I have a very diverse family: two humans, four cats and a dog. Growing up, I was under the impression that cats and dogs were mortal enemies. I thought I’d have to choose whether to be a cat person or a dog person. Living in New York City in my early 20s made the choice an easy one. Residing in a small apartment (350 square feet, to be exact) with no backyard and a busy work schedule – I’m a cat person.
When I moved to Los Angeles, with cats in tow, I realized that I’m not just a crazy cat lady. I wanted a dog, too. I started searching, hoping to find a miracle dog that would love my two cats. Fostering allowed me to meet many dogs, have them live in my home and really see if it was possible to bring a mutt into the pack. Finally, I met Gabby, my cat-loving pit bull.
So how do you know if a dog is cat friendly? Dog trainer, Carol A. Byrnes of Diamonds in the Ruff has a lifetime of experience introducing dogs and cats.
Byrnes explained that prey drive, the instinct that makes dogs chase anything that runs, is not a form of aggression. “A dog that chases cats or chickens is not dominant or aggressive. We are talking prey drive. Cats that chase strings are not dominant or aggressive, they are simply responding to a hard-wired instinct that keeps them alive should they need to feed themselves. It’s a survival instinct. It is triggered without thought.”
I always thought that when a dog chased small animals, it wanted a tasty meal, which is not always true, I learned.
Byrnes continued, “All dogs have a certain degree of prey drive. In many breeds, this drive has been cultivated to a heightened state in order to do their jobs as herders, hunters and vermin killers. A border collie could not herd sheep without it. The border collie would also be a lousy help to its owner if it took the sheep down and ate it. The difference here is training, managing the pup’s behavior around the sheep at a young age and socializing the dog heavily around sheep so it isn’t over-stimulated when it first encounters one.”
Success in changing any behavior depends on the degree of drive.
“It could be a simple socialization and training process or a life-long management issue. Some dogs are so hard-wired and fixated that achieving a reliable level of self-control around furry things, especially furry running things, is such a challenge that even the most experienced and dedicated trainer would opt for management: never allowing the dog in a situation to practice such behavior.” In other words, keeping that dog far from any small creatures.
It’s easier to shape appropriate behavior than it is to change an established behavior. That seems like common sense to me.
“It is natural for puppies to play with other pups, you, cats and kids in a chase, pounce, wrestle manner. The pup needs to learn, early on, that it is not appropriate to chase and bite the baby or the cat. He must learn self-control,” Byrnes said.
What about the older dog? Is it crazy to think one can change the behavior of a dog that is set in its ways?
“The chase itself is extremely reinforcing. The dog enjoys an adrenalin high from the pursuit and success of capture is a jackpot,” he said. That victorious feeling makes curbing the desire to chase difficult if not impossible in some dogs. Behaviors that are rewarding are more likely to be repeated. Re-training a dog with a long reinforcement history will take dedication and time and monumental amounts of management – something I just don’t have the time or patience for doing.
It’s a de-sensitization and counter-conditioning issue. The goal is getting the dog to think of the cat as just another piece of furniture. And that’s easier said than done when the cat wants to run away from the dog. The key is a slow introduction.
Byrnes explained, “Pick a mellow time of day and put the cat in a carrier or on a lap and the pup on leash at a distance they can feel comfortable. As they start to ignore each other, you may move closer but don’t be in a hurry. Allow quiet, curious investigation by the pup and praise/food treats for all proper behavior. Use phrases like ‘easy’ or ‘gentle’ and show him how. Pet the kitty and then pet him. Spread kitty scent on him and doggy scent on the kitty. The goal is simply to help the cat feel safe and the dog feel calm. Calm curiosity is fine, intensity is not. Redirect or take a time-out for inappropriate behavior. The one and only goal is to teach the animals to relax in each other’s presence.
“As their relationship reaches a point where they have more freedom in each other’s presence, put a trailing line on the dog, long enough that you can step on it easily, as a safety net in case of chasing. The pup should wear this line until you are 99.9% sure there will be no chasing. Should the pup start to think about chasing, plan to say a specific phrase such as ‘leave it!’ and step on the line. You want the dog to make the connection that you warned him that the chase was not an option. Be careful that the pup is never in a position to gain much speed – we don’t want to whiplash him, just interrupt the thought of chasing.”
Sometimes, like my Peanut, the cat is the instigator. “If your cat saunters by with that sly face, tail up and making figure-eights, makes sure the pup sees her and then makes a mad dash up and over the furniture, you must ask yourself who’s getting the rush out of the situation?” said Byrnes. “A long-range squirt bottle can work wonders to end the ‘let’s get the puppy in trouble’ game,” he added.
Maybe the cat likes the dog. That’s Enzo in our house. He loves all dogs and will throw himself on the floor in front of Gabby or any visiting dog. He’s even been known to wrap his arms around an unsuspecting doggy head in the hopes of a play-wrestling match.
For breeds with a lower level of prey drive, the probability of successful co-existence will be increased the younger the dog is at first meeting. So, if one has dreams of having a diverse family like mine, know that it’s possible. Just be smart and take it slowly. After all, the stakes are pretty high – the cat’s life. All nine of them.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.