
http://leerburg.com/pdf/introducingdogs-cats.pdf
I thought the cat would dictate the relationship too. Unfortunately she appears to like to be chased. She does not like being cornered but she won't do anything forceful about it.Originally Posted By: onyx'girl Love that pic! I feel it is the cat that dictates the dynamics of the relationship. If they will stay still they will not get chased! I have two kitties and it is Scaredy cat w/claws that will stay away from the dogs, where Teddy (declawed) justs does her own thing.
That is exactly what I think is happening.Originally Posted By: crabbySorry your having a problem. Sounds like the cat knows that your going to come to it's defense so it is 'baiting' the pup.
The kitty does have her claws clip. I have always kept them trimmed down.Originally Posted By: crabby
We have 3 cats and 3 GSD.
For the first bit, while they are really young I try to keep careful watch on them. I know they just want to check out there new potential playmate but the cats claws are lethal to young puppy eyes. So <u>make sure kitty has her claws clipped</u>.
The cat has her own room with a baby gate. You would think she would hang out there more often but she prefers hanging out with me even when the puppy is around. Recalling the puppy is impossible at this point because I don't exist when she is in "chase the cat" mode. I am working on it though.Originally Posted By: crabby
Next, work on the 'leave it' command. Around our house Badger the cat has taught all the dogs manners on how to live with kittys.
I would let them work it out on there own, as long as you are there to make sure your able to recall your pup before it gets too exceited. It's amazing how cats and dogs can actually learn to live together.
Don't under estimate the cat. Miss Crabtree aka 'crabby' (my user name) sleeps with Lacy almost every night.
Make sure the cat has somewhere to go (chair?) that the dog can't reach her so she never is in harms way.
I don't exactly hold her down. I just sit on the floor next to her and put my arm around her while she is in a sitting position. She will stay there as long as my arm is around her and doesn't even try to run away. But her focus is still on the cat and she will be after the cat as soon as I move my arm. It doesn't seem to egg her on but it also doesn't seem to stop her.Originally Posted By: crabby
You say you have to get down and hold on to the puppy to stop it from chasing the cat. IMHO this is haveing the opposite effect that you are wanting. Maybe someone could correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't that be 'egging' the pup on more?