Balancing Cats and Dogs in Your Home
Is it true that cats and dogs won't happily coexist in the same home? Many people believe this to be the case.
You might be surprised to know that it doesn't necessarily need to be the case.
With a bit of planning and careful strategy, you can create an environment where both of these animals get along with each other just fine.
Both cats and dogs can be territorial.
Dogs are known for marking their territory and fighting other dogs, cats, or anyone else who invades their home.
Cats often do the same.
While cats are often smaller than dogs, they are quick and will scratch and fight to protect their territory.
If you want to train cats and dogs to coexist, you'll need to start with obedience, especially with the dog.
The dog will most likely be the aggressor, so it will be very important that he listens when you tell him "no.
" Be firm when you do this but don't be mean.
This will instill a new level of awareness in your dog that changes his or her behavior for the better.
When you bring the cat into a home with dogs, put the dog in another room and let the cat wander around.
The cat will need to roam around and spread her scent to feel at home.
The next step is to lock your cat in one room.
Now let the dog wander around the house.
He will spend time sniffing the cat's scent without actually seeing the cat, which will teach him that the cat is part of the home now.
When a dog sees another animal in his home, he won't immediately lunge at it.
First he'll start barking to scare the other animal away in an effort to avoid any possible violence.
When the barking starts, this is when you tell him "no.
" An obedient dog will stop barking.
While this may take a few tries, he will soon realize that the cat is allowed in the home.
Once the dog has stopped barking, let him sniff the cat up close.
Most cats will try to stay away from dogs, other animals, and even people.
It is their natural tendency to be aloof.
Once the dog is no longer barking and the cat is not scratching, you'll want to keep them in the same room for awhile so that they can get to know each other before the cat goes off on her own.
You might be surprised to know that it doesn't necessarily need to be the case.
With a bit of planning and careful strategy, you can create an environment where both of these animals get along with each other just fine.
Both cats and dogs can be territorial.
Dogs are known for marking their territory and fighting other dogs, cats, or anyone else who invades their home.
Cats often do the same.
While cats are often smaller than dogs, they are quick and will scratch and fight to protect their territory.
If you want to train cats and dogs to coexist, you'll need to start with obedience, especially with the dog.
The dog will most likely be the aggressor, so it will be very important that he listens when you tell him "no.
" Be firm when you do this but don't be mean.
This will instill a new level of awareness in your dog that changes his or her behavior for the better.
When you bring the cat into a home with dogs, put the dog in another room and let the cat wander around.
The cat will need to roam around and spread her scent to feel at home.
The next step is to lock your cat in one room.
Now let the dog wander around the house.
He will spend time sniffing the cat's scent without actually seeing the cat, which will teach him that the cat is part of the home now.
When a dog sees another animal in his home, he won't immediately lunge at it.
First he'll start barking to scare the other animal away in an effort to avoid any possible violence.
When the barking starts, this is when you tell him "no.
" An obedient dog will stop barking.
While this may take a few tries, he will soon realize that the cat is allowed in the home.
Once the dog has stopped barking, let him sniff the cat up close.
Most cats will try to stay away from dogs, other animals, and even people.
It is their natural tendency to be aloof.
Once the dog is no longer barking and the cat is not scratching, you'll want to keep them in the same room for awhile so that they can get to know each other before the cat goes off on her own.
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