably not know that the cat is a family member to be respected and hopefully ignored, but as an object for fun and games or even something to be killed. Some dogs try to approach the cat as if it is another dog often causing confusion and fear in the resident cat that may have never had to live with a dog.

Problem Breeds
Be aware than some breeds such as terriers and sight hounds such as greyhounds have high predatory, prey, and chase drives than say some of the gundog breeds who have soft mouths and flock guarding breeds such as Leonbergers and Maremmas. However herding breeds can cause a problem as they may wish to herd and nip at heels.

I also have a cat - often, unfamiliar dogs come in my house, all my extended family have dogs, and one of my daughters has a dog walking and pet sitting company and comes in regularly with numerous dogs that are not known to my other dogs or my cat. The cat normally just takes itself off upstairs to await the intruder’s departure. However, on one occasion one of her dogs ran upstairs and chased the cat all round the rooms.

The cat finally hit the cat-flap at about fifty mile per hour. I still to this day do not know how she got through that flap, as she was puffed up to almost twice her size. Daughter was summarily banned from bringing dogs in - that were not on a lead. It took the cat days to come down off the neighbour’s garage roof. We had to feed and water her there until she regained her confidence to come back home.

Dogs or cats may sometimes view each other as competition for the attention and time of the owner. In many cases, the biggest problem is not the animals themselves but the owners and their expectations.

Therefore to bring the two species together they need a careful and positive introduction program, whereby all contacts can be seen as rewarding. Initially both animals should be in separate rooms for anything up to a week, during this time take time out to crate train the dog, and put the cat in its carry box on a regular basis. In addition, set up boltholes and high vantage escape routes for the cat.

Put an old towel or small blanket in with both the dog and the cat, then after a couple of days take them out. And switch them over i.e. put the ones with the other animals scent on in the crates or beds. So that they get used to the strange scent.

Put the dog into your lap or in a sit position and feed the dog with treats whilst the scented towel/blanket of the cat smell is near or is in your hand. Do the same thing to the cat, get the cat to lay on the dog smell blanket on your lap, and feed a favourite titbit. This will allow the others scent to be close in a positive and rewarding situation.

Do not leave out food or toys so that the other one could eat or play with them. That does not mean they cannot have toys but they must be put away after play. As should the food bowls after eating. Try not to pet or cuddle the other animal in sight of each other during this initial period.

You then need to schedule your day round about 5 play sessions lasting between five and ten minutes each. Split up the dogs and cat food into five separate portions to use during these sessions. Both animals initially should be in cages/crates or on leads.Warning signs to look out for before getting the new dog or cat:

Watch for behaviours in the dog that could indicate he might not be compatible with small animals: For instance.

The dog is aggressively possessive over food, toys, chews, bones, or even the water bowl or his bed object guarding things like tissues or his bed.

When on walks, the dog is obsessed with chasing squirrels, mice, rats or rabbits.

When excited, the dog does not listen; and may become uncontrollable, unruly, and overly boisterous.

When on walks, the dog stares intently at other animals, and perhaps even stalks them. Or chases bikes joggers and is stimulated by sudden movement.

Often if the new dog is a rescue, they may have tested for tolerance to cats - and may have background information on the dog that will help you in deciding whether to re-home it with your cat.

Now you need to start bringing them together.
If you have crate trained your dog allow the cat to approach the crate whilst the dog is locked in. Do not under any circumstances force the cat to approach, allow its natural curiosity to take over. The same thing can happen if the cat is placed in its crate, allow the dog to carefully approach and sniff, dissuade any barking or lunging by keeping it on a lead.

Both pets should be handled, stroked, and cuddled whilst being in the same room, They should also be fed the small portions you have measured out. If the cat or the dog shows alarm or fear, never sympathise or try to comfort as this only serves to confirm the fear, try to be blasé about the whole process.

It is better if two people are available for this exercise, however if this is not possible then the long-standing pet should get the main praise not the newcomer. It is important to let the resident pet know it is still loved and cherished. This is an area that many people fall down on; they give all the attention to the newcomer, and remonstrate with the resident animal for being too rough or curious. Try to relax in these circumstances, take the tension out of your body - as it will only serve to cause the animals to be concerned about your stress and fear.

It is quite helpful to teach your dog the word “Gentle” whilst taking treats this can then be used to direct the dog to less boisterous and rough behaviour. It would be beneficial to allow the cat escape routes and vantage points where the dog cannot chase or follow. Therefore feed in places where the dog cannot reach, put a soft blanket out of reach of the dog where the cat can relax and watch the proceedings. Consider a dog free room either upstairs where the dog cannot pursue the cat

Whilst this is all happening, try not to shout at or remonstrate with either of the pets. The new pet should be made to feel welcome and safe but not at the expense of the resident animal.

What you should be looking for is acceptance from each of your pets that the other also has a position and a place in your household, you must make sure that neither are terrorised or frightened, this may take some time, do not rush it.

You may wish to use some calming agents therefore consider herbal or natural pheromone remedies. I am not a fan of homeopathic remedies. I am afraid professor Ernst’s studies and the failure to prove that homeopathy has any more impact on a illness than a placebo, has convinced me that I prefer herbal, pheromone, flower, and mainstream treatment, that can often help this introduction process.

For instance, there are chemical mimics of the calming pheromones given out by the nursing mother when the pups and the kittens are born. These are called DAP Diffusers and CAP Diffusers and stands for “Dog Appeasing Pheromones” and “Cat Appeasing Pheromones”. Combined with other treatments, these can have a marked affect on the two pet’s behaviour when initially introducing them, and for any ongoing socialisation.

Dogs and cats can eventually become friends, or they may just simply tolerate each other. Taking time in the beginning - should help the process. It takes all kinds to make a world, and all kinds of sometimes-unlikely unions to make a lifelong friendship.

stan2

©Stan Rawlinson 2007
Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) is a Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer with over 25 years experience of working with dogs. He now has a successful practice covering London Surrey and Middlesex.
Web site www.Doglistener.co.uk E-mail enquiries@Doglistener.co.uk

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Living Peaceably with Dogs and Cats