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Do you have dog and a cat who just don't get on well together? Perhaps your dog chases your cat or your cat cant resist swiping your dogs nose each time he passes by. Whatever the resulting behaviour is, when dogs and cats don't get along together it can cause havoc and disharmony in the home. However, there are ways that you can promote harmony between your furry friends and restore some calm.

Although both dogs and cats can be harmful to one another if they are aggressive, it is probably your dog who is the biggest of the two and who could damage your cat the most. Because of this the best place to begin creating peace with your animals is to teach your dog that your cat comes before them in the family pack.

In the wild dogs will respect those above them in the pack, and it is the same at home. In your household it is you who should be the ultimate pack leader, along with any other humans who live with you. Next in order is your cat, and lastly your dog. When a dog doesn't understand this they often assume the pack leader position and you lose control over their behaviour as they stop listening to your commands.

To show who's the boss you need to act in certain ways that your dog can understand to assert your authority, and then your cats. The best way to do this is with food. The humans in the house, as pack leaders, should always eat first before the cat and the dog. No food scraps should be immediately given after a meal is consumed. If you have any leftovers then they should be saved to be given to your dog at the appropriate time, which is later.

After eating you should then feed your cat and make your dog wait. If possible let your dog watch your cat as she feeds. You can restrain your dog if necessary so that he doesn't push her out of the way to steal the food. You can assume your authoritative position by getting your dog to sit and be well behaved as your cat eats.

It can help your cat to feel safe, and elevate her position in several ways, if you feed her on a higher level than your dog, perhaps on a windowsill if big enough for example.

When your cat has finished eating she should be free to wander off as you prepare your dogs food while he is told to sit patiently and wait. This is the moment when you can put any scraps into his bowl if you have saved any too. In the wild the under-dog always gets the leftovers after the leaders have finished.

This procedure should be followed every day until it becomes second nature to all of you. Eventually your cat will feel that she doesn't have to fight, tooth and claw, to remain in control, your dog will know his position and stop intimidating your cat and you will have established some order amongst them and regained some leadership yourself.

You can also assert your authority, and your cats, by not letting your dog have the privilege of sitting on the furniture or of laying on your bed. As the leader you should be seen as having privileges that your dog doesn't have. If however, you let your dog leap around on your chairs and sofa then your cat will probably run off in disgust and your dog will feel that they are one up on the cat so to speak.

Consistency in commands and behaviour is the key to change and creating the harmony that you desire, as is making clear through your own behaviour that you are first in line, then your cat and lastly your dog.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
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