Cats and dogs aren’t always best friends – and you probably don’t need us to tell you that!
In popular culture, they’re often considered to be enemies, and it’s true that they won’t always be the best of friends when they’re sharing a home together. But often, cats and dogs can get along well. Sometimes they’ll be best friends, but other times they may simply be able to co-exist peacefully (with plenty of the best cat treats and dog toys to help!) – which in turn will lead to a calmer home.
Expert trainer Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, has explained how we can help our cats and dogs co-exist in each other’s presence in a new Instagram post, so let’s take a look.
“Training together can help build relationships,” begins DeWillems, “Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement.”
She also recommends making sure that both species have spaces they can go at different levels – we know that cats often love to be high up, for example. An instinctive behavior for them is to seek high vantage points as they help them feel safe, take a look around their surroundings, and look out for any potential dangers.
And remember not to rush the process – helping your pets get along can take time. If you’re patient, you’re more likely to see the results you’re hoping for.
When you first add a new pet to your household, however, it’s best to keep them apart for a few days so everyone gets a chance to grow accustomed to the new sounds and smells – ensure that each pet has a safe space they can go to and feel secure in, alternating who gets to explore the rest of the house until you feel it’s a good time to make the introductions.
You can begin by feeding the dog and the cat on opposite sides of a closed door, gradually moving the bowls closer to the door until they’re both eating right in front of the door. For the first face-to-face meeting, it’s a good idea to have a baby gate or screen between them.
Take a look at these five dos and don’ts from a vet, too, remembering that there’s no harm in seeking out professional help if you think your pets would benefit. The longer we wait before addressing the issues, the more behaviors will become ingrained and be difficult to sort.
And what if you have children to think about, too? Here’s how to introduce a cat to your children, and how to introduce a dog to a baby, for all you need to know.
Shopping for a pet (or pet owner!) this Christmas? We’ve been rounding up the best Black Friday cat deals and the best Black Friday dog deals to help your Christmas budget stretch further.
