Tips on How to Train a Puppy & a Cat to Live Together

The key to teaching puppies and cats to safely co-exist is good dog training. If you can teach your puppy some basic commands, like 'sit' and 'stay' and 'leave it,' chances are good that introducing your new cat or puppy into your home will go much more smoothly. Cats are not very trainable, which is why your success lies with your dog. Once past the introductions, puppies and cats will learn to live peacefully together under the same roof.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog-training collar, such as a choke chain
  • Leash
  • Crate
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1
      Allow the cat to explore its new home before introducing the puppy.

      Put the puppy in a separate room while the cat explores her new home. You want the cat to feel comfortable before introducing playmates, and this will give her a chance to leave her scent throughout the house.

    • 2
      Let the puppy get used to the cat's scent throughout the house.

      Place the cat in a separate room and allow the puppy to get used to the smell of the cat in the house. Approaching it in this manner is akin to letting the two animals come to terms with the idea of sharing not only a residence, but you. This is also ideal if the puppy is the newcomer.

    • 3
      A puppy wearing a training collar will do better during introductions with a cat.

      Introduce the animals by placing your puppy in 'sit' and telling him to 'stay.' Be sure he's wearing a training collar attached to a leash, and have someone else hold the cat across the room. Depending on the personalities of the two, you may be able to let the cat loose to explore around the puppy.

    • 4

      Carry the cat closer to the puppy. Take your time letting them get used to the idea. If the puppy lunges or gets up out of his 'sit,' be firm but gentle -- tug your leash and scold him, return him to the 'sit' position and praise him when he obeys.

    • 5

      Allow the cat and puppy to 'meet.' This may be a mutual touching of noses, or some other gesture. If the reaction is volatile, with hissing from the cat, or barking or growling from the puppy, back off and approach it more slowly.

    • 6

      Repeat the above steps as necessary until both animals are comfortable. It may take a few minutes, or a few days, but by starting the introductions at this young age, they will likely become best buds in short order.