Getting the dog used to other animals allows owners who wish to take other pets with them to contain reactions of jealousy, anger and/or aggression.
For this reason we opt to socialize the dog, so that our four-legged friend enjoys relationships with others, while remaining himself.
Getting the dog used to other animals: basic requirements
Getting the dog used to other animals when it is still a puppy is easier than having to make an adult dog understand that everything is fine and that another pet does not pose a danger and it is not prey.
It all depends on the dog’s personality and its natural predisposition, often in relation to yours race of belonging. If it is a hunting dog, it is completely natural for him (or her) to run after a canary, a ferret or a cat that, frightened, is still in the process of patrolling its new home.
However, these disheartening and not at all friendly reactions can be generated by the sense of protection that the dog has towards members of the family and the master, or even, by its too territorial character. This explains why a cat, a ferret, for example, can be considered by the dog as a threat or be perceived as a prey to chase. So which approach to use?
How do I socialize my dog?
An attentive and interested approach to change in family balance it is useful to be able to teach the dog that the newcomer is not a danger, but not even a toy to have fun with. Therefore it is good not to leave the dog in contact (alone) with the newcomer immediately, but perhaps, holding the latter in your arms, to allow both to get to know each other through the sense of smell.
When you bring a new pet into the house, you need to get the dog used to the new presence in the house gradual way, take the liberty of scolding the dog (without exaggeration and excessive control) whenever it behaves incorrectly, is defensive (growls, bites, barks). The meeting and acquaintance situation must be faced with calm and patience and lots and lots of positivity.
Therefore, avoid focusing too much attention on the newcomer, neglecting the dog that could get jealous. Leverage rewards, positive reinforcements, whenever the dog has a correct and positive behavior towards the other. In this way, time will allow for the creation of a relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation, made up of common rituals and friendship.
As a pack leader, the dog owner will have to reassure the dog assuming a confident attitudewithout getting angry or violent. If it is difficult to socialize the dog with another animal, dog training done with the support of expert canine instructors can make the difference by making coexistence pleasant and balanced.
How does the dog behave with other animals?
Dog training allows you to improve the relationship between your dog and another pet, whether it’s a cat, rabbit, bird or ferret.
However, when you decide to bring a new pet into your home, it’s good to know that there are some dog breeds that are more likely to accept new friends and socialize with them.
Dog breeds that get along well with cats
Dog breeds that get along well with cats include:
Even the Great Dane, in general, gets along with other animals: well trained, it manages to avoid being too intrusive and proves to be a real friend of all. As well as mountain dogs and sheepdogs, who have always been used to being in contact with other animals, and the Chihuahua, always playful and sociable.
The exception that proves the rule
With dog training it is possible to help our dog to be sociable and open to the outside world, without this involving a radical change in his personality.
If there is an exception to every rule, it is true that the animal world, especially the canine world, could surprise us by revealing splendid friendships.