Acclimating a kitten to a new home with a dog can go fairly quickly (depending on the dog), but a full-grown cat takes longer. I've been sharing these baby steps for the past few weeks. Now, after X amount of time sniffing and investigating each other through a baby gate, we're to the point of actual face-to-face introductions. 

Keep Max with you on a slack leash for these encounters and be prepared to correct if he wants to chase the cat. When you ask him to come or leave Fluffy alone, and he obeys, give him a high-value treat. If you'll be gone or can't supervise, keep them confined in separate areas of your house. If Max acts friendly or cautious, simply praise him for his good manners. Block any chasing, barking or agitated behavior from the dog with the leash, directing him away from the cat. Redirect him to a simple obedience cue like "come,” "sit" or "down,” and reward with a treat. Do not yell at him or yank on the leash. This is simply a calm, firm, non-negotiable boundary. You don't want them to learn that "tension ensues when we're around each other.” And Max is more likely to engage in chase or prey behavior when he's tense or aroused, so it's important for you to remain calm. You want them to learn a pleasant association with each other’s presence. 

Most cats will accept a young dog and correct him when necessary. Just be sure her nails are trimmed before bringing her home, so she doesn’t hurt your dog if [when] she does it. Consider feeding your cat on a high surface, like a window sill or dresser. Finally, disallow Max access to Fluffy's litterbox. This stresses cats out and some dogs consider cat poop as candy.

A native of Louisiana, SRQ Daily Columnist Gregg Flowers owns Dog's Best Friend Dog Training Services here in Sarasota, where he "teaches dogs and trains people." Gregg became fascinated by our relationship with dogs as a boy in the '60s, and by 1985 had developed his own unique style of working with dogs and their humans

Dog's Best Friend