Cats and dogs were not always sworn enemies, despite the lessons we have learned from cartoons. Through careful introduction and instruction, many dogs and cats are able to live together in peace. You might be able to get your cat and dog to get along, or at least tolerate one another.
1 - Start by keeping your dog and cat apart.
Keeping your pets apart at the start of this process, despite what might seem paradoxical, Create a "dog area" and a "cat area" in your home so that each creature has a separate location. They'll both feel more secure in your home as a result, which will make introductions go more smoothly.
The two spaces should be separated by a sturdy door. Open the door carefully to prevent unpleasant encounters. Install a pet gate in the entrance or hallway for added security, like the Regalo Extra High Walk-Through Gate.
In this manner, for any pet to enter the other's space, both the door and the pet gate would need to be opened simultaneously. Before going on to the next phase, allow your pets a day or two to adjust to their new space.
2 - Organize a scent exchange.
Put towels in the beds of your pets and any other places where your dog or cat sleeps. Change the towels every day so that the cat sleeps in the towel that the dog used the day before, and vice versa. Spend no less than a week doing this. This will facilitate the pets' acclimatization to one another's scents.
3 - Play while the door is closed.
It's time to teach the dog and cat to recognize each other's sounds now that they are accustomed to each other's scents. For the upcoming phases, you'll require further assistance!
Place the cat and dog on opposite sides of a closed door, with one human on each side. Everyone should engage in enjoyable activities with their pet. The noise of a different pet may initially keep each pet from engaging in play or enjoying goodies. Once and twice a day, practice in a fun environment with the front door closed until both pets are thoroughly absorbed in the game and the food.
4 - Allow them to interact with one another.
Open the sturdy door, wrap the pet gate using a towel, and continue step 3 using the cloth-covered pet gate as the barrier. Move the towel slightly to the side once the pets are at ease with it so they can see each other while they play or train. At the subsequent practice session, you may extend the towel for another half-inch as long as the dog and cat remain composed and intent on having fun. But don't hurry! Weeks may pass before both animals can maintain their composure without the towel. The session should be ended right away if either pet exhibits fear or aggression when seeing the other.
5 - Remove the obstacle.
Try repeating the practice after the cat and dog are content to play or receive rewards on opposite sides of the pet fence that isn't closed. Prevent the dog from approaching the cat too closely by using a leash. But it's okay if the cat decides to approach the dog!
The dog or the cat should both be playing and training alongside you or your assistant, just like before. Ensure that they can ignore the other pet so they can concentrate on what they are doing. Call your dog, make eye contact, or apply your "leave it" cue if your dog begins to show an excessive amount of interest in the cat.
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