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Bernese Mountain Dogs are a fluffy, good-natured dog breed that is popular with first-time dog owners. They’re great with humans, but it may take some work to make them suitable roommates for felines. Like most dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs can become fast friends with many cats, but how do you go about the process?
We have the info you need about the personality of Bernese Mountain Dogs, how to socialize cats with dogs, and more. Stay tuned for the specifics and some tips below.
Bernese Mountain Dog Personality & Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a less popular dog breed, but they have the personality and temperament for any family. From experienced dog owners with kids to first-time dog parents, Bernese Mountain Dogs are easygoing and eager to please pups. They’re not super demanding and make perfectly respectable couch potato pets.
Most Bernese Mountain Dogs have a mellow temperament in respect to other dog breeds and animals, including cats. The most important thing to keep in mind is that socialization from an early age is essential to successfully introducing a new Bernese Mountain Dog to your cat. This can vary a bit based on whether the dog is a puppy or an older dog, but many of the steps are similar.
How to Introduce a New Bernese Mountain Dog to Your Cat
Introducing a new dog to your cat can be a harrowing experience, but with a Bernese Mountain Dog, their typically gentle and calm nature may make the process easier. However, every dog is unique, and you will also need to consider your cat’s temperament and whether they have been socialized with dogs before. Use our simple step-by-step guide below to carefully introduce your new dog to your cat.
- Give your cat a safe space. Keep the two in completely separate areas for several days, and sometimes even weeks. Start doing scent swapping before considering the first in-person meeting and observe their reactions.
- Arrange short, supervised meetings. Once they are used to each other’s scent, allow them to have visual contact. If their reactions are positive, you can plan a very short in-person meeting. It’s important to take things gradually and carefully observe their behavior rather than rushing the process, which could lead to aggressive interactions between the pets.
- Utilize positive reinforcement. Feed your cat and dog on opposite sides of a closed door and give treats for when they use calm behavior around each other.
- Take your time. You don’t have to rush the introductions, and every pet has their own tolerance for unfamiliar interaction. Let them dictate how fast the process goes.
- Give some trust. You may be unsure, but letting your dog off the leash around your cat after a certain point is a necessary step toward building their relationship.
Tips for Socializing Bernese Mountain Dogs With Cats
There are a lot of other tips you can use to make your home a more welcoming atmosphere for your new Bernese Mountain Dog, while also fostering a positive relationship with your cat.
- Start them early. Younger pets will have an easier time adjusting to each other than older ones.
- Create and maintain safe spaces for each pet. These are individual areas where your dog and cat can retreat and feel secure. These are stress-free areas with all their favorite toys and bedding. Keep them there when you’re not present.
- Use a neutral territory for introductions. Choose a shared, non-threatening space where you can slowly and calmly socialize your dog and cat.
- Redirect them with treats and attention. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your pets to get along.
- Supervise them at all times. Otherwise, calm cats may have negative first interactions with dogs and vice versa, so you have to watch for signs of aggression from both pets.
Summary
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a relaxed and calm breed in general, but it may take some time for them to adjust to a cat, and possibly for the cat to accept them. With patience, safe spaces, and careful introductions, you can help them build a positive relationship and eventually become great friends.
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