Dogs Living with Other Pets...

GreyhoundGirl · 06-11-2007, 06:53 PM

The more the merrier? I found these tips on how to safely combine dogs with pets of other speices to be pretty good.

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Every breed of dog was developed to perform a job, many of which involve chasing, catching, and/or killing other animals. No wonder animal-loving households sometimes find themselves immersed in small tragedies as incompatible animals meet.

It is possible to overcome breed tendencies that put companion animals at risk. Plus, exceptions exist within every breed Border Collies that aren't interested in sheep or Golden Retrievers that let parakeets sit on their heads. It is easier and safer, however, to avoid breed choices that don't offer such challenges. If you own a non-canine pet and are thinking of getting a dog, here's a list to help you avoid the most glaring mis-matches:

Caged birds: Think twice about retrievers, setters, and spaniels all bred to hunt birds. They can be extremely birdy obsessed with the presence of any bird. Be cautious of terriers, which were bred to kill rodents but any small animal will do as prey. Some working breeds, such as Huskies and shepherds, can also be very prey-oriented.

Rabbits: You may want to steer away from the scent hounds Beagles, Bassets, Foxhounds, and others bred to follow small game. Some sight hounds notably Greyhounds have also been bred to chase and kill rabbits. Again, be cautious of terriers, and consider the prey drive of some working breeds.

Rats, reptiles and other pocket pets: Terriers can be extremely persistent about going after rodents the very type of animal they were bred to exterminate. Some herding, sporting, and working breeds might have a natural antipathy toward snakes.

Cats: Be cautious, again, of terriers. A cat's tendency to fight back, successful in intimidating softer dogs, often arouses a terrier even more. Many working breeds have a prey drive, and Greyhounds will also sometimes chase and kill cats.

Livestock: If you want to try herding, get a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, or the like. But if you want to be able to work around your hooved companions in peace, leave the herding breeds out of the picture. They aren't likely to actually kill livestock, but they are workaholics with an obsessive need to herd, and will run circles around you while you play with your sheep or horses.

From http://www.dogchannel.com

serenedee · 06-12-2007, 01:34 AM

I have always had dogs and cats live harmoniously together. In fact, my last dog Max (retired racing greyhound) and my cat were the best of friends. My cat made it clear from day one (I had her for years before Max) that she was alpha. Max was a 90lb pile of mush! They ate from the same food bowl ( could not be helped as the cat would only eat the dogs food) and Max would always wait until the cat was finished before he ate. He was always the gentleman. I could go on and on about my beloved Max, however....

Years ago I had a 100lb dobe that would pick up our cat and our yorkie in his mouth, place his paw over them, and 'tickle' them with his teeth. They LOVED it! it would totally freak out our guests as they would see this and think he was having them for lunch. Our Yorkie by the way, was alpha. It was the funniest thing to watch a 100lb dobe being bossed around by a 5lb yorkie. Gosh I miss those dogs.

I do believe most dogs can live peacefully with other animals. This may take some time and patience but it can work.

Charlie (our new pup) has been trying since day one to get our cat to play but she wants nothing to do with him....quite yet. lol She quickly puts him in his place.

Valkman · 06-12-2007, 05:44 AM

I brought my puppy home a week ago to a house with three cats! They still will not have anything to do with him but one cat has come close and they've been nose to nose. The puppy has also chased that one around the kitchen a couple of times.

The other 2 cats stay in the master bedroom and one is going to the bathroom there, and there is no cat box there. The wife is again not happy!

borzoimom · 06-12-2007, 07:40 AM

Very good post Michy!! Good reminder!

tirluc · 06-12-2007, 10:19 AM

all 3 of my older Borders were taught from the beginning that chasing animals of any kind was not allowed (they're city dogs and i didn't need them chasing the rabbits and squirrels across the road and getting hit)......but when i took them out on sheep (Tir was 1, Lacey-6, and Tipper-8) it took all of about 1 min each for them to be on those sheep and learning what they were bred to do......and when i started the goose control last yr it was the same for the girls.....but yet they still leave the bunnies, squirrels, household animals, etc alone.....and they DON"T "herd" the kids on bikes as they ride by, etc.....

britishbandit · 06-12-2007, 11:57 AM

I can't say I agree with all of that. I've seen many many dogs that are on that list as not being good with certain pets be great with them.

It's not bad that it helps people that maybe don't want to put in the time and effort with a breed that maybe harder than another, but it's good to inform people that a dog being raised with other pets, with supervision and boundaries in many cases works out just fine.

However, I do feel if it is a dog that hasn't been raised with a specific pet from puppyhood, I think the breed choice is a bigger concern.

You just have to be smart about it. I get asked a lot how my Rottweilers are with my cats.....and seem dumbfounded when I say "awesome!, they cuddle together and groom each other.." LOL But despite that fact, I never leave them alone together. When I go out, the cats aren't in an area that the dogs can get to, or the dogs are crated. When the dogs were growing up, they were taught the rules and to respect the cats. Leash trailing in the house as pups, and baby gates up (which I still use now).

tirluc · 06-12-2007, 05:16 PM

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But despite that fact, I never leave them alone together.

that, again, has never been a problem here.....i have always trusted my dogs around the rats, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, bunnies, or whatever else has been a part of this house.....i may "eat my words" someday, but i don't think so.....even Saoirse, who came here almost adult, i trust not to hurt the bunny we have if left unsupervised.....

GreyhoundGirl · 06-12-2007, 05:33 PM

Yes, I wasn't saying there aren't a lot of exceptions, even my greyhound, a sighthound bred to chase small animals is quite at peace with my grandmother's cat, Tripod. And as mentioned already... Haha! Tripod is the Alpha in this case, too!

I wouldn't trust them together either.

lovemygreys · 06-12-2007, 11:50 PM

Good points, but I hate that they mentioned greyhounds specifically not only once, but twice. They are all individuals. I know greyhounds that live with bunnies and ferrets and other small animals.

SunSiberians · 06-12-2007, 11:58 PM

I have a ferret and in the past I have had rats and guinnea pigs and a bearded dragon. My dogs have done great with them, but they know they're off limits. The books and internet sources always say - Siberian Huskies will not get along with small animals - I of course disagree, lol.

...as long as they've been properly introduced and raised together.

britishbandit · 06-13-2007, 02:20 AM

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Originally Posted by tirluc

that, again, has never been a problem here.....i have always trusted my dogs around the rats, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, bunnies, or whatever else has been a part of this house.....i may "eat my words" someday, but i don't think so.....even Saoirse, who came here almost adult, i trust not to hurt the bunny we have if left unsupervised.....

Oh I hear ya.

I trust my dogs completely with the cats, and I don't serperate them at all when I'm home, even when I sleep, only when I leave the house. And really it's just as you say, so I don't end up "eating my words" should something happen, not that I think anything ever will. Just call me cautious.

I guess it's the same way I feel about kids too. My dogs are wonderful with children, but I'd never leave a child unattended with them. Even unintentionally, simply from playing or just the size of my dogs could result in something unpleasant.

GreyhoundGirl · 06-14-2007, 04:05 PM

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Originally Posted by lovemygreys

Good points, but I hate that they mentioned greyhounds specifically not only once, but twice. They are all individuals. I know greyhounds that live with bunnies and ferrets and other small animals.

I agree. But you have to consider first time dog owners that own cats and bunnies, would an RR greyhound really be their best choice? I just think it's a warning, when mentioning greyhounds, that because they're bred to chase and because RR greys are trained that way, that they might want to be careful st first, and make sure they check the dog out well before they bring one home...