Q: We took in a stray mixed breed dog. Cody is adjusting well to our home—except for our dozen cats. Cody is an active dog and only wants to play. Unfortunately, some of the cats hate dogs and attack him. He interprets this as play and won’t leave the cats alone. How can they just get along?— K. G., Frankfort, KY

A: Clearly, you are an animal lover and mean well. I bet many of your cats are also rescued, but I wonder if some of them had previous nasty experiences with dogs. Sometimes, well meaning or not, it’s best to say no. I’m just being realistic. However, I’m also not suggesting your arrangement can’t work.

“Leash the dog when you’re home, and never leave him with the cats unsupervised,” advises New York City trainer Andrea Arden. “Reward Cody for ignoring the cats. For now, that’s the goal—teaching Cody to pay no attention, even if some of the cats may tease. Teach your dog to target (touch his nose to your hand). It’s a great tool for redirecting your dog. So, Cody sees a cat, but just as he’s about to chase, you say, ‘touch,’ so Cody simply touches his nose to your hand.”

Adds Jamie Damato, a dog trainer for Animal Planet’s “Animal Witness”: “Make sure the cats have plenty of escape routes, particularly up high.” Examples include the top of sofas, window ledges, bookcases, on top of furniture, etc.

A positive and upbeat dog training class would work wonders in helping you communicate with Cody. Face it: It’s the cats’ house and you and Cody merely live there because the cats allow you to.