Like a dog and a cat?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a true terrier through and through. It has a pronounced hunting instinct.
Nevertheless, it is possible to get him used to other animals.
It is particularly difficult with smaller animals that absolutely fit the prey pattern, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens....
During the first contact it is important that this happens calmly and that none of the animals involved are injured or have bad experiences.
Dogs and cats have different body language and this can quickly lead to serious misunderstandings between them. If the Kerry is not used to cats from an early age, it is often impossible to get him used to them. It is easier if one of the two is already used to the other species.
The animals should never be left unattended, especially during the acclimatization period.
The way to a dog's heart is through its stomach, so positive, friendly behavior should be supported with treats. Forcing is useless here. However, forbidding does. A firm “no” or “off” when the dog's or cat's temperament gets the better of them is absolutely necessary and helpful.
A very firm animal friendship can develop very quickly. They play, romp and cuddle. Sometimes they even eat together. And, of course, every member of the pack is also defended.
Dogs and horses. The safety of the dog is the main consideration here. Horses are flight animals, but know how to defend themselves in an emergency.
In the beginning, contact should be sought at a distance. Here too, calm and friendly behavior can be rewarded. Both must get to know each other.
The horse must also learn that there is no danger from the dog.
You can then take them both for a walk next to each other on a lead to get them used to each other. The dog should learn not to walk in front of or directly behind the horse, but to the side of it and to keep a certain distance.
Once trust has been established, the dog must learn that its owner is also sitting on this large animal and that this is also normal. A far person should help with this and lead the dog next to the rider and horse.
Later, the dog running free next to the horse or carriage is normal.
Dogs and small animals. In principle, the small animal should remain in the cage at the beginning and the dog must learn that excited hunting behavior is not desired.
Calm behavior must be rewarded.
Even if the Kerry has become accustomed to guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens etc., I would never leave him unsupervised with them. This is because even just one game by the dog can be fatal for the small pets.
Handling harmless wild animals can also be practiced so that no hedgehog's life ends in a dog's snout.
We feed hedgehogs every year and our Kerry fully accepts the little spines. He doesn't bother them and leaves them completely alone.
Oh yes, of course he still likes to chase after animals that run away, because it's clear: “Anyone who runs away has something to hide!”
In principle, however, the very intelligent Kerry can be accustomed to all other animal species.
So that even a walk in a zoo is relaxed and not every cat ends up in a hysterical fit from the dog or an injured other animal.
Text and pictures by
Sabine Mertens
