Will I ever be able to get a cat? / can dogs be trained to accept cats?

I would really love a cat but couldn't get one when I had Brandie because she really hated them
But now it seems that Bailey doesn't like them either. He doesn't just chase them - he barks and growls trying really hard to get them.

Is there any chance I would be able to get a cat? Could he be trained not to try and desttroy it or is there no hope?

If you can keep them separate for a day or two and just introduce them to each other occasionally not making any fuss, cant see it not working. We had it the opposite way round, and now our cat puts up with the pups, she used to sleep with our old dogs so cats and dogs can get on really well, just do not make too much fuss of the cat in front of the dog at first, its worth it to see them tog, can prove all these experts wrong!!

We have always had dogs and cats together when I was younger with no problems. They seem to accept their own cat more that a neighbours cat that wanders into the garden. I'm am sure it would work out with a little patience and gentle introduction.

That sounds ok then. I was positive he would accept one eventually but has recently started being more agressive towards them

I'll still think about it though I've wanted a cat for years now

My 3 dogs live with 4 cats, they are great with them, but if the neighbours cat dares come in my garden the chase it and bark and growl at it!!!They love there own, but chases anyone elses....

Polly our JRT was a rescue at 6 months..strictly no cat home..yet she came here and we had 2 or three at the time. After some socialisation she was fine and she has gone on to bring up a fair few kittens over the years, and can often be found with one of our cats snuggled up passing the day!

Have you got a friend or relative who has a dog-friendly cat?

I was thinking if you could introduce them in a controlled situation ie: Bailey on lead in the same room and do it on a regular basis it would desensitize him to wanting to chase them all the time and get him used to them being around before you try it out 'for real' yourself?

Hi
Can't offer any advice - as I don't know your dog however I can tell you I keep Staffies and cats - shock horror - and have never had any trouble - worth mentioning.

Take it one step at a time. Oh like Moli's my dogs are happy for their cats to come and go even in their youth when they came over the fance at 10000 miles an hour as cats do when chased the dogs never got them confused, however no "alien" cats are allowed in the garden.

Hi.
I have 3 Terriers here that would gladly of killed a kitten. The way I did it was to put the kitten in a BIG cage, with bed, tray etc and in the lounge or wherever you spend most time. The kitten cannot run away, thats the main thing for a dog, if it runs chase it! Dont shout at your dog, but encourage him away from the cage with treats and reward all the good behaviour. Withing 3 days, I was able to have the kitten on my knee and by the 4th, the kitten was on the floor and I had no problems at all. Its worse with an adult Cat, but I think with time you will be ok.

The kitten will learn not to hiss and spit, the dog will learn to leave it alone.
Dawn.

Thanks for the advice and telling me about your dogs
I don't know any cats I could practice with, but it won't be for a while anyway if I do get one, so maybe I could find a volunteer
The big cage sounds a good idea, will keep the cat safe