4
Sometimes a crate-to-crate introduction is your best bet.
Keep your dog's leash on during early meetings with your cat, so that if
he becomes aggressive, even in play, you can limit his movements and calmly but
firmly discipline him. If he's trained, command him to take the
"down-stay" position. Keep the cat out of the dog's biting range, and
allow her to escape the dog's attention if she wants to (but not flee
throughout your home!) You can also have the animals meet from opposite sides
of a pet gate at first, but don't allow them to touch noses or otherwise get
too close until each is more accustomed to the sight of the other. Some pet
owners place the cat or small dog in a carrier or crate, and let the other pet
sniff and circle the confined animal. This depends largely on the disposition
of the confined pet. He or she may be just fine with a stranger hovering
outside, or feel trapped as the other pet investigates his or her arrival.
No comments