Cats & Dogs

Introductions & Living Together

Ideally dogs would be exposed and or grow up around cats and other animals before 8-weeks of age and be taught how to coexist with other animals peacefully. But since we don’t live in an ideal world it requires us to ensure everyone’s safety when we are responsible for dogs. It’s important to understand some dogs can learn to safely cohabitate with other animals, but others will only be well-mannered under the control and watchful eye of a responsible human. With these dogs it’s important that they are never unattended with cats or other animals. 

Several years ago I adopted two adult dogs from the shelter. A 4-year old Dalmatian, and a 1-year old American Staffordshire Terrier/German Shepherd/Chow Chow mix/mutt. We had three cats and both dogs displayed over the top (10+) reactivity/arousal toward the cats regardless if the cats were stationary or running. The Dalmatian if given the opportunity would chase cats, rabbits, or other small animals with a ferocious and dangerous intensity. The other dog, the mutt given an opportunity would kill small animals. (Rabbits, possums, cats, rats, etc…) Our cats had the run of the whole house and regular controlled access to the secured backyard. Our cats were never harmed because that was never an option. The dogs never had an opportunity to chase the cats. I worked with the dogs for months before I was confident that my cats were safe around the dogs and could be left unattended safely. They never became best friends, but they were friendly and respectful roommates.

So How Do We Accomplish Peaceful Coexistence?

One of the foundational steps is to develop the right relationship with your dog(s) based on trust, respect, and desire. This is accomplished by being fair to the dog, controlling and providing all the things that are important to the dog, and just as important being fun to be around and being your dog’s best friend.  Don’t confuse “alpha” with being a “leader”. I highly recommend Suzanne Clothiers small e-book “Attentive Cooperation” to help develop trust, respect, and desire, that results in self-control and attentive cooperation.

One of the first questions to ask is, how does the dog perceive their role within the environment and what are the dog’s expectations of how to act? Dogs need to learn self-control and self-modulation before they are free from restraint and restricted access just as in housetraining.

The first priority is to remove the possibility that a dog can chase cats or other animals. We need to remove a dogs ability to practice the wrong behavior and structure our training to put those instincts under our control.

Whenever cats are present dogs are kept on a leash. If the dog pulls or lunges the dog is guided back (not jerked) with the leash to your side and tension removed from the leash. I do not recommend restraining or restricting a cat’s movement; No - holding/restraining, carrier or crate.  Cats need to have confidence we can control the dog. A cat needs to feel secure so they are less likely to feel the need run and act like prey which can trigger dogs chasing or predatory instinct. It’s important for the cats to have safe places. We built a large cat tree in our family room to give the cats a safe place.

Select The Right Collar

Select The Right Leash

Don’t hesitate to tell your dog their behavior is unacceptable. The stronger the relationship between the dog and owner the more important your opinion and/or dissatisfaction is when expressed to the dog. Having control over a dog is as much about relationship as it is about training.

Its important to evaluate whether a dog is getting all their needs met (attention, social interaction, exercise, mental stimulation) and making their life more interesting. Variety can be the key to an enriching life for dogs. Engage all five of the dogs' senses, to make their days more interesting. Anything that is unchanging is no longer unique and loses its value quickly. Dogs engaged in enrichment activities are less likely to develop the inappropriate behaviors that are the result of boredom, stress, and frustration. Make Life Better!

Dogs may be curious, excited, or predatory around cats. It is not appropriate for dogs to be out of control around cats “even in play”. Dogs only do what we teach them or allow them to do. Genetics and previous learning gives opportunities for the chasing instinct to develop, but the environment we establish gives the dog the opportunities to practice this behavior. We never want dogs displaying high-arousal or to be fixated/obsessed with a cat. A dog that is aware and observing a cat looks much different than a dog that is fixated or obsessed. It’s important to note that a dog can be highly aroused and be standing, sitting, or lying down quietly in a high state or arousal. An experienced trainer can help you identify and work through this behavior.

Mild fixation can be redirected quietly but a dog that is getting highly arousal or obsessed needs to realize we are very dissatisfied with their behavior with the tone and manner we communicate. That does not mean we need to be harsh or yell or shout. Treats or rewards can be used but not immediately after a dog has behaved inappropriately (hard stare, barking, etc.) toward the cat. We need to put in place a disassociation time (2-min) between the inappropriate behavior and behavior that is now under control before giving a treat or reward. Example would be to redirect the dog to get their attention off the cat(s) than ask the dog to comply with a series of a minimum of three requests: e.g. sit, lay down, stand, sit, shake, hand target, etc… keep the dog engaged for 2-min before we give a reward if they continue to ignore the cat(s). This way the dog can only associate the reward with complying with our requests. Dogs can learn a reliable way to get rewarded is to behave inappropriately because it results in positive attention/ rewards from us. On the same token, when a dog is showing interest but not excitement or high arousal, redirect their attention to you and praise them and let them know much you appreciate them exercising self-control if they are not pulling or straining on the leash. 

I teach dogs and owners how to play fetch so the dog has an approved outlet for the chasing desires and we build on the training from there to put those instincts under our control. But we don’t stop at fetch or chasing toys. In order to place those instincts under our control we must also put chase on permission and teach an immediate running stop in addition to a reliable recall. Search out a trainer that is knowledgeable and talented dog trainer so there is no need for a shock/stem/e-collar to train your dog.

Playing structured games with your dog helps build a good relationship by engaging in activities the dog enjoys. I highly recommend the book “The Dog Vinci Code”, chapter 9 “Training Specific Breeds”.

Don’t misunderstand. We can’t fix normal, but our goal should be through training and the right relationship to put those instincts under our control. My own dogs learned to live peacefully with the cats in the home, but that did not remove the desire to go after roaming cats, rats, rabbits, etc… To control those instincts it requires ongoing training to keep those skills sharp and under our control when we are present. It takes work, time, and consistency to see change. As with many things this is easier said than done and it will take management, training and lots of patience.

Here are some great resources you may find helpful.

Understanding Thresholds: It’s More than Under- or Over-

https://suzanneclothier.com/article/understanding-thresholds-its-more-than-under-or-over/

How Much Does Your Dog’s Cooperation Weigh?

https://suzanneclothier.com/article/much-dogs-cooperation-weigh/

Thresholds, Thresholds, and Doing Nothing

https://youtu.be/VLriCeTYxLM