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.
Can German Shepherds Live With Cats?
Definitely. GSD can live with cats harmoniously, but it will depend on a few things. The first thing is the personality of the cat and the dog. You should try as much as possible to get a dog and a cat with almost the same personality. The second is the way you introduce them to each other. The introductory part is what will determine the way the two pets will interact with each other. You should, therefore, be very careful in this first part. The other thing that matters is the age of both animals. It will be even harder to introduce a mature german shepherd to a kitten. However, you may have to train your cat too.
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.
How To Introduce A German Shepherd To A Cat
Dogs are quick learners. That is their nature. However, it’s not a simple task to introduce him to a cat primarily if the dog is fully grown. The dog will have to be very well trained so that you will be able to control the dog using the simple commands. You will also have to check the personalities of both pets. Getting a cat with the same character as the dog might do much help. For instance, a quiet dog may need a calm cat, or a playful dog may do well with playful cats who are old enough and cannot get hurt easily.
How to train a German shepherd to live with cats comfortably?
You can start by choosing an appropriate first time meeting place. This should most probably be inside your home. It is the most recommended. Secondly, you should separate the animals and allow each some freedom time while the other is confined. This will allow the two animals to investigate and get used to each others’ scent. Do this until they are all calm and go back to their health behaviors. The third step is to try leashed introductions. Do this also until they get used to each other. This step should be done while they are in the same room. When they start ignoring each other, you can move on to the next step, which is to allow unsupervised interactions. Before doing this, you should have supervised them and become confident that they will not hurt each other.
How To Train A German Shepherd Not To Chase Cats?
Cats and dogs around each other. Not a common thing. Even when you GSD and cat live together, you cannot trust a german shepherd 100%. This, therefore, calls for full-time supervision whenever they are around each other. Training your German shepherd to be friendly to your cat is possible though needs some time for the two pets to get comfortable around each other. Here are a few things you might need to make this training process a success. A collar and leash to restrain the dog, Treats to reward and a squeaky toy to distract the dog. With these, you will be good to go. You should first understand that a dogs instinct is to chase, and the cat will run away. To avoid this, chasing try introducing a puppy to a kitten. That way, the puppy will learn to respect the kitten.
Secondly…
When you bring the dog for the first time, makes sure he is on a leash to prevent the chase. This is not a good start. The third thing is safety, make sure they are supervised this way; you will avoid the dog from chasing the cat, which can become a habit. The next thing is to train them to be obedient. Commands such as ‘’sit’’, “no’’, ‘’stay’’ or ‘’leave it’’ can be very helpful. This will help you to control the dog. Whenever the dog does what you say, give him a treat. If he stays eyes firmly attached to the cat, try distracting him. When you are watching the tv, hold your dog next to you and let the cat wander around. This the cat will become more confident, and the dog will understand that he is not supposed to chase.
Related Questions
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.