🐕 This next piece of advice is more proactive - manage your dog’s behaviour so they are easy for your cat to be around. (Sounds easy doesn’t it 😂😂😂).
🐈 Training basic behaviours such as a recall, sit and stay can be invaluable in giving you control of the situation and preempt an interaction getting out of hand. In the picture, Bucky is sitting and waiting after a walk so I can check there are no cats just inside the door.
🐕 Using high value distractions (such as long lasting chews) can help keep them occupied when your cat is around. Our cats usually come to the lounge in the evening so if Bucky is active we have a chew to hand to settle him down. We also take him for a short walk at the start of the evening so he settles quickly. If the dog won’t settle and will not listen to training commands, keep them separate from the cats, either on lead or with a barrier. Take some time to practice training in more distracting situations.
🐈 When your dog shows any calm behaviour around your cats (ignoring is perfect!) reward them! Tell them they are being good and use high value food rewards, toys or whatever makes them happy.
🐕 This is not something you should need to do forever. Put in the hard work in the early months (yes months!) and it will get easier as being calm around the cats becomes the norm and needs less reinforcing. More on this tomorrow when talking about building resilience!
#catsanddogs
