Always supervise interactions between your dog and cat. This allows you to intervene immediately if any aggressive behavior occurs.
Provide separate spaces for your dog and cat to retreat to when needed. Cats often appreciate vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves, while dogs may have a designated area where they can relax.
Reward your dog for calm behavior around the cat. Use treats, praise, and affection when your dog behaves appropriately. Reinforce positive associations with the presence of the cat.
Ensure that your dog has basic obedience training commands such as "sit," "stay," and "leave it." Use these commands to redirect your dog's attention away from the cat when necessary.
Gradually expose your dog to the cat in a controlled and positive way. Use treats and rewards to associate the cat's presence with positive experiences. Over time, this can help change your dog's perception of the cat.
Provide safe spaces for your cat where the dog cannot reach. Use baby gates or cat doors to create areas where the cat can escape to if feeling threatened.
Consider using pet deterrents such as motion-activated devices or pet-friendly sprays to discourage your dog from approaching the cat aggressively.
If the bullying behavior persists or escalates, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training techniques to address the specific issues in your household.