Mavis Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Hi all, What are your thoughts on cats as companions for dogs? Do you think that interspecies companionship teaches dogs anything (socialisation wise)? Is doggy company more important? If (hypothetically) a dog was only socialised with cats as a pup, would they very likely have poor doggy manners? For the record, our dog is socialised with other dogs, but spends a lot more time with the cats! I tend to think it is valuable as he learns not to harass other animals, a lesson which hopefully can be applied to dog friends. I'd love a second dog though! Edited February 9, 2015 by Mavis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clover Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I think both is very important. My dogs have all been bought up around cats and have respect for our family cats (outsiders are fair game). The boss of our household is the 15 year old Moggie :laugh:. She even keeps the Terriers in line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 being that cats & dogs communicate very differently ..a pup growing up with mainly cat company would NOT learn much dog body language/communication :) Dogs & Cats can be good friends though :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mavis Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 being that cats & dogs communicate very differently ..a pup growing up with mainly cat company would NOT learn much dog body language/communication :) Dogs & Cats can be good friends though :) That is what I figured! I wonder whether dogs can start exhibiting more cat like body language if they hang out all the time? I must say though that our dog still acts like a dog!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 There is a study that suggests cats and dogs can become very good at interpreting each other's body language given the chance. My lot all get on very well and the dogs know which kit is PLAY TIME! and which kit is NOT TO BE MESSED WITH. However I suspect it is a "pack thing" as I know they would chase the neighbour's cat (as prey not play) without a doubt. Dogs don't generalise very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mavis Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 There is a study that suggests cats and dogs can become very good at interpreting each other's body language given the chance. My lot all get on very well and the dogs know which kit is PLAY TIME! and which kit is NOT TO BE MESSED WITH. However I suspect it is a "pack thing" as I know they would chase the neighbour's cat (as prey not play) without a doubt. Dogs don't generalise very well. What discerning spotty dogs they must be! You are right, dogs are not great generalists. Kind of off topic but I have had the dog sitting and waiting before coming inside. Whenever I tried something different (e.g. down) he is very confused and needs to be told a few times. I must work on that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Not sure if it's the dogs that are discerning or if it's the cats :laugh: Yes they are very good at patterning!!! It's always a problem when training agility! I play wild tug or bash 'em ups with The Springer Devil and when she's really engaged I call out sit or drop. As soon as she hits the deck we play again. Big lesson for her to LISTEN for the correct cue rather than assume what's coming next... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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