How to Stop a Dog from Being Aggressive Towards Cats
There is no doubt that dogs are one of the most wonderful pets as far as human beings are concerned. However, we need to bear a few things in mind while keeping dogs along with cats. There are many homes where both dogs and cats are reared as pets. However, there is a common problem that could be bugging many pet owners who have both dogs and cats in their homes. Dogs and cats have been known to be at loggerheads for thousands of years. It also is a fact that dogs are bigger in build and stronger and therefore they tend to be aggressive and even bullying in their behavior towards cats.
Hence, in this article we will try and answer the question as to how to stop a dog from being aggressive towards cats. The next few tips could also come in handy for all those who also are finding it tough to handle their pet dogs while taking them out for a stroll. It is likely that dogs may often exhibit aggressive behavior towards other cats and this could often become a big problem. However, we firmly believe that the few tips that are being mentioned below could be helpful in stopping dogs from being aggressive towards pet cats or even cats of strangers.
Identify the Symptoms
Before offering treatment to the patients, it is important to identify the symptoms. This is what all doctors believe. The same thing also applies to dogs that tend to be aggressive towards cats. Dogs do not suddenly start becoming aggressive towards cats. They exhibit some common symptoms. There could be many such symptoms and we are happening to list down a few of them for the benefit of our readers.
Dogs often stop eating when he or she sees a cat near its vicinity.
Dogs refuse to share sleep territory with pet cats
They often get between the master and the cat.
They often barge through the door whenever they come across a cat.
Excessive barking when a cat is around is another symptom to look out for.
Growling and staring continuously at the cat.
Chasing cats and other moving objects could also be a symptom worth being careful about.
First steps to defuse the situation
The first step is to find out ways and means to defuse the situation. You should not allow the initial symptoms to develop into a full-fledged fight between the dog and the cat. Look for the first signs of a dog that may be aggressive towards a pet cat. Instead of trying to handle the task on your own, it would always be better to contact a professional as soon as possible.
They are equipped with the right skill and experience to find out the reasons for the dominant behavior of the dogs and take remedial action accordingly. Look for confirmation from a professional because this will allow you, as a pet owner, to start training a dog that is overly aggressive towards cats.
Some ways to treat aggressive behaviours towards dogs
It is the duty of the pet owners to take complete responsibility for their pets. This becomes even more critical when pet dogs start behaving aggressively with cats and perhaps even with other members of the family. If you find that your dog does not stop chasing your pet cat, the following few steps could be useful in finding a solution to the problem.
Introduce them to one another
Quite a few times dogs tend to become aggressive towards their cat because the pet owners did not give them both the right introduction. You can bring peace between these two endemically hostile pets. Dogs have strong smell sense and they find a new scent from a cat, they often consider it to be an intruder. This is all the more true when you bring a new pet cat home. Proper introduction helps the dog to get some time to adjust to the new reality.
Create Tall Barriers
Initially, it would be a good idea to create a tall barrier between the dogs and cats. Ensure that the barrier is tall enough so that the cats do not climb over it easily. Gates can be used for separating the two pets. It will allow the dog to see the cat and also get used to its scent. This may reduce the chance of fighting between the two. Let this happen for a few days so that their animosity levels come down.
Identify the cause of aggression
Changing the behavior pattern of pet cats and dogs is much easier said than done. The best way to reduce friction between these two pets is to find out the reason for aggression. In most cases, the dogs could be at fault but at times, cats are also known to be quite aggressive when they see dogs. While some dogs prefer a defensive approach, dominant dogs are known to be aggressive to pet cats if they are sharing the same home and the same territories.
Both of them believe that their territories could be under threat. Some dogs could be simply jealous because they are not getting the right attention from their owners. Identify those classic symptoms that often leads to aggression. Be aware of the simple fact that dogs and cats have never been friends. Having said this, dogs certainly will have a reason for being aggressive in their behavior towards cats.
Be alert for those warning signs
At times cats and dogs could be seen playing together. However, as a pet owner, never take their bonhomie for granted, especially when you have a dominant dog. Be alert and all eyes and ears. Look for those classic signs and symptoms. We have listed down the most important ones above.
This will prevent the dog from suddenly pouncing on the cat and hurting the feline. There have been instances where small kittens have been brutally killed by dominant dogs. Being aware of the classic symptoms and signs could prevent a disaster from happening.
Conclusion
Apart from the above tips, also understand the importance of training your dog properly. It would be better to start the training when the dog arrives in your home as a puppy. Training young puppies is always a much easier job compared to training adult dogs. Also train your pet cat and teach them a few lessons. This will help him or her to understand that the dog is not her enemy but a friend.
