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DTPR MAGAZINE #15-4: July - August 2025
Training Techniques
to Build Trust
Training your dog (and, to a lesser
extent, your cat) is crucial to building
a peaceful coexistence. The goal is
to reduce instinctive chasing and
teach polite behavior.
Teach “Leave it” and “Stay.” Reward
your dog for ignoring the cat, not for
lunging or barking.
Reward calm curiosity. If your dog
glances at the cat without reacting,
offer a treat. Over time, this conditions
your dog to associate the cat with
good things.
Create escape routes. Cats feel
safer when they can retreat. Install cat
trees, window perches, or shelves so
your cat can observe the dog from above.
Don’t punish growls or hisses. These are normal warnings.
Punishment may create fear or aggression; instead, separate
the animals and try again later.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that consistency
matters: daily practice in short, positive sessions is more ef-
fective than occasional marathon training.
Managing the Environment
A harmonious home isn’t just about training—it’s also about
smart setup:
Separate feeding stations. Dogs often steal cat food (and
vice versa). Feeding them apart prevents resource guarding.
Private litter boxes. Keep litter boxes in quiet, dog-free ar-
eas to reduce stress.
Safe resting places. Each pet should have a personal bed
or quiet zone where the other can’t intrude.
In households in hotter Phoenix months, indoor enrichment—
puzzle feeders, window views, or hide-and-seek toys—can re-
duce boredom and redirect playful energy away from pester-
ing a housemate.
Patience Is Everything
Even with the best planning, friendship can take time—or might
not look exactly as you imagined. Some cats and dogs become
inseparable; others simply learn to coexist peacefully.
According to a survey by the University of Lincoln (UK), around
two-thirds of cats and dogs living together tolerate or enjoy
each other’s company. The rest may need ongoing supervision
but can still share a household without constant conflict.