How to Train Your Dog to Stay Calm Around Your Cat

(Without turning your lounge into a WWE ring)

Got a dog that treats your cat like a chew toy on legs? Or maybe your cat’s permanently perched on top of the fridge, plotting their next escape?

Relax, you’re not alone. Integrating a dog and cat into the same home can feel like refereeing a furry standoff. But with a bit of patience — and the right treats — you can turn chaos into cuddles.

At Kooky Kibble, we believe in harmony… and snacks. Here's how to train your dog to stay calm around your cat — and sneak in a few treats they’ll both love while you’re at it.

🐾 Step 1: Introduce With Sniffs, Not Sprints

You don’t launch into a hug with a stranger (unless you’re at a BBQ after three beers). Same goes for your pets.

Let them smell each other first — through closed doors, blankets, or toys. Then move to short, on-lead intros with your dog, making sure your cat has an escape route and a solid resting b**** face.

💡 When your dog keeps their cool? Reward them. A couple of KnomNoms will remind them that calm = delicious.

🦴 Shop KnomNoms Assorted Dog Treats – chewy, tasty, and perfect for training good behaviour.

🧘♂️ Step 2: Teach “Leave It” Like You Mean It

"Leave it" is more than a command — it’s your sanity saver.

Start with a treat in hand. Say “Leave it.” Wait for your dog to look away. Boom — reward them with something worth behaving for.

Our tip? Use Freeze-Dried Toppers or Treats. They’re high-value, 100% natural, and smell irresistible to both cats and dogs. So if your cat wanders into the room mid-training? Toss a treat their way too — they’re allowed to join the snack party.

🐾 Try Kooky Kibble Freeze-Dried Toppers & Treats – fancy freeze-dried bites without the fancy price tag.

🍪 Step 3: Catch Calm in the Act

Training isn’t just about stopping bad behaviour — it’s about rewarding the good stuff. If your dog lays down and doesn’t charge after the cat? That’s gold. Reward it. If your cat casually strolls past and your dog resists the urge to launch? Treat it.

And here's the beauty — our Freeze-Dried Treats work for both pets. No need to juggle different bags. One pouch = double the peacekeeping power.

🛋️ Step 4: Let Your Cat Go Full Queen/King

Cats like height. Dogs like ground. Use it.

Give your cat high-up hideaways, escape shelves, or a quiet room with a closed door. A cat that feels safe is less likely to bolt. And a dog that doesn’t see something sprinting? Less likely to give chase. Win-win.

🐶 Step 5: Tire Your Dog Out Before Intros

Burn the beans. Take your dog for a walk, throw the ball around, let them sniff 42 trees.

Once they’ve had their exercise, your dog will be more relaxed and focused when it’s time for a cat encounter. Keep those early sessions short and sweet — like a Tim Tam, but less melty.

Bonus Tip from the Kooky Crew:

Bribery works. Like, really well. Especially when it’s tasty, natural, and made right here in NZ.

✅ KnomNoms = dog-only chewy treats, great for obedience
✅ Freeze-Dried Toppers = cat & dog-friendly snacks, perfect for training and daily enrichment

👉 Shop KnomNoms Dog Treats
👉 Shop Freeze-Dried Cat & Dog Treats

Whether you’re rewarding calm, distracting drama, or celebrating small wins — these treats are your trusty training sidekicks.

TL;DR (Too Long; Dog Reacted):

• Introduce smells before face-to-face
• Use “Leave it” like a legend — with top-notch treats
• Reward good vibes, not just bad behaviour
• Let your cat feel superior (they already think they are)
• Exercise the dog before you try world peace

Because peace, quiet, and unshredded furniture? Worth every bite. 🤎