Introducing a New Dog to the Resident Cat
When you bring your new dog home, avoid granting them full access to the house. Instead, confine the dog to one or two rooms using baby gates. Allow your cat to investigate this newcomer at their own pace. They will most likely sneak a peek and then retreat. Eventually, they may become brave enough to approach the baby gate for a closer look. When this happens, praise them and offer a treat for their daringness. Keep the dog confined until the cat comfortably moves about the house and approaches the baby gate to investigate.
Next, set up controlled meetings. Put the dog on a lead and walk them into the room where the cat is, or sit in a room with the dog on a leash and entice the cat to enter with a dish of a high-value food or treat. Ensure the dog does not behave inappropriately toward the cat, such as barking or lunging. A mild correction ("no") and a request to "sit" should generally suffice. Avoid overly harsh corrections, which may lead the dog to associate the cat with punishment. Instead, reward calm behavior from the dog with praise and food treats. The primary goal of these sessions is for the dog to learn not to chase the cat and for the cat to realize that they are safe around the dog.
If the dog continues to bark or lunge at the cat, you may consider using a headhalter (such as a gentle leader or Halti). A headhalter allows you to control the dog's movements and prevent barking at the cat. If you decide to use a headhalter, you must desensitize your dog to wearing it first by putting it on several times a day and offering treats while it's on. To use the headhalter during introductions, gently pull the leash toward you if the dog lunges at the cat, effectively stopping the lunge. If the dog barks at the cat, gently pull up on the leash to tighten the nose loop of the headhalter and close the dog's mouth to stop the barking. When used correctly, this does not harm the dog but provides gentle pressure to communicate that their behavior is inappropriate.
Expect a certain amount of hissing, swatting, and growling from your cat. Do not punish them for this, as it may lead them to associate the dog with punishment. Instead, be patient and allow them to adjust to the idea of this new, larger dog sharing their home.
Repeat these controlled meetings until both animals remain calm and relaxed with each other. Avoid allowing the dog free rein of the house unless you are present until you are confident they are comfortable together. This process may take weeks to months, so be patient and don't expect too much too soon.
