Fighting like cats and dogs

Dogs chasing and biting cats can be a very stressful experience for both the human family members, as well for the cats. A dog might chase a cat for two reasons, one being to play with the cat and the other to harm the cat because she is seen as prey. The latter is a far more serious issue.

Dogs and cats are basically both predators, and as such, are genetically inclined to hunt and chase smaller creatures. Some dogs and cats may never become accepting of one another, while others, may become good friends. It is important to ease each participant, the cat and dog, into a supervised introduction. Do not allow for unsupervised interactions. These introductions might take as long as weeks or months.

To begin, isolating the new addition to the family, is a wise move. So, that each animal can adjust to the smells and sounds of the new animal. If possible, isolate the new pet into another room and allow for minimal contact, maybe even just behind closed doors at first. Then, place a baby gate in the doorway between the two animals. Give treats to each pet and be prepared to remove the animal that shows aggression. Gradually allow the cat and dog to get closer to the gate, keeping the dog on a leash.

If all goes well, then move on to allowing the two animals in the same room together, supervised of course. Allow the cat an escape route, as it is usually the cat that is at greater risk of harm. Gradually increase the amount of time that the cat and leashed dog are in the same room together, assuming that the interactions are positive.

You may need to purchase a muzzle for your dog. Place a treat in the muzzle, so that the dog will put his snout inside to get the treat. Do this a number of times, finally putting the muzzle on you dog.

Another technique that might help is putting the cat in a carrier and put the dog on a leash. Do not do this if you have a shy cat, or one that is easily stressed. Offer the dog treats when he either ignores the cat or shows no sign of aggression.

One strategy that works fairly quickly is clicker training. Leave your cat free to wander in a room and have you dog on a leash. Offer your dog irresistible treats and something only used for this exercise. Each time the cat moves or gets the dog’s attention, click and give your dog a treat immediately thereafter. This should only happen when your dog is calm. Hopefully your dog will relate the cat’s presence with delicious treats. Eventually, the leash can be removed.

Utilize a dog behaviorist to help you with training your pet. Be prepared that your cat and dog may, at best, tolerate one another, and they may potentially never be safely left alone together.

Angie Lewis is president of Alaska Animal Advocates.