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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/My new puppy
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Question
Dear expert
One of my cats(age four)doesn't get along
with my new puppy(age eight months)
because my cat doesn't get as much
attention as he used to and were afraid he
will run away , what should I do?
Emma xxx
Hi Emma,
Hire a dog trainer to help you get control of the dog so he isn't overly bothering the cat. Puppies want to play with everything and need to be given boundaries. The kitty is not a play toy. your cat will learn to adjust to the dog with proper introductions.
The pup should be under control and on leash or in a crate while the cat can get to know him.
The pup needs proper exercise and running outdoors safely to burn off his energy. He can be put in a crate supervised while the family gathers around living room for short times each evening and cat has full access to home. He must be taught to be calm in the crate.
I do not like keeping dogs crated unless for short periods like introductions such as this. He can be fully walked and fed and settled down and then placed in a crate for a half hour while the fam watches the telly with kitty in the same room. He gets rewarded for showing calmness and she gets rewarded for inquisitiveness. The time must be relaxing and building positive associations.
Once he is calm around her in the crate (after many exposures), then try using a leash. always supervise. Keep them separate when you are not home.
Give lots of attention to the kitty and give yourself a good proper understanding of the psychology of cats and the psychology of dogs.
Since you already had them meet i would backtrack and "re-introduce" them slowly...read these links to get a better idea on how that is done.
There are many steps to walk you through that is impossible to write barring a novella so here are some links for tips on intros...
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Cat.html
http://leerburg.com/dog-cat.htm
Good luck,
Shanti
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 9 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | you awnsered my question exactly, this really helped beacause my cats seem to feel more calm around the dog and the house in general.Thankyou so much for your great advise!it really made a diffeence!Thanks Again! from Emma xxx | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Shanti Zinzi
Expertise
I can answer questions related to cat behavior, such as how to keep your feline happy and healthy with minimal expense but maximum commitment. I offer tips on how to touch and massage your feline to foster a good bond and direct people in how to spot and avoid overstimulation. Accurately interpreting a cat's body language, signals and cues is often not understood by many beloved feline guardians. I offer advice on alternatives to expensive veterinary bills, tell you when is it necessary to visit your vet, and how to maintain proper diet for your individualized feline's needs to avoid those astronomical vet bills down the line. I also give holistic medical and dietary advice, and hospice care tips for the aging kitty. I offer advice on how to deal with shy or undersocialized cats or feral kittens. www.thenatureofthebeast.org If you need a consultation during my vacation hours, I will unfortunately need to charge my normal fee. http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
Experience
I have worked with felines for 20 years both personally and professionally. Called the "queen of behavior cats" by SF SPCA's former feline behavior dept, I work with off-limit felines at the city shelter for nine years. I have onsite tech training from holistic vets and allopathic veterinarians. I have helped out rescues with behavior animals and help assist clients in problems with behavior and/or medical issues. Along with graduate studies in holistic medicines I have participated in a holistic hospice internship.
Public radio show on feline behavior and holistic health.
Organizations
I currently operate my own business which site can be accessed from internet explorer, www.thenatureofthebeast.org
http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/
I am a custody feline volunteer at SF Animal Care and Control
I also am part of a feral kitten/undersocialized adult feline volunteer handler program at Animal Care and Control
I am a member of Allcreatureshealingnetwork.org
Education/Credentials
Masters in Somatic Psychology,
on site veterinary tech training at holistic and allopathic vet offices,
graduate studies in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbs, eastern principles,
certification in Acupressure,
animal hospice internship at Bright Haven
Past/Present Clients
My clients include private clients and bay area rescues, NY Yankees, and actors from NYC and LA
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