Introducing an Old English Sheepdog with a Cat

Despite the misunderstanding, a lot of canines and cats can live together peacefully. Follow these easy to follow steps to learn how to best introduce your Old English Sheepdog with a feline.

1. Ensure your Old English Sheepdog knows fundamental commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘down’ before meeting.
2. Set up a safe space for both your Old English Sheepdog and cat, where the other animal can not go into.
3. Keep them separated at first, for the first few days. Make certain both Old English Sheepdog and feline have had the required shots.
4. Feed your Old English Sheepdog and your cat on opposite sides of a closed door. This makes them associate each other’s existence with positive things.
5. Once they both can eat calmly next to the door, start having meet and greets in a common space of your home. Keep the very first few sessions brief and calm with your Old English Sheepdog on a leash. Treat both pets for great behaviour.
6. Carry on with these face to face sessions daily. Make sure to save your family pets’ favourite treats for these sessions. If your feline wants to leave, allow them to, however make sure your Old English Sheepdog doesn’t go after. Attempt ending the sessions well before any family pet shows signs of stress or bitterness.
7. When they look like they’re getting a long well, let them spend time in the area together. If any tension erupts, return back to the previous actions and repeat them.

Why do Old English Sheepdogs Hate Cats?

Not all Old English Sheepdogs hate cats, some get along with them. When Old English Sheepdogs do hate cats, of the most common reason is quite simple. Like all pet dogs, Old English Sheepdogs still keep a few of the hunting instincts that they were initially reproduced for. This is why Old English Sheepdogs like chasing after all moving items, whether it’s a ball, mouse, or a cat.

Because most cats will escape when they come across, it’s simple to see why they are understood for not getting along with each other. Old English Sheepdogs actually enjoy chasing felines not due to the fact that they dislike them, but primarily because a fast running animal triggers a strong, natural reaction to chase after overcomes any training or socialisation.

How to Stop Old English Sheepdogs Chasing Cats?

Teaching your Old English Sheepdog to quit going after cats takes some time, practice and consistency, but the benefit of not needing to worry about them always going after is very well worth it. Here are the procedures of how to stop your Old English Sheepdog from going after felines.

1. Keep your Old English Sheepdog on a leash while loose when your feline remains in the same room.
2. Whenever your cat is nearby to your Old English Sheepdog, stop what you are doing and get your Old English Sheepdog’s attention. If he listens, give him a reward!
3. Keep awarding your Old English Sheepdog up until the cat goes away. If the cat sticks around give your Old English Sheepdog a chew reward or toy so they stay focused on their treat.
4. Consistently redo the above procedures and you’ll see your Old English Sheepdog instinctively sit and look up to you when they see the cat. Don’t forget to keep rewarding them!
5. If they are now automatically taking a look at you whenever the cat remains in the room, they’re ready to be utilizing a longer leash. If they still try to chase the cat at this moment reel them in and go back to step 2.
6. Last but not least, take the long leash off and permit your Old English Sheepdog and cat in the same area. At this moment your Old English Sheepdog should know not to go after the cat, however if they do go back to step 5.

How to Stop Old English Sheepdogs Killing Cats?

The very best approach to ensure your Old English Sheepdog would never ever kill a cat is to raise them with felines when they’re a pup prior to 3 months old. At this age, they will usually want to play with the cats and will not see them as prey.

If your Old English Sheepdog has killed a cat before, its ideal if you keep them in an open, enclosed space. When taking them for strolls try to avoid going after sunset and prior to dawn because that’s when cats are very active and likely to be roaming the neighborhoods.