Introducing your New Dog to a Resident Cat

It is important to introduce your dog carefully to your cat. It is confusing to a resident cat if you march into the kitchen with a new dog and force him/her onto your household pet!

Preparation is key to introductions and your dog should be on a harness and leash whilst doing controlled introductions as it is important that the dog does not chase and harass the resident cat. Cats are very clever, they soon realise the dog is on a leash and this in turn will make them more confident in being in the same room with the new dog – it will allow them to sniff and watch the dog from afar without the fear of being chased and pounced on. It is also very useful to link something good (for both cat and dog) when introducing them, so have some treats both your cat and dog love and when doing controlled introductions toss a treat in your cat’s direction and vice versa to your dog.

With the addition of some amazing food, this helps counter conditions both of the pet’s attitudes towards each other during the training process by linking something good (treats) with something bad (cat/dog). During the early days, NEVER leave the dog and the cat together alone until you can be sure it is safe to do so. Always either shut the dog or cat away in a safe area making sure your cat has full access to resources without the dog being able to obstruct them e.g. food, water, litter tray, going outside etc.

It is important to introduce your puppy carefully to your resident dog, cat or other pets. It is confusing to a resident dog or cat if you march into the kitchen with a new puppy and force him/her onto the other pet.

To follow up or make an appointment or find out more information about Ringwood Dogs, Ashley Heath on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border, please contact Isabelle Adams-Papé by clicking on the Contact Me tab.

I look forward to meeting you and working with your dogs.

Teaching Owners – Training Dogs.  Happy dog training.

Isabelle Papé IMDT, ISAP, KAD
Ringwood Dogs, Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border.
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