We often get asked ‘Why Us’ when we chat with new pet parents.  One reason is very simple, we are pet parents too! Which really helps us get to grips with our clients needs. 

The Home Pet People team recently welcomed Toby the gorgeous cockapoo to the family! He would need to bond with our old dog Baxter, but we didn’t expect the resident cat to react so badly to the new pup. After a week of coaxing our aloof moggy, Nefertiti eventually began to return. As her confidence grew, we gently tried to introduce them. We could see that Toby just wanted to say ‘hello’ but his body language was confusing Nefertiti.

So, how can you train your cat and dog to get along?

It’s important to understand that cats and dogs have different communication styles. Cats use body language such as ear positions and tail movements to communicate, while dogs use vocalisations and physical displays of dominance. This can often lead to misunderstandings between the two animals.

In addition, many cats are naturally territorial creatures, and may feel threatened by the presence of a new animal in the home. This can cause them to become aggressive towards the dog, and vice versa.

We found the first step is to introduce them to each other gradually. Start by giving them separate spaces in the home, and allow them to become accustomed to each other’s scents. You can then begin to supervise their interactions, rewarding them for positive behaviour.

When training your pets, it is important to establish rules and boundaries for each animal. This may include teaching your dog not to chase the cat, or training your cat to stay off of furniture or countertops.

Positive reinforcement is a key component in training your pets. This means rewarding them for desired behaviour and ignoring or redirecting them when they act out. You can offer treats, praise, or playtime as rewards for good behaviour.

Cats and dogs can be trained to get along through gradual introduction, establishing rules and boundaries, positive reinforcement, and providing ample exercise and stimulation. With patience and consistency, your pets can learn to coexist peacefully in your home.

We are all excited to see how the bond between little Toby and Neff develops, we have learnt to much already!

If you are looking for a pet sitter at the moment and have a multi-pet household, we can make sure to match you with someone with the right skills for your home and pets.