How to Train Dogs to Live With Cats

It's a myth that dogs and cats can never live peacefully together. Once your dogs get over the excitement and newness of the cats, your pets will develop a harmonious relationship; at the very least, they will tolerate one another. Training your dogs from the start not to bark and chase after the cats is a good first start. Read on to learn about ways to train your dogs to live with your cats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Whistle Baby gate Leash Muzzle

How to Train Dogs to Live with Cats

1. Introduce the dogs to your cats slowly when the house is calm and not hectic. Keep the dogs on a leash or put a muzzle on them to prevent them from overwhelming the cats.

2. Blow a whistle and say "no" when your dogs try to chase or bark at the cats. This will set up boundaries and prevent the dogs from hurting the cats or the cats from hurting the dogs.

3. Consistently reward your dogs for listening. Sometimes give them treats and other times simply praise them with words.

4. Use methods of punishment effectively. For example, if one of your dogs chases your cats, say "no" and put a muzzle on her for a few minutes. Like children, dogs can quickly forget so you don't want to keep the muzzle on for too long.

5. Set up a baby gate to prevent your dogs from eating the cats' food and drinking their water, because it can be challenging to train any dog to resist the temptation of cat food. This will also give the cats a room to themselves for privacy.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a cat door to your laundry room or basement so your cats have a place to get away from the dogs when needed. Pay equal attention to all of the animals and reinforce good behavior with praise.
• Dogs and cats are animals so they can injure each other, which is why constant monitoring is important during the training process.

Resources

• Making Peace Between Dogs and Cats