How to wean a dog to react to cats?

It should be said right away that weaning a dog to react to cats means going against its nature. Only being housemates can animals get along, however, and this sometimes gives a lot of headaches to the owner.

Why is the dog not friendly with the cat?

The key difference between a dog and a cat is the manner of communication. Dogs are sociable, social and herd animals, at the genetic level they have a desire to get to know other animals. Cats, on the other hand, are loners by nature, they are rather closed and unsociable. Therefore, often the cat not only does not understand the curiosity of the dog, but also perceives it aggressively – as interference and encroachment on his personal territory and rights.

There is another logical explanation: both cats and dogs are hunters. But dogs are larger in size, so cats are prey for them. This is especially true of terriers, their hunting instinct is more developed than that of representatives of other breeds. This means that they perceive cats as a potential victim.

There is another theory – about the genetic memory of dogs and cats. According to her, the distant ancestors of domestic animals were clear competitors and fought for their prey. This enmity, scientists believe, has remained in the blood of pets, despite the fact that today pets do not have to fight over a bowl of food.

How to train a dog?

1. When raising a puppy, maximum attention should be paid to its socialization. The more different types of animals he learns, the more calmly he will perceive them as an adult.

2. Watch your dog’s behavior. Sometimes an aggressive attitude towards cats is the result of an unsuccessful acquaintance with representatives of the cat family. Perhaps the puppy was bitten or scratched by a cat, and now all her relatives are perceived by the dog aggressively.

3. Control your dog for a walk. As soon as the pet sees the cat and begins to show undesirable behavior, for example, standing up or baring his teeth, give the “No” command or “nearby”.

4. If the dog is not strapped in, take it on a leash outside.

5. If the pet does not obey, you can slightly pull it up and scold it. But do not shout, swear and use physical force – this can only aggravate the situation.

6. The most effective method of dog training is positive reinforcement. As soon as the pet has seen a cat, switch its attention with a clap, a whistle, or with a clicker. After that, be sure to give a treat – a reward for the pet’s attention.

7. If none of the methods helps, you should consult with a dog handler. Only a professional can assess the character of a dog and choose a competent training program specifically for it.

When working on the habits of a pet, and especially on how to wean a dog to react to cats, you should not forget about some of the features of the pet. Hunting breeds, terriers, and fighting dogs may never completely get rid of the habit of chasing cats. The desire to catch up with smaller prey is in their blood. And there are, on the contrary, more peaceful breeds that can easily learn the rules of communication with cats. These include Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Poodles, Border Collies and many others.

April 2 2018

Updated: April 12, 2018