Choosing A Dog To Add To Your Family: How To Pick One That Will Love Your Cat As Much As You Do – Hyaenidae (original) (raw)

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Adding a dog to your family is an exciting step, but it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Dogs are a major commitment, with lifespans ranging from 10 years and up, and they need more time and effort than other pets, like cats. Dogs can’t be left alone as long and require regular training to prevent behavioral issues from developing. As such, it’s important that you understand whether you’re ready to own a dog before you start your search.

Once you’re certain and you begin looking for a dog, you need to think about the people and pets that currently live in your home. Picking a dog that gets along with your cats can be the hardest decision, so you need to take plenty of time over it.

That’s because both animals can have problems with the other. Cats are often wary of dogs and can feel threatened by their presence. On the other hand, dogs, especially puppies and untrained dogs, may view cats as prey and give chase. That’s why it’s so important to carefully consider your choice of dog breed and individual temperament when adding a dog to a home that already has a feline resident.

While popular culture would have us believe that dogs and cats fight like, well, dogs and cats, that’s not always the case in real life. Many dogs and cats can co-exist happily in the same home and even become close companions, but only if the right dog is chosen and the introductions are done properly.

This might seem overwhelming, especially since it’s such a vitally important decision. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to selecting the perfect pooch to join your cat and fit in perfectly with your whole family.

Avoid Dogs With A High Prey Drive

Some dogs were bred specifically for hunting and, as a result, have developed a high prey drive. Dogs with a high prey drive will probably struggle to resist the urge to chase your cat, which could stress them both out and lead to friction in your household. Unfortunately, that does mean that you’re unable to take on most types of terrier, as many of these have some of the strongest prey drives among any breed of dog. If you want to know what to avoid, use The Terrier Guide to find out more about this group of dogs. You can then narrow down your search to breeds that are well-known to get on with cats, such as many Toy breeds, including Pugs, Bichon Frisés and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Pick An Older Dog

Buying an older dog, either from a shelter or directly from its old owner, might seem like a worse option than a puppy, but it can be better for your cat and your entire family in the long run. Puppies can be incredibly boisterous, and if you’re not prompt with your corrections, then they could quickly become a nuisance. An older dog that’s already lived with cats will have experience in how to behave around them, so you won’t have to put in as much work to teach them.

Do Introductions Properly

The initial introduction between your cat and your dog will have a major impact on their future relationship, so you need to get things right from the start. That means creating the right environment to introduce your cat to the new dog. When you bring the dog home, keep it on a leash and slowly introduce it to your cat. Give them both treats and praise for calm behavior, as this will create a positive association. If possible, try to do the introductions before you adopt or buy the dog. Many shelters and some private buyers will let you do this to ensure that you’ve picked the right personalities and reduce the chances of you needing to return the dog.

Train Your Dog To Leave Your Cat Alone

Dogs are often incredibly curious about cats, but many felines like to be left alone. A dog that’s too boisterous or keeps bothering your cat may end up causing a fight. To avoid this, train your dog to listen to commands like “leave it” and use these when it’s bothering your cat. You can also try using positive reinforcement to reward what you consider to be good behavior that your dog does around the cat. This approach will help you to remain in control of the situation. Another solution is to crate train your dog so that it can be put away when it is being overly excitable. These techniques can help you to create a safe space for your cat and dog to live in harmony.

With proper introduction, supervision, and training, dogs and cats can become the best of friends and live together for the rest of their lives in peace. Patience and care when choosing your dog will lead to a harmonious multi-pet home, so take the time to review these tips and make the most of them.

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