Dog playing with the Cat

Mickey · 06-08-2009, 01:21 PM

So I have had my new puppy Fizz for 2 weeks now. He is progressing nicely in his training and listening to commands. He is a 10 week old duck toller.

He gets along good with my cat and likes to play with the cat. I find he is alittle rough with the cat and likes to bite to the point where the cat kinda whines and runs away. The cat also likes to instigae with the dog, so its a 2 way street with them. I have been trying to prevent this behavior with both animals, but no matter how much I scold each animal they just keep repeating. I am wondering if I should just let them play together and let them get used to it and find there bounderies. I am afraid the dog might hurt the cat.

Thanx
Tim

Superior Dog Training · 06-08-2009, 03:15 PM

Tim,

For the most part it is very natural and normal for a cat and a dog to play. However, it can be frustrating when they don't stop when you want them too. This is where leadership on your part takes place. You have to let your dog know that you are the pack leader, and when you say stop chasing the cat, thats what you mean. Sometimes, it takes professional dog training to learn how to establish leadership. The more you establish leadership with your dog, the better dog and relationship with your dog you will have.

**Criosphynx** · 06-08-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey

So I have had my new puppy Fizz for 2 weeks now. He is progressing nicely in his training and listening to commands. He is a 10 week old duck toller.

He gets along good with my cat and likes to play with the cat. I find he is alittle rough with the cat and likes to bite to the point where the cat kinda whines and runs away. The cat also likes to instigae with the dog, so its a 2 way street with them. I have been trying to prevent this behavior with both animals, but no matter how much I scold each animal they just keep repeating. I am wondering if I should just let them play together and let them get used to it and find there bounderies. I am afraid the dog might hurt the cat.

Thanx
Tim

Within reason the dogs and cat will discover each others boundries. Make sure the cat has access to a room the dog can't get to (baby gate) or a tall cat tree.

Your dog is just being a dog, so don't scold him. Scolding ruins your bond with the dog and ussually the dog doesn't understand the context.

Think of what you'd rather he do instead and start teaching that behavior using positive reinforcement (if you'd like more info just ask). Once the behavior is strong ask for the behavior around the cat and reward profusely when he listens.

**Criosphynx** · 06-08-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superior Dog Training

Tim,

For the most part it is very natural and normal for a cat and a dog to play. However, it can be frustrating when they don't stop when you want them too. This is where leadership on your part takes place. You have to let your dog know that you are the pack leader, and when you say stop chasing the cat, thats what you mean. Sometimes, it takes professional dog training to learn how to establish leadership. The more you establish leadership with your dog, the better dog and relationship with your dog you will have.

Do you mind defining leadership? What do you do training wise to "establish" it?

How is this a "leadership" problem and not just a puppy being normal?

Feel free to be as detailed as you can, I will understand all the terminology

Crios.

pawzaddict · 06-08-2009, 06:05 PM

I agree to let them play it out. I have 4 dogs (one is about 4-5 months) and 2 cats. the puppy and the cats play and one of the cats gets very annoyed with the puppy. we just keep a close eye to make sure its not getting to a fighting point...and i mean fighting not playing. if its innocent fun let it be or even get a toy to get the pups attention when you feel they need to separate. GL

Mickey · 06-09-2009, 11:44 AM

So I let them have at it yesturday with supervised playtime in the basement. It was actually very funny to watch. I have never seen a cat chase a dog around! lol The cat was into it just as much as the dog. When I felt Fizz was getting a little rough with the cat I would call him off and he would responde. Oncein a while the cat would cry out and just run away, then come back for more. I think these two will be just fine, just need to find there boundries with eachother.

Thanx for the input.
Tim

pawzaddict · 06-09-2009, 07:31 PM

too cute isnt it? they will be fine

**Criosphynx** · 06-09-2009, 07:47 PM

I just realized your dog is a Toller....awesome!

Mickey · 06-09-2009, 08:49 PM

Yup we got him from the local SPCA here in Edmonton. They said he was a shepard mix, but aparently they call lots of dogs by that breed. I few people suggested Toller, and the Vet was able to confirm he is a Toller mix. With what though we dont know. I have done some research on the NS Duck Toller, and am very happy with his breed. He seems very smart and is learning quickly. Anywyas thanks all for the input.

Tim

Superior Dog Training · 06-10-2009, 01:16 PM

This is Jeff the owner of Superior Dog Training, I have 20 yrs of training dogs and behavior solving, my advise would be to let the puppy and the cat work it out under supervision! By showing leadership, the puppy will learn how far to take his or her play with the cat. Let your puppy know what is acceptable and what is not! This should be administered with a leash and a clear line of communication. Leadership would be defined as educating and reinforcing many correct or incorrect behaviors through positive and negative reinforcement consistently over a short and long periods of time.