My Dog Doesn’t Like the Cat I Brought Home
Question:
My dog doesn’t like the cat I brought home six months ago. I’ve tried everything I can think of, nice slow introductions, but he growls at her every time he sees her and I worry. Do I have to give up my cat for his own safety? Braxton, the dog, was here first.
ANSWER:
Fill your pockets with the most smelly, yummy treat possible. When the dog looks at the cat, say ‘COOKIE CAT!’ and feed a treat. Do this consistently for two reasons: it associates the idea of the cat’s presence with good things for the dog, and also trains Braxton to look at you when he sees the kitten instead of wanting to chase or growl. Make sure there’s plenty of escape routes and elevated safe perches for the cat.
Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant, consultant to the pet products industry and author of 22 nonfiction pet books including PETiQuette: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multipet Household. She can be reached at www.shojai.com where you can also learn about her free monthly Pet Peeves E-newsletter.
Go ahead and ask us! Click the button below.
This is a very good tip. Cats and dogs can get along even if they are not raised together.
When Timba (5 years old at the time – German Sheperd) was introduce to the house cat Yoda she went crazy. It was a real nightmare. I was able to have her on a down stay and the cat in my arms. A can of salmon on the floor. I hand fed both of them (They love salmon). Eventually they both relaxed around each other.