Introducing Your New Dog to Your Other Animals
Other Animals
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Dogs will admit other animals as members of their group - but the fact is, dogs and rabbits or rodents weren't made to get along. Unless your dog was raised with these creatures from puppyhood, the canine predatory instincts may not remain permanently suppressed in the presence of small, defenseless, running creatures. Cats are another story. With a little effort on your part, your cat and dog can live in mutual respect (or at least tolerance) for each other and may even become good friends. Keep in mind, however, that the two species do not always understand each other's body language, so some miscommunication must be expected.
In general, it will work out better if the newcomer to such a situation is a kitten or puppy, or an adult who has formerly lived amicably with the other species. If you already have a dog, make sure he is obedience-trained before bringing in a kitten or cat, and have him meet some friends' cats to make sure his instinct isn't to attack all things feline.
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