How To Introduce A New German Shepherd Puppy To My Kitten
German Shepherd puppies are particularly active and energetic, which means theyre more likely to follow their instincts and try to chase a kitten.
If your puppy hasnt been trained yet, it can also be difficult for you to impart the correct obedience command to keep them by your side.
Both the puppy and the kitten should be playful and curious however, you need to keep in mind the size and strength difference.
Puppies learn how to play by interacting with other dogs and learning boundaries.
This will not be possible with a kitten, and there is always the risk that theyll get hurt unintentionally.
The best way to make such introductions is with the puppy on a leash.
Its also a good idea to bring in the kitten when the puppy is tired, which should help them to keep them calm.
Allow the puppy and kitten to sniff and be near one another, but dont let them play right away.
Give them each time to get used to their surroundings, and each other, before bringing them together.
This should always be done under supervision and with your puppy on a leash.
Are German Shepherds Good With Cats Train Them The Right Way
German Shepherds are among the most favorite dogs of families in America. Because of their loyal nature and intelligence, and everybody wants one. However, if you have a cat at home, you must be thinking, are German shepherds good with cats?
Most GSDs are friendly in nature but some of them might be shy or become aggressive to cats. But, this problem can be cured by effective training methods.
Most people love to keep both cats and dogs in their homes. Some of you may be thinking forward to do it, but you arent sure if its a good idea.
This article will help you solve your queries related to it. How, how should you keep them together, what tips and tricks you should adopt, etc.
How To Introduce A New Adult German Shepherd To My Kitten
Introducing an adult German Shepherd to a kitten can be an extremely delicate moment.
An adult German Shepherd can be several times the size of your kitten and, thus, dangerous, whether they mean to be or not.
In this case, your new dogs previous owner and the training received can genuinely make a difference.
If youre unsure about your German Shepherds history, you should find out more about their behavior, socialization level, and eventual previous issues.
This will tell you if your new dog is suitable for a life with a cat or not.
If you dont know their history, its a good idea to take things very slowly. Bring the kitten into the room but dont let the dog near.
If your shepherd is well trained, have them sit and wait.
Allow some sniffing, but dont let the kitten run free until they have become more accustomed to each other.
Never leave your German Shepherd alone with a young kitten.
Even if theyre well-mannered and gentle, accidents can happen due to their size.
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How To Get Your German Shepherd To Like Cats
Sometimes, a dog will develop a naturally gentle personality. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior.
But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats.
Monitor For Positive Interactions
Try to catch them when theyre interacting well together and reward them for that interaction. When they are playing together gently, you can reward that behavior. When they are sleeping next to each other, you can reward that.Watch this cute video which shows an example of a great introduction and pairing of friends!
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Feed Them On Different Sides Of A Closed Door:
You can start by feeding them further away from the door on opposite sides. Then gradually move their bowls closer and closer to each side of the door. This will help them associate the new animal in their life with something positive like food.
Continue doing this until eventually, they are able to eat their food peacefully close to the door separating them.
Th Step Appearance In Each Others Vicinity:
Before reaching this step, German Shepherds and cats must be familiar with each others scent and presence.
It is time that they meet each other without any barriers. But, it would be best if you didnt let your GSD out without a leash. Your cat should be in a crate too.
Take small steps and start with a distance, as your cat should be at one corner of the room and your pup on the other.
Notice how they both react after seeing each other without a glass wall or any other barrier.
Suppose you see any negative behaviors like hissing or spitting, take them away. Otherwise, their excitement can be like bouncing, lunging, and barking.
This barrier-free introduction will make the last stage easier for you.
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Training A German Shepherd To Ignore Cats
Dog experts recommend that you train your German Shepherd to ignore cats. To do this, you need to capture your puppys attention in a room with a cat.
Start by getting a cat into a pet carrier. Take your pup into the room and allow him to sniff the pet carrier. After some time, and divert his attention.
Continue playing with your German Shepherd while your cat is comfortably crated nearby. If the dog tries to examine the pet carrier, distract his attention again. Whenever your GSD ignores the cat, reinforce the behavior with praise and treats.
After several ignore sessions, put your dog on the leash and take your cat out of the carrier. Repeat this to ensure your dog learns how to ignore the cat without allowing him to investigate.
In the end, you should be able to trust your dog to play off the leash and maintain their undivided attention where the cat is still in the room.
Can A German Shepherd Puppy Learn To Live With A Kitten
Of course, this is the best time to introduce the two pets together. When they are both little, they are open to learning new things, and this is the chance you should take advantage of. They adjust quickly to the new environment and the atmosphere it has. Once they get used to it, they will become good friends.
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How To Teach Your German Shepherd To Ignore Cats
Teaching your German Shepherd to ignore cats requires some patience and proper measures from the very start.
To start with, you need to understand the special nature of your beloved doggie.
In fact, German shepherds resemble humans a lot. Some are more outgoing and ready to develop some relationships, while others may be more closed up.
Some German shepherds may even get along with cats from the very start.
Depending on your dogs character, you need to make sure it ignores your cat as much as possible.
To start with, you need to give both of them enough space.
Preferably, provide a spare bedroom for your cat and make sure it has all the resources it may need. That will make both of them feel loved, and it will save you from having to cope with any extreme signs of aggression towards each other.
It is also vital that you make them get used to each others scent as soon as possible.
To achieve that, gather one clean cloth from each animal and carefully rub it on their scent glands.
Afterward, place each cloth in the other animals room.
That will make both of them get used to each others scent, and you soon notice that your German shepherd is no longer paying much attention to your cat.
How To Train A German Shepherd To Like Cats
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Are German Shepherds good with Cats?
I get that question a lot!
And to be honest, almost any animal species can live in complete harmony with another. Just check out this cute video of an Orangutan and her Tiger cub babies!
Okay!
I know you’re not here to watch cute videos of Orangutans and Tiger cubs!
You’re here because you want to know how to train a German Shepherd to like cats.
And you’re not alone!
A couple of days ago Jo, a reader at GSC left a comment asking for help with her kitty-doggy duo
And a while back I got this email from Tracey, another reader here are German Shepherd Corner
As you can see, both pooch parents have a firm grip on the understanding of how their German Shepherd’s are wired. And how their triggers and thresholds affect their behavior.
If you’re new to these concepts, I suggest you check out my article on triggers and thresholds before you start this training.
So, if your heart belongs to a kitty cat and a German Shepherd this guide will help to teach your furry friends to get on like a house on fire!
Although, you should be aware of the fact that some kitty-doggy duo’s will never become bosom buddies. But even if they end up mutually disliking each other without fireworks it’ll be a win for your household.
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Th Step The Final Meeting:
You shouldnt move to the final step if you arent completely sure about your pup. Whether it will be aggressive towards the new feline friend or not.
This last stage will be the first time they will face each other unleashed, so you have to be careful. Make sure you dont leave them unattended in the first few meetings.
Cats tend to be subtler when it comes to showing emotions. They wont express their emotions like a GSD. If you have any doubts that your cat will be nervous, do not let go of the dogs leash.
To know if your car is anxious or calm, here is the tip:
If the cats ears face forward and its pupils are of normal size, it is relaxed and ready for the meeting.
Before these unleashed meetings, your GSD must be well trained. They must know the following commands:
Dutch Shepherd Training Tips To Socialize Well With A Household Cat
You may find these additional Dutch Shepherd training and socialization tips to be helpful as you make those first critical introductions between your Dutch Shepherd and your cat.
1. Associate the cat smell with a welcome daily event in your dogs life.
To do this, place your cat in a secure room with food, water, and other normal daily items like toys, cat trees, et al.
When your puppys mealtimes arrive, serve each one on the immediate opposite side of that door.
This will train your Dutch Shepherd that the smell of the cat is linked to their meal being served .
2. Train your Dutch Shepherd puppy to not chase things, including toys or animals.
Part of the natural prey drive in a dog is to give chase. While this can be adorably cute when your dog is a puppy, it can be deadly as your Dutch Shepherd grows up.
Do your best to discourage chasing behavior across the board and choose playtime activities that dont require any chasing behaviors.
3. When you bring your cat out of the room, socialize them while your dog is contained.
There is no way to fully predict in advance how your Dutch Shepherd might respond upon first sight of your cat.
This is why you always want to crate train your Dutch Shepherd before you host a meet-and-greet face to face.
Start with crated interactions and proceed to leashed interactions, offering rewards and time-outs as needed to reinforce calm behavior in your dog.
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Can German Shepherds Live With Cats
You are most probably here because you would like to know whether german shepherds can live with cats. From time to time, I see a lot of instances where a dog is chasing a cat. I believe this is the case all over the world. It has even stopped being a wonder. Some cats and dogs are also run over by vehicles while chasing each other. This is not a good thing, and it is almost impossible to make them like each other. However, is it possible to train a german shepherd to live with cats? Stay tuned to learn how you can train your german shepherd not to chase cats.
But can german shepherds live with cats? The answer is Yes. German shepherds and cats can be perfect friends. This is possible, but it all lies on the way you introduce your german shepherd to your cat. Nature has it that a dog and a cat are enemies, and this is the reality of life. Trying to change what is to make it what you want it to be is a challenging task.
German Shepherd And Kitten
A kitten is helpless and cannot harm the dog. On the other hand, even when the dog has no intentions of hurting the kitten, his size and weight can hurt or even kill the kitten. German shepherds are not that friendly even to new peoples faces, and the case is worse to cats and kittens. Some GSD is calm, and these can be trained easily to have kitten pet friend. When the two become attached, he will protect the cat from other dangers. They will live in peace and harmony.
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Why Does My Dog Want To Kill My Cat
While it is, as far as it goes, normal for a dog to try and kill a cat, its really something hes got to learn he just cant do. The only other option is to try and convince him that the chase isnt worth it and that cats are just not very tasty, but they are, or could be, something very nice to cuddle up to.
Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive Or Friendly Toward Cats
German Shepherds are incredibly caring and loving dogs. Theyre also energetic, strong, and tend toward being the most dominant pet in the household.
However, because of their instincts and characteristics, theyre not always naturally friendly to cats.
In fact, their first reaction to other pets might include a lot of chasing.
German Shepherds are highly prey-driven dogs, and theyre likely to chase anything that moves fast especially within their territory.
Squirrels and other small animals such as cats make for the perfect target for their attitude.
You can prevent this by keeping your dog on a leash during the first encounters, especially if you have just adopted a kitten.
While German Shepherds arent naturally aggressive, they can become so if they feel threatened or overstimulated.
And, because of their size, they can easily represent a threat to your kitten.
Aside from keeping your dog under control, dont forget to try and create a more relaxed atmosphere for your cat, who will be less likely to shoot off and end up being chased.
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Personality Of The Cat
Cats tend to be very cautious and reserved, especially in new situations and in new environments. Like people, some cats are bold and some are timid.
This variable spans a wide spectrum, but in general cats will approach a new situation with more weariness than a dog. Keep this in mind when thinking of introducing your GSD to one.
Let Them Loose With Each Other:
Now it is time to let them loose with each other. Proceed cautiously and let them explore each other in the same room. You can leave your German Shepherds leash on but dont hold it unless you need to grab it quickly to pull him back.
If their is any kind of aggression or tension, you can return to the previous step and continue for a few more days or weeks until they are used to one another. Just make sure that the cat can easily run back to their private room for safety and security.
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Are German Shepards Good With Cats
Are German Shepards Good With Cats? While some German Shepherds naturally get along with cats, others may shy away from or even be aggressive towards them. However, with the proper training and introduction, German Shepherds can and often do get along with cats very well.
Thats a stereotype that both cat expert Jackson Galaxy, host of the Animal Planet show My Cat From Hell, and certified dog trainer Zoe Sandor want to break. The duo has teamed up to host a new Animal Planet series, Cat vs. Dog, which airs on Saturdays at 10 p.m. The show chronicles their efforts to help pet owners establish long-lasting peace-if not perfect harmony-among cats and dogs. Continue feeding the cat and dog separately, but on either side of a dog gate or screen, before finally removing it all together. A cat will walk up to the dog bowl-either while the dogs eating, or in the vicinity-and try to eat out of it, Galaxy says.
Can all dogs get along with cats? Contrary to popular belief, certain breeds of cats and dogs dont typically get along better than others. If a dog is aggressive and territorial, it wont be a good fit in a household with a skittish cat. In contrast, an aging dog would hate sharing his space with a rambunctious kitten.