Cats and dogs are reknowned for their fights, just watch Tom and Jerry cartoons. If you have a new cat, you will need to make sure that he or she is introduced properly to your dog. The tips below will help you make the introduction process go smoothly.

Obedience training for your dog is a must. Your dog will need to reliably respond to commands such as no, sit, and stay. Otherwise, you will have no way to control your canine if your cat is being attacked.

Keep the animals separated for several days after bringing home your new pet. Do not even let them see each other. Instead, confine one animal while letting the other roam your home. Then, repeat the process with the other animal. This will allow each animal to pick up the other’s scent in differeent parts of your house.

Now you are ready for the introduction. You will need two people – one to hold the cat and the other to hold the leashed dog. If the dog barks or jumps at the cat, say ‘no’ and pull the dog away. After every session, reward both animals with their favorite treat so that they learn to associate good things with interacting with the other animal.

Once the dog has stopped barking at the cat, you can try an introduction with the dog off lead. You may have to do this over several days until the dog acts reasonably around the cat. If they start fighting, put the dog back on a leash for a session or two before trying again off lead.

Now you are ready to put the cat and dog together without anyone holding either animal. Again, if a fight begins, you will have to restrain one of the animals for another session or two before trying again.

If you have any doubt about the safety of your animals, keep them separated when you are not at home. You could let one have run of the basement, and leave the other one upstairs.

Even dogs and cats who are friendly with each other will occasionally have disagreements. You may hear a hiss or see the dog chasing kitty through your home. There are cats that actually enjoy love/hate relationships with dogs, so your main concern is if one of the animals is getting hurt. If not, let them play.

Use the tips above so you can have both cats and dogs in your house that get along peacefully, at least most of the time.