Need Help, my new dog is after my cats

Hi,

I'm so sorry. I know how much stress you are under. I have 5 Persian cats and 3 Shelties; My cats were here first and they are my babies too! I did a ton of research on breeds, read lots of training books, and got great advice from many on this forum prior to getting Logan. For the most part harmony prevails.

I think there are a couple of things that you can try (some already mentioned).

1. Create cat only zones. I am always cognizant that there exists the possibility that the cats could be viewed as prey and pack mentality could result in a tragedy. To that end, the cats have dog free zones established with baby gates and the small bedroom (8 x 8) is also gated off and has all their cat trees and toys. Also, I crate the pups when I go to work (for many reasons).

2. Positive reinforcement training. I would put Chauncey on a leash (just in case you need take control quickly) and re-introduce the kitties slowly. Lots of praise and yummy treats for good, calm behavior.

3. Important commands: If you have not already done so teach "leave it" - I have found this to be a lifesaver -literally (poisonous plant at my mother's house). Again, if you have not already done so, establish a strong recall command with Chauncey.

4. If your cats are anything like mine they need some alone time with you. Mine are love bugs and would be devastated if they each didn't receive the attention they have become accustomed to all of their lives.

Wishing you all the best!
Kimberly
 
You have received some really good advice. I don't have cats but I would follow the advice given if I did and was introducing a dog or cat into the mix. They need time to realize that you are there for them all and will spend time with each of them. You are stressed - and they are picking up on it.
 
I agree with all the advice, and certainly the idea to put a leash on him and teach him "leave it".
I don't think it is time to give up. He just needs to find out where he fits in, in your household, and what his boundries are.
 
Phoebe, the westie, has grown up with cats in her life. She accepts, and even plays with, the cats in the house. Our 3 barn cats are never chased by her and they don't worry when she's about. However, any other cat is fair game in her mind. If the neighbour's cat comes into the yard and I let her out, I had better see it first so that I can growl LEAVE IT, which she will do if I get the command in before she is in full flight. Terriers are single minded when it comes to prey are are quite capable of killing a cat quickly.
This is one of those times that I draw the line at positive only reinforcement. My dogs have learned that no means NO and that cut means CUT IT OUT. They learn LEAVE IT as babies. I would be working on redirecting the attention back to me but in the meantime I wouldn't allow the chase to start and if that means having to get snarly, then snarly I get.
Your new boy might just need to learn that your cats are not to ever be harrassed and that they mean him and you no harm. They are not part of his group even if he lived with cats before. Siamese cats are notorious for not getting along with other animals maybe because of their ability to "round those blue eyes". I have my fingers and toes crossed that this will cease to be a problem soon. There are good pheremone sprays and collars that might help but for now, limit his ability to get to the cats and vice versa. Good luck and keep us informed.
 
Sounds to me like the dog was startled and second time is it possible he just didn't know it was your cat and once again reacted strongly.
You won't need to give up the cats, I like all the advice.
I also think you getting all NO NO NO is worse, because it tenses everything up.
The more your dog gets to practice the behaviour and make it self rewarding tho the worse it will get, so it's important you manage this now. Just like Tagg explains she watches before letting Phebie out for other cats! Watch and monitor the environment your dog and cats are in, ensure the cats have things to jump on IF they get chased, etc

Restrict the area dog has access to, feed treats to all animals together... I do this with cat treats, so the cats get yummies, the dogs wait and get theirs, too. SO the interactions are positive for all. Cats will get freaked out if you holler a lot just when the dog is around... Sometimes my new guy, Leo chases schizo kitty but I can call him off, so a recall is very important, and then praise cat and dog!

Also crate training!
 
Well I was on duty all night, the dog is attached to a leash hooked to a chair leg, he has room but cant chase the cats in their area. Two are in hiding since yesterday, my oldest who slept through the ordeal and doesnt have the best sight and is older and slower came out, he usually only comes out in the evening and night and sleeps all day. He came out to see me and hopped on my lap and I talked to him, he followed me to bathroom and the dog was sleeping the whole time and at a distance he could not have gotten the cat.
The no no no was a reaction, I was in shock and never saw it coming and the kitty momma I have been for so long reacted. Chauncey spent last evening lying on the rug where he has been since he came here with his face under the flap of the sofa, he doesnt want to make eye contact with me. It looks like he is ashamed of himself or hiding his eyes.
I watched videos most of the late night on leave it and recall. I worked very hard on the leave it with sirloin steak which he is crazy over. I went over and over and over with his sit, lie down, stay and leave it. The leave it I did was kikopup video of the hand over the treat then remove the hand when he stops staring at it and waiting till I pick it up and then give it to him. We are still doing this today and he really seems to have the leave it. I was able to move about 6 feet away and he still leaves the high value treat alone. When he tried to walk away and do his own thing I called him back and started again. He is now waiting to leave on his spot till I release but there is NO recall. He does not come when called ( I dont think knows his name) but even come doesnt work yet. I have to take his lead and make him heel and sit but there is no coming to me, so I need to go back to videos again.
I did a sit , lie down stay and he was on a leash again attached to recliner chair leg. I sat about 6 feet away and brought the most frightened cat out and sat her on my lap talking to her and we both watched him and no reaction at all. No growling , no jumping or lunging. I know this isnt an over night fix but these things appear to be working. Am I do this correct or is there more and a better step I should be using?
I also have an issue with food, He only wants chicken and steak or hamber now. No dog food, no veggies in his steak or chicken and ground hamburger. He is very stubborn about his food. Doesnt even want people cookie, or most dog treats. The snausages he liked he doesnt even like anymore, since he tasted chicken and steak.
My old confused male cat who doesnt know what is going on has decided he likes dog food now, dont know if he was confused thinking it was his cat food as he never really eats people food but cat food and the other cats like chicken , talapia and salmon etc.
 
yayy, good things happening
No reaction=one more day he got to practice the GOOD behaviour :D
Don't worry about the food, when they are hungry they eat :D
The impulse control and leave it games are perfect, and YES they do work that fast! Goes to show how valuable the food is, etc.

One more thing don't lump all the training together, if you work on leave it, don't train recall in the same session, for example. Keep sessions short, but often is okay.

I think you said the dog is new to you, so it will take time to build the bond that's needed for a great recall, so YES chicken, liver and steak are a great way to achieve that :D Sometimes it is good to not expect anything, just drop treats if the dog is near you, don't ask him to do anything for it. (one of the reasons I always have a few bits of kibble in my pockets, lol) Just show him good things happen when he is near you! You're still in the process of building a relationship of trust and respect with one another.

Give it time with the recall make yourself the most fun, valuable thing Chauncey got, because you are :D
 
So glad to hear things are working out. You have had excellent advice from those with experience. Sally and Pumpkin play chase at times and do ok with that. But sometimes Sally can be rough with her cat herding and I don't allow that. Sally likes Pumpkin and Pumpkin seems to like her as much as a cat likes a dog although they do not cuddle together. Hang in there.
 
I wonder if his sudden aggressiveness towards the cats may be related to his settling in & feeling more a member of the family now. As he comes along, he may get a bit territorial. Please continue working with him, I also think with some training & adjustments to the household setup, he may be able to live with the cats. Your recent post shows a lot of promise.


Our 2 Shelties pretty much ignore our 2 cats. But when the mailman comes, or they're excited for a walk, etc, the dogs almost always bark loudly & ferociously chase the cats, whichever cat is nearer. The poor cats run for the hills! We always discourage this behavior, and give a scolding. they don't seem to be bothered by it, and just do it again the next day :gaah. The cats can go to 2 safe places easily-the basement, which has a half door so the dogs can't go down there, and a back bedroom, where there's a baby gate with about 8 inches that the cats can scoot under. They have litter & food in both places, it's very helpful for everyone to give the cats a private secure place to eat & use litter pans.


Don't give up on your new friend yet, I think he's testing his limits & maybe went overboard. Give Chauncey a chance!
 
I just went on they ASPCA web site and they had some helpful tips like trying to re introduce your dog to the cat. They also have other ideas so I would check out that web site
 
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