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Catahoula/Coonhound mix introduction to cat

1275 Views 1 Reply 2 Participants Last post by  BIteWorkHeeler, 
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Background: I have a mix rat terrier/cattle dog that is 1.5 years old. I also have a cat that is 6 yo. My question regards to this breed as my gf has recently rescued a catahoula/coonhound mix who is between 1-2 years old.

Question 1: How does this breed do with cats?

We have been doing the introductions between them two very slowly, letting the dog in a room the cat has been in to get scent, then taking dog out of room and doing the same with the cat. Very slow steps is what I was taught to do when I rescued my dog and introduced her to the cat. Took about 2-3 months before they would be in the same room then about another 3 months till the dog would not chase the cat (when cat would run off), then about 2 more months before they started playing with each other.

Should I use this same tactic for the gf's new dog? She will be moving in this spring and the last thing I want is to lose an animal (or potentially two) if the new dog attacks the cat. So far, the new dog is curious but hasn't made an attempt to go for the cat, but we are also holding the cat and dog apart while doing this.

Question 2: Should I stick with this routine? Any suggestions?
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BIteWorkHeeler
I would put a little extra security on the dog (I.e. a pinch collar or a choke collar) and have him on leash, while letting him into the room with the cat. I would also have some treats handy.

I would watch his reaction. If he goes after the cat, a big collar correction could be enough to deter him. If he ignores the cat, or scopes him out and then returns to you - I would give him a treat and praise him for returning to you.

Hounds are not usually good with cats. Growing up we raised coonhounds, and when we sold puppies it came with an explicit warning that cats and hounds don't usually mix. Some of them were fine all their lives with the kitties, others were not. Unfortunately the two breeds this dog is a mix of are not notorious for being easy to train either, so it will require you to be firm about the collar correction and praise when he does a right thing. It may just take time.
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