Do your cats have a dalmatian thorn on their sides? For sure there is one, if your dalmatian at home likes to chase around and essentially likes to be the thorn in the lives of your cats. Indeed, some dals seem obsessed with these furries, following, poking and sniffing them. What’s to be done now? The problem is often made more complex by the presence of growing and active kids in the home.

Cats happen to be very independent animals. But their being friends with one dog at home does not necessarily mean that they would welcome the next dog, or another dog breed. If the dog breed happen to be dalmatians, then things get even more exciting since dals happen to be among the most rambunctious and most care-free. And it is also possible to be confused about the intentions of the dog, since it is unfortunately possible to mistake a dog’s invitation to play as a gesture of aggression. If applicable, you will need to work in dalmation training with the fact that the cat may think this particular dog breed is new and offlimits, behaving in different ways compared to those it has known before.

How do you segregate your pets at home to your advantage? Try using a stair gate by the lounge door, down the hall, or by the kitchen door. Explain to your children the value of managing the interaction of pets, and get them involved in enforcing these stair gates.

Some dog- and cat-owners occasionally hail a breakthrough in the form of truces that the pets arrived at after weeks of appraising and sniffing at each other. You can use the back garden for the dog or dogs, and use the front only for the cats.

Here is one last dalmation training idea to help the cats and dogs to feel more naturally at home. Secure the dog so it does not make any abrupt movements. Call the cats to approach, then alternate giving treats to both animals, essentially using food as a motivator. By being able to get close without any fear, the cats would learn there is no threat to the dog, and the dog in turn would get used to the scent of the cats.