Home > Out of the Cage! > July/August 2005 > Behavior & Training: Mixing It Up with Dogs and Cats

Behavior & Training

Mixing It Up with Dogs and Cats

by Stacy Alldredge, Trainer, The Dog Run – NYC/Who's Walking Who

A reader writes: I adopted a cat, Paula, from a rescue group a couple of years ago, and now I want to adopt a dog to keep us company. I have the space and the time, and can afford a dog. But I'm worried — friends keep telling me that I will never find an adult dog who will be okay with a cat. But I don't want to adopt a puppy. Can you help me separate fact from fiction?

Good for you — not only for adopting a cat from rescue, but also for trying to save another animal! Dogs and cats CAN live together in a peaceful and safe manner. The most important thing here is Paula's safety.

Most dogs can learn to behave well with cats. But you want to do a little homework before you make a choice. First, I would have a "temperament test" performed on the dog you are considering adopting, and I would include cats in the test. (Whether you have a cat or not, it is always good to temperament test a dog you are seriously considering adopting). This can be done at a shelter or by a rescue group. What you are looking for is a dog that is not obsessed with the cat and one that can be easily distracted away from the cat. An adoption counselor, trainer, or rescue group representative should be able to help you with the evaluation.

Second, the dog should be leashed when he or she meets your cat for the first time, and for several introductions after that. It is important to remember to hold the leash so that the dog cannot chase Paula. If you are considering a large or strong dog, you might want a second person to help out — one person to hold the leash and the other person to mind Paula.

Third, once things appear calm, either tether the "new dog" with a chew and let Paula wander around, or crate the "new dog" with a chew and let Paula wander around. (You'll want to keep an eye on the animals in case you need to intervene.) Again, it is really important that the dog does not get in the habit of chasing the cat. If and when you do have the new dog loose in the house, keep a leash on him or her in the beginning for several weeks, so that if the dog starts to chase Paula, you can stop and redirect the dog.

Fourth, make sure to play with and pet Paula while the dog is tethered and/or crated so that the dog learns to expect and accept that the cat also deserves attention.

Lastly, remember safety first! Do not leave Paula and the dog free together for at least one to two months. You really want to make sure your new dog is safe for Paula.

Best of luck and I am sure you will find a great dog for you and Paula to adopt!

Stacy Alldredge is a professional dog trainer and behavioral consultant who owns The Dog Run – NYC, a one-of-a-kind doggie day care and service center in Manhattan, and Who's Walking Who, an obedience and behavioral service. Stacy provided the location for the filming of the breed identification DVD currently in production, and stages fundraisers for the Mayor's Alliance/Picasso Veterinary Fund at her Chelsea location. Stacy and her businesses were featured in the November 2004 issue of Out of the Cage!

If you have a behavior or training question or topic you'd like to see addressed in this column, please e-mail it to us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.