If necessary, look into behavioral training for one or both of your pets to eliminate any territorial issues or aggression. (Sullivan, Maine). Dog Nutrition Index Separating the two pets will allow your cat to sense the dog or puppys presence before the meeting. As Australian Shepherds usually want to please and obey their owner as of nature, this may discourage your dog from pursuing your cat. These furry pals are small, fluffy and everything we love in a pet. One of mine is afraid of the cat, 2 of them pay her no attention other than to nose-boop her once in a while, and my last one loves her. She doesn't actively attack them but she does love to lick them. We have 5 acres and were able to give her frequent walks. Keep repeating these actions every time your Australian Shepherd begins to gain interest in chasing the cat. Learn more about safely introducing your pets and how you can make things less stressful for both animals. 5.- Continue these steps until there are no signs of stress or hyperactivity in either animal upon seeing one another. Command your shepherd to sit and stay and let the two pets sniff each other out. I have a friend who knows an Australian shepherd breeder and was wondering how they are with cats. This worked out well for the oldest cat. An Australian Shepherds behavior toward cats can depend on the dog themselves. This means that your dog will face consequences after continuing to chase the cat and refusing to listen to you. However, their herding instincts and high prey drive may lead your Australian Shepherd to chase or nip your cat. The trick is to raise them from a young age to accept their feline siblings, train them to get along, and burn any excess energy your Aussie might have by playing, running, and being free. But does that same fun-loving personality translate over to cats? In this situation, puppies might be eager to meet the cat, but the cat might not feel the same. This isnt a great way to start a relationship between your two pets, though. If you are thinking of adopting a cat and an Australian shepherd together, its smart to introduce them from a young age. They may also use their heads to push on animals and people, and in some instances, they may give chase. When bringing a new kitten or cat into your home with your Australian Shepherd puppy or dog, you must be patient. What can be done about this sort of behavior in your Australian Shepherd? How Do I Introduce My Australian Shepherd To My Cat? He will be inclined to chase after it as a result. I've had no problems. They can, however, direct aggression towards people and dogs. Hello, I'm Madeline the owner and writer of this site. Once the two pets have become secure with one another and theres no fear of fighting, aggression, chasing, or territorial behavior, you may begin practicing leaving them alone. Some Aussies are explicitly bred as working dogs with the purpose of herding livestock. While Australian Shepherds arenot naturally aggressivetowards cats specifically, they have a natural prey drive and strong herding instinct, despite the breeding line. Even in a deep sleep she jumps up and chases them away. I have 2 cats myself. Also, is there anything else to know temperament wise? Dog Training Videos Most recently she likes to escort the cat, a 15lb, 10yr old Maincoon, where she is headed. VetPetGuide does not provide pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What About Miniature Australian Shepherds? Your Australian Shepherd dog will especially be prone to chasing your cat if he does not get enough physical activity for his breed. He is beautiful, and that is true, and too funny. However, there are some Australian Shepherds who do not get along with cats. Australian Shepherds are usually good with any dogs in the household and are not prone to aggressive behavior toward them. Many Australian Shepherds in fact act gentle and friendly around cats and love to spend time in company of them. Work slowly and deliberately until theyre comfortable. Its simply their instinct. Adult Aussies that are already well-trained and respond to basic commands are generally easier to introduce to cats and kittens and will typically respond well to the introduction method mentioned in this post. The only peace he gets is by laying down or when he goes outside. These hard working dogs will need a minimum of an hour of physical activity every day, but more than that is even better. However, a small amount of Australian Shepherds may not get along particularly well with cats. Temperament wise? In this case, ensure that there are places around for your cat to hide if he feels threatened. Making sure they stayed away from stairs (by putting themselves between said child and the 'danger zone' whether it was stairs, strange dogs, the kitchen etc. It's adorable. Nonetheless, some cats may take longer than that, as every individual is different. Even if theyre not aggressive, playful acts can injure or even kill a tiny kitten. Leash the dog again and reintroduce the two using the methods mentioned earlier in this post. But what about pets other than their own species, like for instance cats? At the slightest hint of furniture scratching or any other mischief-making, China is more than happy--and proud--to put an end to it immediately! Take the time to manage the introduction properly, and you could be setting up a friendship thatll last for the rest of your pets lives. I just thought that she doesn't care for cats. NEW Aussie Clubs, Template Design by Cre8ve Online|Mega Menu by Gerry Davis. I can say that my dog has never been anything other then inquisitive around the cats, but never for long. (Explained), link to German Shepherds & Other Household Pets (Read This First!). Theyre easy to train and want to please their owners. Dont let the dog chase the cat or kitten. The only downside to raising a kitten and a puppy at the same time is that youll have to deal with both of their never-ending supply of energy. 3.- Put the Aussie on a leash, open the door to the bedroom, and allow the cat to see the Aussie and vice versa. How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Get Used To A Dog? Always introduce a cat and a dog slowly. Like they groom each other. To introduce your kitten to your Australian Shepherd puppy, use the method mentioned in the previous section. How long an adult cat and adult dog take to get used to one another depends on their temperament, histories, and how you socialize them. Agility Training Index, NEW Dog Product Reviews However the cat actually enjoys it most of the time and will even start the chase every now and then if Aki is not in the mood for whatever reason. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It's basically the same story as the other comment, he doesn't try to hurt my cat, but he does chase him non stop. Before you even think about introducing a cat or kitten into your adult Aussies home, you need to work on your Aussies behavior and training. That method is stressful and can lead to trauma, which can eventually cause the cat or dog to despise the other and ruin their chances of developing a healthy relationship in the future. Here are the steps you need to take to introduce the two animals safely and effectively: 1.- Keep the cat or kitten in a separate room for a few hours or up to a day. In spite of all that, he loves her and she loves him. This would give them more contact with each other and they will learn to reside in each others company and co-exist in peace. I love this about them. Although they have historically not gotten along, its perfectly possible to raise both a cat and a dog harmoniously in the same household. (Solved! They still love to play and make friends but their smaller stature makes them more appealing to house cats. Chasing after animals is only an instinctive behavior that this breed is prone to displaying, and it is possible for it to occur at any time. Dogs bred for this reason tend to have a strong prey drive and more aggressive temperaments. Otherwise, he may become restless and bored. Some cats are very aggressive when another animal or person enters their territory, whereas others may run and hide. As a result, he may not want to continue doing it. So if you're talking only a few hours it is not big deal. Be sure that youre providing your cat interaction throughout the day. A peaceful, friendly, good natured cat will be quicker at becoming friends with your dog. These introductions can be dangerous, especially for the cat. After all, mans two best friends have been notorious enemies since the dawn of history! My Gypsy does the exact same thing! You could do the introduction in your living room or somewhere where your cat can jump onto the couch or on top of furniture if he feels scared or insecure. They may even hiss, swat, growl, bite, and scratch. Exercise ensures that the dog is calm and more responsive to commands. But are Australian Shepherds good with cats? We have tried to break her of this but so far she still does it. I want my dog to listen and come every time I call! Be sure that the cat has a safe place to go when theyre stressed out, and be sure that the dog isnt tormenting the cat. Raising an Australian Shepherd and a kitten together is beneficial because it allows them to be introduced before experiencing a negative interaction with another dog or cat. If your dog is overly excited or frantic, keep him on a leash and make him sit until he has settled down. If you do sense tension at first, you can take a few steps to help better acquaint your two pets. Youll know that its time when theres no observed hyperactivity or attempts to chase. This behavior often involves nipping ankles, heels, hands, and sometimes even the face. If the dog tends to chase other animals such as squirrels, rabbits, or birds, break this habit before bringing another animal into your home. Aussies are loyal, dependable dogs that form strong relationships with their family. I have 3 cats. Whisker Pals is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Australian shepherds were originally bred to be farm animals, i.e., they have a TON of energy to burn. Every dog is an individual and will have a different temperament. A mini Australian Shepherd will not be a lot bigger than a cat, so they will not be as prone to chasing after cats and other animals. However, there are some challenges. Felines are naturally territorial creatures. Though it is not very common, it is still possible for a Mini Australian Shepherd to not get along with a cat. Scent is a vital way that animals such as dogs and cats communicate with each other. They learn quickly and can easily be trained to live at peace with the family cat. Follow the method mentioned in the Introducing a Cat to an Aussie Dog or Puppy section, but keep the dog on a leash for a couple of weeks in the cats presence. . If your dog begins showing these signs after introducing a new cat or kitten to their environment, first visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. This sequestering allows the dog to take in the scent of the feline, and the cat can take in the dogs smells and sounds before seeing one another. We don't let her up the stairs so that is where the oldest cat stays. Compared to their larger cousins, miniature Australian shepherds are a little more laid back. Once medical issues have been ruled out, consider starting the introduction process over. Additionally, mini Aussies usually will not have as much of a temptation to chase other animals such as cats. However, this might not always work for every individual. What if I find that even after meeting and proper socialization my Australian Shepherd still continues to chase my cat? This love and loyalty can lead to extremeterritorial behaviorin Australian Shepherds, including biting or attacking a person or another animal in the home. Most often it will take one or two days for your cat to get used to a dog. I hope that by sharing information about Sheepdogs I can give you the knowledge and skills to handle your own powerful breed. You must follow the method mentioned in the Introducing a Cat to an Aussie Dog or Puppy section. A one-Aussie house is very different than a four-Aussie house. Im the director of the UCE Veterinary Hospital and the UCE School of Veterinary Medicine. His instincts may especially be triggered if he sees a startled cat take off in front of him or flee in his presence. Both males and females defend their territory to some degree. If the one downstairs tries to come upstairs and bolts and makes her go back downstairs. The dog is essentially entering the cats home, and there may be some initial aggression. It just takes the right conditions for them to become the best of friends. As long as you raise them right, and with love, you're dog should be well mannered and kind. These dogs are better for homes with cats or kittens, as theyre more laid-back. We hope you find Whisker Pals helpful, informative, and maybe even entertaining! Leaving these dogs alone for too long isnt a good idea because they are prone to anxiety. Be prepared for messes, scratched-up furniture, and late nights playing with your new friends. He will realize that this behavior has the consequence of being put away in a separate room. This will make him associate the act of chasing the cat with something negative. If you raise them with a cat, theyll go out of their way to protect their feline sibling and treat your pet cat as a member of the pack. I have a 5-year old Aussie, Titan, who used to herd the cat until the cat died a little over a year ago. It's hilarious. As a result of his herding origin, this breed is very energetic, athletic. Increase gradually the time your dog and cat spend with each other every day. Still, it might take more time, especially if either has had a negative experience with a cat or dog before. This is due to their smaller size. Poor Caesar can't take a step without Zoey blocking him and if he shoulders past her, she resorts to biting at his legs. Whatever you think after reading and hearing about it, times it by at least 2. This is why patience is key, and to give your cat and dog freedom to interact with each other regularly without your interference. (Mini Australian Shepherd Lifespan), Why Is My Australian Shepherd Following Me Everywhere? Join in and write your own page! Well then share a few tips to help your pets get along and advise you on how to introduce a new Australian shepherd into your home. Moreover, they could even nip your cat, since herding dogs often nip sheep in the hind legs to urge them on. Do Mini Australian Shepherds Get Along With Cats? These behaviors dont necessarily mean the Australian Shepherd is displaying aggression. In homes where both animals are well-loved, cared for, socialized early on, and properly introduced, they can form lifelong friendships. I have a 9 year old loving and energetic Border Collie named Zeus. The method mentioned in the section Introducing an Aussie to a Cat or Kitten is a great starting point for initial meetings. link to Why Do Hamsters Not Get Along With Rabbits? Additionally, if your cat displays such traits, it is important to keep an eye on him around your dog. But only do this if you feel confident that the animals are comfortable and secure with one another. Whenever he chases your cat, redirect his focus on you and reward him for obeying and settling down. We even check stools for feathers nothing Then we realized something she takes everything outside the kitchen and put it on the steps. Site Blog, Training & Care Ebook I was looking for a hiking companion! Our biggest issue is I work 6am -5pm and she works 12-6. Australian Shepherd Club of America: Is an Aussie Right For You? A cat may attack when introducing an Australian Shepherd into a home where a cat already has an established territory. They tend to be naturally possessive and protective. These two animals have coexisted for hundreds of years in human habitations when socialized. Mini Australian Shepherds may get along with cats even better than their standards sized counterparts. Puppies arent yet trained, so its more challenging to introduce them to a kitten, as the puppy wont respond to commands. Also, look into behavioral training to help curb any unwanted behaviors. Articles Index Can Australian Shepherds and Cats be Friends? Well you guessed it. She isn't interested in playing with them and has plenty of escape routes which is key. This sort of behavior would only annoy or frighten your cat, driving him to hide away from your Australian Shepherd. I cleaned the cage and the door didn't go all the way down on the cage. Puppies tend to be more rambunctious than adult dogs, so your cat must always have a safe space where he can go to isolate if he feels the need to do so. If you dont have the space or time to exercise and train your dog, you could end up with a disobedient and destructive pet. At this point, you can try a closer interaction on a retractable leash. In cartoons and movies, cats and dogs are depicted as arch enemies. Shepherds tend to have well-rounded temperaments and are relatively accepting of cats. They don't care for her. But Do Hamsters and German Shepherds & Other Household Pets (Read This First!). In an effort to support responsible breeding practices, purchased designer mixes (eg. I support you on your journey with your furry friend. I have a 6 month black tri and hope he looks as good as yours when he is grown. Start by leaving the room but staying nearby in case there is an altercation. I have 4 Aussies and a slightly different experience than the other comments here. by Charles Hall We have two Aussies and like others, they chase the cat but aren't trying to hurt her. Dog Training Index When your Australian Shepherd obeys, reward him for his good behavior. All About Sheepdogs does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. We have 2 large cats and a small 1. Thats a lot of energy! Therefore, as a result of their instincts, they may chase after cats, just as their ancestors would have chased sheep. Press J to jump to the feed. However, these instinctual behaviors can lead to biting if measures arent taken to correct them. Therefore, it should not be too long before your Aussie learns to recognize that you want him to stop chasing the cat. OSU Indoor Pet Initiative: Introducing Dogs and Cats, AKC: Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information, Countryside Veterinary Clinic: The Awesome Aussie. I don't think anyone can prepare you for how much energy these dogs have. That means no chasing, biting, hyperactivity, or other unwanted behaviors from either. What's New? Also, a highly energetic, playful, or frisky cat may get along better with your dog. This is especially true in the case where your cat is aloof, easily frightened or startled, or if your dog acts frantic around new animals. The oldest cat (14) hates her and has been afraid of her ever since she came and she is 10 now. ), How Long Do Mini Aussies Live? This will startle your cat and ruin any chance of developing a healthy, friendly relationship. All in all, Australian Shepherds are easily trained dogs that can get along with cats with the correct socialization and training. 3.- Open the door to the bedroom where the cat is sequestered and allow the animals to see one another. Great story! Australian Shepherds usually get along with cats and can live in perfect harmony with them. They know the rules and have no problems inforcing them! They will put themselves in between the 'offender' and the 'offence'. VetPetGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I love your story, and yes, they WILL find a job to do! One animal could hurt or even kill the other. If the cat runs or hides, dont follow. (Explained). Repeat these steps each day until the animals are used to one another. Despite all my efforts, the cat continues to use the couch as a scratching pole at will. 4.- Reward both animals with praise and treats. This is what we think happened the bird got outshe got ittook it outside to put on the steps and the bird flew away. aussiedoodles & TX heelers) should also be posted elsewhere. Why Do Hamsters Not Get Along With Rabbits? and needs to stay active. Our dog Lola, a female black-tri, is just turning 3 years in June. However,malestypically have a larger territory than their female counterparts. Youll be working at the cat and dogs pace, not your own. As time goes on, make the introductions rewarding by offering treats and lots of praise. All introductions must be supervised and handled with patience. I have a 1 year 7month Australian Shepherd that I trained since he was a puppy. Familiarity and gradual introduction are the best ways to introduce them. Why Might An Australian Shepherd Not Get Along With Cats? sake, I hope he learns fast! Q & A Forum By smelling another animals scent, your dog or cat can read and understand a lot of information about another individual. Use the method mentioned above to socialize an Aussie puppy and kitten. Therefore, you should be careful about how you first introduce a new Australian shepherd to your cat. Its not uncommon for dogs and cats to become friends and enjoy each others company. This will tell him that you want him to leave the cat alone and focus on you instead. How To Build A Tranquil Relationship Between Your Aussie and Cats, Introduce Aussies and Cats At A Young Age, 5 Tips For If Your Australian Shepherd Still Doesnt Get Along With Cats, Reward your dog for behaving around your cat, Feed them at the same time, in the same location (different bowls though). Australian shepherds are intelligent, loyal, family-friendly dogs with a ton of energy and a proclivity for making friends! I can picture it perfect. One hangs in my bedroom and the other one hangs downstairs. It's easy to do. Their fun-loving personalities make them a wonderful addition to the household and, if trained properly, theyll get along just fine with your pet cats. Dog Grooming Index You may do this by calling your dogs name, telling him to sit down, or shifting his attention to a toy or a piece of food. Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons These steps can teach him that bothering the cat is not acceptable. 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