My dog is harassing my cat. How can I make them coexist safely?

Hi there. This is a complex question that can't really be fully answered in forum like this, so I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer in your area who can help you in person. In general, you need to introduce them slowly (usually by having a separate "safe room" for the cat during the introduction process), and keep the dog on-leash whenever the cat is around at first. The dog should be rewarded with praise and treats for calm behavior around the cat. Over time, if all goes well, you can start to allow the dog off-leash for short periods around the cat, as long as she isn't showing any signs of aggression or intense interest. Be aware that some dogs with a strong predatory instinct may never be safe off-leash around cats, in spite of training. You can search for a veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org or a qualified trainer here: www.ccpdt.org

Oh dear! This is potentially a very dangerous situation for your cat, so I would definitely recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist if you want to keep both pets - he/she can evaluate your dog in person to help determine the level of risk involved, and will put together a detailed training plan to work on the problem. Generally, treatment for this problem would involve rewarding the dog for calm behavior around the cat, while also managing the situation carefully to ensure that there are no injuries - this may mean that the dog needs to be on-leash at all times around the cat, or they should be separated using a baby gate or some other physical barrier during training sessions until things are calmer. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

There are a few things you can do: One, if you noticed Jessie going for your cat, break them up and place them in separate areas for a bit to settle down. Once calm, you can then reintroduce them. You can also redirect Jessie's behavior to something more appropriate such as a chew or puzzle toy that will hold her attention, or work on a few basic tricks such as paying attention to you or sitting for a treat. This can help teach her what you want her to pay attention to, and that the fun stops if she becomes too focused on your cat. Second, having a sort of "sanctuary" for your cat that Jessie can't get to, such as a room that is gated off by a baby gate can help ensure your cat has a place to go and relax without being bothered. You can place your cat's food, water, litter, etc in here to allow your cat to eat and rest. Having plenty of perches such as cat trees or other perches that your cat can get to and your dog can't can also help give your cat a chance to get away and observe without being bothered. Be sure to never leave the two together unattended as even the sweetest cat or dog can accidentally injure the other!

Hi there. I would recommend keeping him on-leash in the house for now, and keeping some tasty treats handy. Every time he sees one of the cats, praise and give him a treat. Before long, he will start to look expectantly at you for his treat whenever he sees the cats, instead of trying to chase them. Once that happens, you can start to allow some off-leash freedom in the house as long as he's doing well. If you don't feel like you're making much progress after a week or two of this, I would recommend getting in touch with a qualified trainer in your area who can work with you in person. You can search for one nearby here: www.ccpdt.org

Some dogs have a very high prey drive, and it may be that the cats running away trigger this instinct in her, even if she doesn't hurt them. Working on desensitizing her to the stimulus (cats) through training techniques such as BAT (Behavioral Adjustment Training) may help her start to ignore them. Usually this works by starting from a point far enough away that she doesn't react, and gradually moving closer to the target while redirecting her behaviors. Redirection with toys and appropriate treats can also help. At home, making sure to have baby gates up and places your cats can get to up high that your dog cannot can help ensure they have a place to relax and observe without being constantly bothered by Nova. Redirecting her behavior to something else when she gets too focused on the cat, either by practicing some training in a different room, going outside, etc can help. You also don't want to let the kitten and Nova be unattended together as even the nicest dog can accidentally hurt a smaller cat in play.

Yes there is something you can do to help Brandy and the cat get along. I will give you suggestions I make for when bringing a new puppy into the home, but it will work for your dog and cat. I would re-introduce them, which should be done slowly. For now, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. Make sure your cat has a litter box, food, and water in it's room. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. You can also place a blanket with the Brandy's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the Brandy's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the cat in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce Brandy on a leash to the cat while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward her for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow Brandy to chase the cat.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Chasing behavior can be normal, especially in certain breeds of dogs. It is important for your cat to have a safe space to escape to; I typically recommend a baby gate at the base of a stairwell (if possible) to allow the cat to jump over to escape to an upstairs level when he needs to escape. It is something that may improve with time, or it may not. When Cash starts chasing the cat, I would recommend distracting him with a different game or toy to redirect his energy and focus his attention in a different direction. I hope these suggestions help!