Some pet owners need or want another pet. In most cases, this is a cat or a dog. There are all kinds of explanations and tutorials regarding the matter. The problem is if a dog is hyperactive. So, how do I introduce a hyper dog to a kitten in a safe manner? There are seven steps we will need to cover below, and each one is equally important.
How To Introduce A Hyper Dog To A Kitten
Hyperactive Dog: A Few things You Need To Know
Before we move on to how to introduce a hyper dog to a kitten, we need to give you a few facts about this issue in dogs. Basically, it means that your pet will have too much energy and will always run around or be active in some way.
In most cases, this is easy to treat and solve, but some time is needed. You can take him for longer walks, play with him more, etc. Usually, hyperactive dogs are bored all the time and have excess energy.
7 Steps To Follow
Here, we will teach you how to introduce a hyperactive dog to a kitten easily. Keep in mind that you can try a mixture of these steps or use all of them if you like. The process is much more effective if you consider these steps before you get a kitten, so you may want to read this first.
1. Train The Dog
The first and most important step is to train your dog. Positive reinforcement techniques or using a shock collar work the best, and these methods are the most recommended. The goal is to teach him basic commands so he will obey you at any given moment.
If a dog is big and hyperactive, he can scare the kitten or injure her. You will need plenty of time to teach him basic commands and make sure this doesn’t happen. Yes, all hyperactive dogs want to play, but this isn’t suitable when you have a new, small friend.
2. Get A Very Small Kitten
Your kitten should be 5-7 weeks of age. In this period, she won’t have any fear for dogs or other, large animals. If you have an older kitten, she may have a massive fear of dogs or other animals, which will make introduction impossible.
Also, if you get a brave kitten, she won’t run away from a dog, so he won’t chase him. 5-7 weeks of age are ideal for the introduction. A kitten doesn’t have fear and won’t follow her instinct, which will make an introduction so much easier.
3. Use Sense Of Smell First
The first thing you need to do when the actual introduction starts is use their sense of smell. What this means is that you need to give a blanket or anything similar to a kitten’s scent to a dog and another way around. What this means is that once they see each other, they will feel like they have already met.
It is an effective strategy and one that can make a massive difference. There is no nervous behaviour once they actually meet.
4.Your Dog Needs To Be Tired
This is more of a trick than a step, but it is essential. If your dog is tired, he will be calm, and he won’t chase a kitten. In other words, he will be easier to introduce and will become friends with a kitten. This should be done for a few weeks after you bring the kitten home.
Make sure your dog has high-intensity activity all the time so he is tired and will accept the kitten easily.
5. They Need To Be Held In Separate Rooms
Yes, this is a mandatory step. For the first few weeks or months (as long as needed), the two animals must be held in separate rooms. Your kitten needs a place to hide, a litter box, food, and toys. By using this step, a dog won’t eat kitten poop and won’t play with her toys.
It makes adaptation much easier. Don’t forget that dogs may eat poop from a kitten, which can cause health issues.
6. First Session
The first time you meet the two, hold your kitten on your chest while another person is holding your dog. Do not use a leash for a dog. He may become aggressive. Do not keep the kitten above the head of the dog, or he may think she is a toy.
Make sure these two smell each other and are calm. If they are both calm, place them on the floor and keep your eyes on them for a couple of minutes. After that, separate them; each one should go to a separate room. Repeat this process every single day, but make sure you increase the duration of the session.
Another method that is useful is to use a barrier and let them meet face-to-face.
7. Use Double Door Crate For pets
This is a clever invention. It will separate the two, and a kitten can always escape using a small dog. On the other side, a dog cannot pass and will remain on the opposite section. By using this, your kitten has complete control.
She can control where and when she will escape from the crate and be alone, or she can play with a dog. You need to see and monitor the progress. It is likely that she will run away a couple of times, but after that, the two will start becoming friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take for a hyper dog and a kitten to become comfortable with each other?
The length of time can vary greatly depending on the individual animals. Some might become comfortable with each other within a few days, while others might take weeks or even months. It’s important to be patient and consistent throughout the process.
What should I do if my hyper dog seems to be scaring my kitten?
If the dog’s energy levels seem to be causing stress or fear for the kitten, it might be helpful to have separate play and relaxation areas. You can also gradually increase their interaction time to allow the kitten to get used to the dog’s energy.
How can I help my dog calm down before introducing him to the kitten?
Exercise can be a great way to burn off some of your dog’s energy before the introduction. You might also consider training techniques to help your dog calm down, such as sit and stay commands.
Will getting a kitten help calm down my hyper dog?
While a new pet can provide a distraction, it’s important to remember that a hyper dog will likely still have high energy levels. Professional training might be necessary to help manage your dog’s behavior.
Can I leave my hyper dog and kitten alone together?
Until they are fully comfortable with each other and you are confident that they can interact safely, it is best to supervise all interactions between your hyper dog and kitten. Even after they become comfortable, always ensure the kitten has a safe space to retreat if needed.
The Final Word
Now you know how to introduce a hyper dog to a kitten, and as you were able to see, this is a relatively simple and easy process. All you need is time and a few tricks up your sleeve. Once you have all of these, the introduction can begin.
All you have to remember is that this process takes time, and you must not rush it or severe issues may occur. Stay calm and look for the kitten first. She cannot injure your dog.
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