do border collies get along with cats do border collies get along with cats

Spread a blanket that your cat typically sleeps on your collies bed to get them acclimated to the fragrance. Furthermore, some high-energy herding breeds, such as border collies, often cant stop themselves from herding everyone in the house, cats included. Lets quickly look at some pros and cons. A Border Collie sitting on the walkway with a big smile - Image source. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'petcreeks_com-box-4','ezslot_6',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petcreeks_com-box-4-0');Border collies do get along with cats if you get both pets from their puppy and kitten stages. I couldn't tell that he was doing it on purpose until I was close enough to hear that he was purring while running away from her (and he's not normally the kind of cat to purr when stressed). Then they bark, even baring their teeth if sheep do not respond or begin to move. Separate your border collie from your new cat, but allow them to hear and smell it before fully introducing them. So, dont force the two to become buddies if you have a hostile feline. As you may already know, the Border collie is the worlds premier herding breed, and he loves to work above anything else. A border collie may stare at cat as part of their instinctual herding behavior. Border collies need both physical and mental challenges -- agility courses, training, games of fetch and regular walks or runs. Do remember that both cats and dogs have unique personalities and behaviors. But then again, maybe they also know I won't let it go but so far. Perhaps the best way to train your border collie and to eradicate bad behavior is with an effective home training program. When you are away from home, make sure that you put your puppy in a crate, so that you can monitor their behavior with your cats until they are fully socialized. Aggression coming from either animal should not be tolerated. Bad or scary experiences may be hard to overcome and are best anticipated and avoided. Collies are fairly easy keepers, needing a minimum amount of good-quality food. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. Many border collies get along well with the cats in their homes, but others have such strong herding instincts that they arent trustworthy around cats. She always stops when I tell her to. But if you're the owner of an adorable Beagle, you may be wondering if he or she will get along with a cat. Some of the cats, particularly my little siamese female is very scared of the dogs. Plus, collies tend to be gentle dogs, including with kids and other family pets. Dogs raised with cats when they are puppies are substantially less likely to display aggressive behavior, and if your puppy grows up with cats, he is less likely to see them as prey animals in need of herding. Socialization is the process of a puppy dog facing multiple people, animals, and environments. She might follow the kitty around your house, try to guide him into or keep him out of certain areas, chase him and always keep him in her sight. Both of my dogs are cat friendly. The next second they are best buds-it is soooo funny to watch! How Do I Stop a Dog From Attacking a Cat?. A border collie thats ignored or left on her own too much can become destructive -- to your house and to your cat. Both need rewarding for this behavior and you want to promote good behavior as much as possible. If you wish to share your home with both cats and dogs, look for a dog breed that's typically friendly with felines. With proper training, you can prevent herding behavior and teach your border collie and cat to get on well and treat each other as equals. Always introduce dogs and cats cautiously until you know they will get along. Consider getting the Kannon K2 Ball Launcher to get your hyperactive Border collie jumping and fetching. Border collies can be good with cats. For instance, terriers are tenacious, feisty, and full of energy. Otherwise, it would be impossible to snap him back out of his predatory state. Boredom often leads to aggressive behavior in dogs. Toys have a much higher value so it's pretty easy to get him onto something else. When the BCs were puppies I let the cats intimidate them a little, so they know the cats aren't afraid of them and have weapons at their disposal. However, I would rather choose the lesser evil than have my dog maim another family member or risk him being put down or rehomed. Paste as plain text instead, The Border Collie has no drive to harm a rabbit. #1: Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats, and "golden" is a fitting word to describe this classic breed. I have 3 siamese cats and 2 rough collies. As long as you foster them well and supervise their relation in the initial stages, you are good to go. The barrier is durable and secure, and it allows small pets to pass through. Introduce your pets face-to-face and have them watch each other move around. This can include going for walks, playing fetch, and training. It is important to provide each animal with its own space and resources, like food bowls, beds, and litter boxes. Physical Characteristics: Large, heavy-coated, powerful body; broad, massive head; small ears that lie close to the head. Calvin, who is going on 3, used to play with Kes and then also started playing with Birdie. Newfies are patient, calm, and protective of their family members. exceptionally well at most canine sports, so consider enrolling your dog in any Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation: Make sure your Border Collie gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. I've got a cat tree out of my BC's reach that my kitty can retreat to when he's had enough play time, and he treats it as his safe zone. On the other hand, a playful kitty who likes being chased and loves to razz your dog could be a suitable playmate. They should be praised for their excellent performance. This will help to reinforce the desired behavior. Since they notice a kind of game when the Border Collie starts this behavior. This act is not recommended at all. Do Border collies get along well with other pets? At just three to seven pounds, they are smaller than most cats. Aaron RiceExpert Dog TrainerWritten: January 17, 2022 Some people who get a Border Collie often ask, "Do Border Collies Get Along With Cats?" This is a fair question if you are getting a family dog who needs to share your cat's space.Not every breed of dog is friendly to smaller dogs or cats, and ma. Keep an eye on the borderas they engage with the cat. (When the 19 year old cat was still alive, no dog was allowed to invade her space--she just didn't need to be bothered by anyone bigger than her.). But in order to properly assess this question, we need to look into the specifics of the breed. The Cavalier is as sweet as they come. Border Collies require 700 to 1,000 calories, while Golden Retrievers are about 989 to 1,272 calories per day. Or at least, they can get along with cats living in their homes if they are trained and socialized accordingly. Breed Characteristics. . Physical Characteristics: Muscular, solid body; domed skull; squarish muzzle; long, floppy ears; perky long tail held upward. This helps prevent competition and conflicts. Kittens are energetic and playful, both of which are qualities any Border collie will appreciate. The doggie cat hunts my JRT and the JRT is afraid, very afraid. The stare is so sinister that it can actually intimidate a stubborn cow or sway chickens to march right back to their coop. Put all of your border collies toys, bed, bowls, and other possessions away before bringing in the cat. Sporting dogs, such as retrievers and spaniels, typically get along with anyone, including cats. I think the boys would have left Tiger Lily completely alone if she had not taunted them into chasing her when they were pups. Well, the cat suddenly started running at both my dogs. I have cat trees and shelves so the cat can safely get away if needed. A Border Collie is a medium-sized breed weighing between 14 and 20kgs, with a height between 50 and 55cms. Does anyone else have both cats and BCs, and do you have any tips or experiences to share? Border collies are bred to work at the command of a person, but to also do the right thing when they are 400 yards away with sheep and the shepherd is over the next hill, out of sight. Occasionally Anni will initiate play with Meg. At any rate, I pay attention and judge the behavior of individual dogs and cats and manage appropriately. Some border collies may have a lower herding impulse than others, but if your border collie is a herder, they may decide that herding your cat is their appointed duty. Therefore you may need to interrupt staring and prevent your border collie from attempting to her a/your cat. They do need exercise, but they are not as "high octane" as the border collie. You may notice your border collie following your cat around the house, as if trying to guide them. Baby gates and using long leashes can work particularly well here. This is so that they dont have a wholly foreign experience when they first encounter your cat. This is a question that we will be discussing in this post, so keep reading! Herding of other animals can be defined in multiple ways, including chasing, nipping, and barking. By Cats Tend To Get Used To Border Collies. Cats Tend To Get Used To Border Collies If it is true that at the beginning, the grazing behavior can tire an uncomfortable the cat. Repeat this process for a week until both parties feel more settled. One of the main reasons why Border Collies may become obsessed with cats is their strong herding behavior. Provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation: A tired and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in problem behaviors like chasing. I have 2 BCs and 4 cats. Border Collies are one of the most caring and loving breeds. and 2 cats. Since they notice a kind of game when the Border Collie starts this behavior. Border Collie. The dog is always leashed in the house (to my belt) and I keep him a safe distance away from the cat but last week I got distracted and the pup got a little too close and got a whack on the nose. Outside if they run he will chase, but not with the intent to harm. each, 32 count, Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor - Enzyme Pet Odor Eliminator for Home - Carpet Stain Remover for Cats and Dog Pee - Enzymatic Cat Urine Destroyer - Carpet Cleaner Spray, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula - 30 lb. Many Border Collies can thrive with a companion dog, but you have to be very careful with the breed. Occasionally, even a well-trained border collie might attempt to herd and chase cats once in a while, so your cat must have a means of escape. The cats have trees to get into, there are several gated rooms the cats can go to, and several other places high enough the cats can go to if they want to get away from the dogs. Teach your Border Collie to leave it: Teaching your Border Collie to leave it when they see a cat can help to prevent them from chasing or trying to herd the cat. Will my border collie hurt my cat? There should be no problem as long as your Border collie finds him uninteresting. The stigma that cats and dogs don't get along is a long-standing myth. Border Collies love chasing or herding things and can start chasing or herding this may be difficult for you and your cat. Talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist about how to conduct the test and keep the animals safe. One thing is for sure this harmonious relationship cannot materialize on its own. The truth is, Border Collies can be excellent with cats. Physical Characteristics: Sturdy, muscular body with a lustrous gold coat, broad head, and friendly and intelligent eyes. Step 1. Although collies are prone to herding and chasing cats they don't recognize, once a collie accepts your cat as part of their family, collies get on very well with cats. Your link has been automatically embedded. In general, many dog breeds with high prey drives aren't suitable for homes with cats. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The gate will prevent your dog from charging at your cat. BCs, Gideon and Micah and a token JRT just to keep me humble. If you already have a cat, consider adopting an adult border collie from a rescue or shelter that does cat-testing. Like the Bearded Collie, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. Feeding schedules must not be changed; they must be adhered to. This will save a repetitive strain injury in your arm and ensure you give them plenty of exercise and opportunity to run around. But it requires patience, understanding, and proper management to ensure that both pets are happy and healthy. Clear editor. Through this process, the puppy learns to be comfortable and confident in a variety of situations. Border Collies are not always good with cats, especially new or unfamiliar ones. I should have saidgiven the opportunity to stare..he will. The dogs, surprised, took off around the back of the house being chased by this little cat. The cat has smacked her a few times for being too nosy and made her yelp, that's probably why she respects him. Not all cats will get along with even the friendliest of dogs. Regularly feeding of treats, rewards and offering praise will also incentivize your border collie to act better in the presence of cats. Laser beam stare, too. All dogs are individuals. He is 12 now and has not slowed down noticeably. . While it ultimately comes down to the individual dog (and cat), certain breeds have tendencies that help them get along with other species. To own a border collie is a bit of an undertaking as its a lot of work keeping these dogs occupied, but you will enjoy teaching your border collie new tricks. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors, who were used to herd sheep and other livestock. Disconnect the leash and put on some pet-friendly movies to watch with your border collieand see how they react. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. They are not the friendliest breed towards other dogs right off the bat. A Maltese is usually fine lying on the couch, ignoring much of anything else going on, including the activities of a cat. They were primarily bred to hunt and kill small furry animals. You must be consistent when training your border collie to behave well with the cat and not allow the border collie to become bored as this can lead to trouble. As such, your collie will herd them, and giving the eye is just part of the process. He never tries to herd them. Here are a few things that can be done: It is not recommended to punish your Border collie or any other dog breed for chasing a cat. She sees a dog, she flees to the nearest high place. The Border Collie, a medium-sized dog at 30 to 45 pounds, possesses a seemingly supernatural amount of energy and stamina a hardiness that was developed when he was required to work all day in. They happily cuddle and co-exist, but in play, I believe the participants should be evenly matched - dogs with dogs and well, my cats seem to prefer to sleep. 5: Border Collie. They are loyal, patient, and low-key dogs. I would like to foster a better relationship between them, any tips? When that happens, you cannot expect your pooch just to stick his tongue out. These dogs traditionally hunted in large packs with hunters accompanying the packs on foot or horseback, so it was imperative that they got along with other animals. This includes Amazon. Bearded Collies are also smart enough to manipulate their owners. However, you should not remove the barriers until your pup becomes less interested in your cat. Physical Characteristics: Medium-length, silky wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail. When introducing a cat and dog, it is important to do so gradually. Tip #5: Give Your Border Collie a Purpose. However, with proper training, socialization, and management, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully. Do collies get on with cats? But what about cats? And toy dogs were mostly bred to be loving companions even to other species. Likewise, it teaches him that the cat is here to stay, rather than an intruder he needs to chase away. One of the most intelligent of all breeds, the Border Collie is also one of the most challenging to live with. Labrador Retrievers. Mostly though, the dogs have learned to give Anni her spaceshe'll swat at them as she see's fit, usually for no reason at all. He's always licking them, trying to get them to play ect. Imagine my Robin's surprise when she tried curling up in his tail while he was sleeping! Now, how would you feel if someone was following you and watching your every move? Border collies were bred initially as sheepdogs, and these highly intelligent dogs love nothing more than to be put to work. Pupper will see the cats as pack members to protect, instead of livestock to herd. Border collies are high-energy dogs selectively bred to be herding dogs that may not get along with cats, however, because they are smart and quick to learn they can be trained to get along with cats. For example, a cat's movement could trigger a sight hound to want to chase it, though a scent hound will typically leave the cat's familiar scent alone. In fact, dog trainers use this tool to stamp out the predatory drive in aggressive breeds. A natural part of herding is nipping which will not likely be received very well by your cat. And as long as he isn't in my arms, Meg gets insanely jealous whenever I pick up a cat. They are extremely intelligent and have to be trained correctly to avoid behavioral issues. She'd smack them then take off across the yard for one of the fence posts, scramble up and laugh at them jumping about her. Your previous content has been restored. Golden Retrievers. With proper training and socialization, the Border Collie is an energetic and friendly choice for families with cats and children. While some collies have a lower herding drive than others, yours could easily decide that herding and supervising the cat is her job. Males have muscular bodies and long fur around their chests and the sides of their bodies. When I see that going on, the dog will get an "Ah, Ah" if he decides to chase. They are adaptable and gentle little creatures. Predatory aggression in dogs causes the most difficulty when it comes to peaceful interspecies relationships. They now run freely in the apt but are separated again at night just in case. And some hounds, especially scent hounds, were bred to work closely in packs, so they are usually friendly with other furry family members. Here are a few things you can do to address a dogs chasing behavior: It is important to remember that training takes time, patience, and consistency. These attributes were rated by several pet experts, including a dog trainer, veterinarian and behaviorist. Teach your dog the leave it command: This command tells the dog to stop what they are doing and focus on you. With proper training, however, you can prevent herding behavior and get your border collie and cats to treat one another as equals. He generally ignores them unless they initiate contact with him. They can prevent any chasing and any herding behavior from being attempted. In my experience, border collies can get along with other breeds that they live with better than they do with some other breeds when they're out and about. As highly trainable and people-pleasing dogs, most goldens can be taught to live successfully with cats. I just adopted a female kitten and she seems fine for the most partwith the dog but my old man seems to be stressed. For instance, even though beagles tend to be good with cats, your beagle might not be. Your border collie may end up herding or chasing away the cat. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States, Things To Consider When Cat Training They are essentially a herding dog, bred for intelligence, stamina and energy. A good strategy is to purchase a ball launcher, like this excellent product on Amazon, and routinely play fetch with them in your backyard/garden or on walks. Its preferable if they have their own room, so they may relax before meeting their new acquaintance. In fact, toy poodles are roughly the size of many cats and often will become close companions and playmates with their feline friends. The calming treats seem to help a bit but he is still very alert. Other times, the cat is very sweet and will try to rub up against the BC. Once these little ones develop the ideal behavior in their younger ages, the rest of your life will be a cake-walk! Be consistent and make it clear that you will not tolerate such bad behavior. Of course, they're also smaller and more fragile, so make sure the play doesn't get rambunctious. Uh, do birds fly? And although I discourage chasing, I have watched Calvin on many occasions walk up to Birdie or Kestrel outside, rub up against them and then run, as if inviting them to play. Another excellent approach is to set up your environment for success. As previously mentioned, border collies are natural herders with a range of specific skills and behaviors. This will help to reinforce the desired behavior. The Border Collie breed is known for its bold personality. Yes, I have 2 border collies, 1 cat of my own, 2 permanent fosters and my mom's cat. No question, they can get along with kitties. When they herd sheep, border collies first use eye contact, then bark and finally, if necessary, use their teeth. Tip #2: Introduce Your Border Collie by Sound and Scent. An adult Border collie from a rescue or shelter can be more challenging to introduce and train around cats. For no apparent reason, the border collie continues to snap at your cat. Border Collies With Cats. Especially dogs, he enjoys writing and sharing his 10 years of experiences with dogs so far. If your pooch is bored, they may resort to herding your cat. I find it interesting that the cats will choose to stay around Birdie and let her hassle them some when they could so easily remove themselves from her presence. And most will live happily with other animals, including cats, which they will likely view as just another member of the pack. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. The dog did corral the cat onto the coffee table once, and kept him pinned up there for a few minutes, until I made him stop. . Bag, Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Poultry & Beef Collection - 3 oz. Border collies have lots of energy that needs to be channeled the right way. Some of the most frequent reasons for obtaining a cat for your border collie are as follows: The following are some of the most prevalent arguments against getting a cat for your border collie: When combining a border collie with a cat, the border collie should be at least 2 to 4months old and the cat must also be at least 2 to 4months old. If so, you, Are you worried about a new cat in your house, Does your dog keep running away? My grandparents used to have a little B&W farm cat that used to sleep curled up with the BC they had at that time. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'petcreeks_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',649,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petcreeks_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');All these issues can be resolved if you get both from a younger age. Most of the dogs now ignore the cats, except Meg, the eight month old. As the adage goes, first impression lasts, and it holds true even for our pets. A male Border Collie will grow to be about 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) tall, while females will grow slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm). Some of the cats ignore the dogs, some love them and like to play with them, and 2 are quite intimidated by them. These are: The idea here is to keep your border collie distracted and to refrain from the need of herding/chasing a cat. With their short legs and long, heavy bodies, basset hounds are also slow-moving, which is ideal for living with cats, as they likely won't spook or be intimidating to their feline friends. Make sure that your border collie gets lots of daily exercise; this is essential as this breed requires a lot of activity and movement. Well, their bloodlines tell it so. The ability for a Border Collie and cat to live peacefully together is mainly dependent on the characteristics of the individual Border Collie, the cat, the owners, and household dynamics. Golden retrievers are loving and sweet-natured, adaptable, and outgoing. You cannot paste images directly. When these dogs herd sheep, they use a very intense stare and make eye contact with the sheep. Keep an eye on both creatures and track their development until they are comfortable with each other. Despite the fact that the cat does not bother the dog in any manner, the dog always growls with bared teeth at your cat. ]. Let us now take a closer look at how these two animals typically do alongside one another before we move onto some introduction, socialization and training tips. Your cat wont appreciate being on the receiving end of this treatment, so you must supervise their interactions. Though he's likely to get along just fine with cats, he also might try to herd them plus other dogs in the house, children and even you. So, are border collies good with cats? Although not all herding dogs live well with cats, collies are a bit mellower than some other herding breeds and generally can resist the instinct to herd when the behavior wouldn't be appropriate (such as chasing the family cat). She shook the daylights out of a baby woodchuck earlier this year and yesterday she tried digging her way through the car floor board yesterday when she saw another woodchuck by the roadside. Anything that will make him feel useful will do. This breed excels at so many canine sports that signing up your border collie to one of these classes is an excellent way to burn off some energy. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Border collies can get along well with cats and dogs of any breed, so long as they're introduced at a relatively young age in a calm, secure environment. She is still obsessed with the cats and will try to herd them all the time. It is also important to remember that stopping your dog from chasing a cat is always better than trying to correct the behavior after it happens. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, 15 Friendliest Dog Breeds That Love People. If a Border Collie sees a cat and starts to chase it, the owner may think it is cute or funny and encourage the dog to continue the behavior. You can encourage your puppy to engage in play with your cats, just make sure that all interactions are gentle.