Dog Gone It, Leave the Cat Alone!

Either the cat or dog will try to decide who is dominant. The answer is neither one, we as humans must establish that we are running the show. It's our home and things will be run our way. To stop undesired behavior among cats and dogs they must first know what is and is not acceptable.

Dogs and cats need a strong leader

They either seek to be the leader or follow the leader. The first thing we must achieve is to remain calm no matter how hectic things may become with dogs and cats. Physical as well as verbal abuse will effect the way a dog or cat acts and feels towards us.

Dogs are more forgiving than cats when it comes to us becoming angry. A dog will forgive and forget, while the cat may be fearful for a very long time and never feel safe. Both want our love and companionship, the goal is to make them feel equal to each other and look to us as leaders.

As good leaders we must be calm, assertive, and consistent. The expectations need to be the same all the time, no exceptions.

Supervise in a manner that allows the dog and cat to be curious and find out a little about each other. If one happens to attack, be calm and don't allow them to hurt one another, keeping your own safety first on the priority list. Some practice and preparation on ourselves will help us become the leader the dog and cat both need.

In most, not all cases the dog takes on the predatory role. The cat then need not only a strong leader, but a place a refuge. The cat has to have access to food and water, litter box, and resting place where they feel safe without having to cross paths with the dog. This sounds easier than it is to achieve in some cases. With some planning and thought it can be done. Allow the cat a resting place where they can see, not under the bed or a dark gloomy spot. Do not make the cat feel like it must hide from the dog to get peace.

A training collar is a wonderful training tool for dogs when used properly. I purchased one when my German Shepherd Dog was a puppy. He is almost 3 years old now, and he does not need to have to collar on to be effective. All that is required is to hold the collar in my hand and instantly the dog backs off, calms down and will also lie down.

It takes time

Dogs and cats are not going to do what we want them to every single time. Be patient and it will happen. Please don't ever hit or scream at your dog or cat. This will only make them fearful of us and that is not what we need, respect is the goal.

Work together with the dog and cat. Try holding the cat and commanding the dog to lie down. Keep the training sessions short (5 or 10 min.) to start. Reward them when they do what you asked after the lesson is over. A reward does not always have to be food, words like good boy, or good girl and a simple scratch behind the ears shows our affection as well.

Allow time for things to develop on their own. Make certain both the dog and cat have their own safe zone, and allow them to come to you in a neutral place at their own will. Be a good leader and don't force the issue as this can take months to fully develop. The faster we become good leaders the faster our dogs and cats will behave in a manner that makes them a joy to have around.

I discovered a great way to learn more about dogs and cats, and help those in need in a capacity suitable for myself. I volunteer at my local animal shelter helping to look after and care for the those in need. I can't give them all a home, but I can still help.