Kerry Scott
It’s a common notion that a dog’s nature is to always chase cats. People accept that idea. Do you know the cartoon show “Tom & Jerry”? That’s the plot in most of the episodes. That dog and cats are nemeses.
But puppies and kittens can get along well. And if they’re raised together, they grow up thinking they’re actual siblings. Part of one and the same litter. There are also cases where adult dogs can learn to live with a young cat and even look after it as one’s own. Or the other way around.
So how do you do that? How do you bring an adult dog and a young cat together? Or How do you train your young puppy to stop chasing cats? Here we talk about what you can do so you can keep your puppy and cat on “friendly” terms. And so your pup can remain in good behavior when out there with other people’s cats.
You May Have to Use a Muzzle
Initially, you may need to use a muzzle so you can ensure that your cat stays safe and injury-free. Your puppy still needs time to get used to the company of your feline pet. It may be unable to control its excitement and curiosity in seeing the cat trotting around the house.
So help it stay under control by fitting a muzzle for a temporary period. And do use a muzzle if your puppy seems to salivate whenever it sees your house cat passing by it.
For options, you may use the traditional basket muzzle. A plastic one may be less bothersome and weighty for your pup You may also opt for the soft muzzle. These are made of fabric or soft material which gives a more natural and non-intrusive feel on your dog.
Teach Your Puppy to Accept Its Muzzle
The muzzle may be threatening to a puppy. And your pet may feel anxious each time it sees the muzzle approaching. That’s why you have to ease your puppy into accepting its muzzle. Here are some steps to do just that.
Approach your puppy and speak to it in a calm manner. Don’t sound agitated nor annoyed at your puppy for chasing after the cat.
Introduce the muzzle to your dog. Show it. Let your pup sniff it. But don’t let your dog play with it.
You could hold the muzzle as you do a bowl. Then put some treat inside the muzzle.
Let your dog put its nose inside and get the food.
When your pup is relaxed enough, proceed to strap the muzzle onto your pup’s face.
Pat your dog with reassurance and praise it for accepting the muzzle.
Remember never to give your pup the idea that wearing a muzzle is a punishment. Because if that happens, it will be harder to put the muzzle on the next time around.
You May Have to Use a Leash Inside the House
You may need to keep your pup on a leash inside the house. Do this especially the first week of its arrival. And even more, if your pup can’t hold its excitement at the sight of your pet cat.
For options, use a light and short leash. Get one that feels invisible or is at least comfortable to hang around your pup’s neck. You may also use a particular leash for this training. That means, you only sling it around your puppy when you’re teaching it to stop chasing cats.
Make your dog feel that putting on a leash is not a bad thing. Be normal in going about it. Don’t make such a fuss. And don’t speak angrily. Just approach it naturally and calmly. And don’t take your pet by surprise. Speak to it in low tones as you put the leash on.
Use the Leash to Train Your Dog to Relax Around the Cat
One effective way to train your puppy to stop chasing cats is to put them in the same room. Keep your pup on a leash, but let the cat move around freely. Let your dog get used to having the cat nearby.
Correct wrong behaviors like tugging on the leash or trying to go and chase the cat. And try to calm your pet each time it gets excited. Sit it down and talk to it in soothing tones. Sooner or later, you’ll see them getting more comfortable around each other. They may even start sitting side by side and may even start playing together.
Maintain the Safety of Your Pets at all Times
Always be attentive to how both your pets are interacting. And be ready to jump in when things get out of hand. Your cat may approach too close and your pup may get too excited. The atmosphere can get charged so easily, especially in the early days of your pup and cat’s togetherness.
Never leave your pets unsupervised. One or both can easily get injured should things get rough. And if you must step out for a bit, make sure the area has some climbing space for your cat to retreat to in case your pup starts chasing it.
Final Thoughts
Puppies are playful, especially while they’re young. Chasing cats may be a form of play or a curious response. Train your puppy patiently. And keep it temporarily on a muzzle or a leash when they’re together. Let them stay in the same room and provide the opportunity to get used to being together. And always be ready to step in and calm the atmosphere when any of your pets get hyped up.