How to Get a Boxer Puppy to Like Cats

Getting a boxer puppy to like a cat isn't the problem. It's the introduction of the puppy into the cat's self-contained world that generally doesn't go over too well --- with the cat. Most puppies are naturally excitable, full of energy and playful; boxer puppies are even more so. They're very "high energy" and crave lots of attention and affection. Training a boxer puppy properly requires structure and rules. There's good potential for a warm relationship to develop between your cat and and a boxer simply because boxers are so affectionate; the key is to teach the puppy to respect your cat's "space."

Things You'll Need

Dog collar
Leash
Baby gate

Instructions

- 1
  Teach your boxer to obey "sit" and "stay" commands. Because boxer puppies are naturally excitable and playful, it's important that the puppy learns to obey simple sit/stay commands before it meets the family cat. Use positive-reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to teach it to obey.
- 2
  Connect a leash to the puppy's collar when you introduce the cat and puppy. This provides extra security and prevents the puppy from making a bad first impression. Allow the puppy and cat to visit for several minutes.
- 3
  Help the puppy to become accustomed to and familiar with the cat. You can do a number of things to allow the puppy and cat to become better acquainted. Place the puppy in a crate in a room. Let the cat roam around freely in the room where the crate is. Place the puppy and cat in adjoining rooms separated by a baby gate. The puppy and cat will be able to see each other but each will have its own space. Sit in a room with the cat and puppy and command the puppy to sit and stay as the cat walks around. Reward the puppy when it obeys the command and punish it when it disobeys.
- 4
  Keep the cat's and puppy's food and water in separate locations. This prevents disputes and disagreements when they eat or drink that may engender harsh feelings.