Help with retired bomb dog
I have posted in other boards, but hope you guys can give me some insight.
A week ago, we brought home an almost 9 year old retired airport bomb dog. My hubby works at airport cargo and knew his handler, who died suddenly in his sleep a couple of months ago.
He is a very big sweetheart, very laid back and great with our 6 kids. He is slowly adjusting, although I'm sure he's still somewhat confused about it all.
The exception to his good behavior is cats. I have two issues.
One is our one year old inside, male cat. We are trying to get the used to each other by putting the cat in a crate, Krok on a leash and then correcting Krok when he shows interest in the cat. Krok is fine as long as the cat is still. Once the cat hisses or moves, Krok goes crazy barking and trying to get to him. He is correctable.....but it's tough. I have no idea if this cat will ever lose enough fear not to hiss and run.....and if he does that, I know Krok will chase.
The other issue is our outside cat. She loves to sit on the deck in plain view of Krok....just sit. As long as Krok is on the leash, he is correctable. I can tell him "leave it" if I see him starting to look that way and easily lead him away. The problem is off leash or if I am in the other room........he will just bark and walk circles around the table.....barking each time he passes the window.
How should I handle the cat situations? Since his handler is gone, I have limited information.....but I'm guessing he did NOT have a cat!
Also.....any tips or insight into helping him transition from working dog to family dog? We are training with him throughout the day (we home school...there is always someone here) so he doesn't lose his commands. We also take him for walks, we play fetch.....he loves to catch snowballs.
There are always plenty of kids around to love on him.
How much exercise does an almost 9 year old dog need? Does he need more mental stimulation....being a working dog?
So many questions! But I appreciate any insight you can give. He really is very well trained and well behaved in almost every area. He'll sit/stay while we eat dinner, walk on a leash beautifully, etc. But the cats.........oh my.
Dee
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