New dog/Old cats. Help.

[grntuscarora]

Our new dog, Bean, joined us about a week ago and he is amazing! After being on his own for so long, then leaving his foster family suddenly, he has adapted to us very quickly! He's affectionate, eager to please, and we love him dearly.

The one area we have problems is the dog/cats relationship. Bean views my daughter's two cats as wildlife to be tracked and trapped. The cats have had a terrible week, constantly on the move from one room to the next. I feel for the cats and know the current situation is unfair to them. We had assumed that Bean and the cats would work it out themselves. However, they haven't remained in the same room long enough for that to happen. And, after I was badly scratched the first day, I've been reluctant to force a second encounter.

Anyone have ideas on how to promote dog/cat bonding? Right now we're just sectioning off the rooms so they have separate spaces, but we'd really like to open up the house again.

Thanks!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Lionessa]

1. Yes

Restrain the dog on a very short lease on one end of the couch. You sit with a cat on the other end. When dog lunges, reprimand and say, and growl at, because your are protecting a family member and a growl indicates such. As dog settles down, slowly sidle over closer and closer, saying good dog and good kitty, etc, petting the kitty to remain calm at all times.

This will take many rounds, but worked in a fashion (outdoors not on the couch) with my german shepherd pup who killed a hen and then became the protector of the rest of the flock within two weeks of this adoption technique.

[grntuscarora]

2. We will try this.

The only thing that concerns me is the "keeping the kitty calm" part. I tried that once and was badly bloodied on my cheek, ear, abdomen and arm. But I'll wear heavy protective gear this next time.
Thanks!

[Lionessa]

3. Can you wrap the kitty in a towel or blanket maybe?

[grntuscarora]

4. Yes.

Do you recommend doing the routine with both cats at the same time or each cat separately? (I have family at home to help with extra hands, if needed.)

[Lionessa]

7. Start with one work up to two.

Also remember to pet the pup when it manages to get close enough, or have another member help with that.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. Have you thought of Feliway for the kitties?

It's a synthetic cat pheromone that replicates the real one in kitty's cheeks that promotes calm. It's most often used to eliminate spraying, but it's also recommended to calm cats, from a move, a new member of the household, etc. I got it for my cat who I rescued from outdoors, since initially she was a nervous wreck and hid.

You can get it at pet supply stores. I got mine in a spray, but now it's also available in a diffuser. I know that the pup's actions are the issue, but this might help the cats.

Kudos to you for making every effort to ensure this works out. I'm sitting here with a dog and two cats (brothers), but I'm fortunate that they got to know each other at a fairly young age. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

http://www.feliway.com/us

[elleng]

5. Tracking and trapping?

Might Bean be a terrier? If so, might be a bit more difficult than the ordinary 'training' routine, but sorry I have no suggestions.

[grntuscarora]

6. He's primarily beagle

tho I think he might have a bit of some other breed as well. He takes his walks with nose to the ground, searching for scents, then he'll bay and pull on the leash like crazy when he finds a fresh smell. He'll bay at every squirrel and rabbit.
As for the cats, he'll track them through the house 'til they're cornered on a dresser or cabinet, then proudly bay, until I intervene. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to want to physically hurt them, just corner them.
Being a pet is a fairly new experience for him, I think. His foster mom said she thought he'd always been kept outdoors, probably chained to a doghouse, before escaping or being abandoned. She thinks it's likely he had been kept for hunting purposes.

[Lionessa]

8. As a child we had two beagles and two indoor/outdoor cats, so it is doable.

[jtuck004]

9. Just an aside.

Cats and dogs are different animals. I know that sounds silly, but their outlooks and worldviews appear to be quite different. Dogs understand a world of smell, cats use their eyes and feel more from vibrations, touch, motion, sound.

The biggest thing to remember is that cats hate change. Almost any change. While you could force it, perhaps, you could probably train them to stay still, but training them to like it is very different.

I missed it if you said the dog was mean, biting, etc, or just barking, running after, and harassing the kitties. That last is probably normal, and may have occurred in his prior life. If he is dangerous ask around for a trainer (my preference is to ask for one who really understands positive reinforcement (not just a cookie dispenser).

Barring a serious problem, however, the dog is likely the more easily trained of the two.

The lead is very handy early on, and a great tool, but give him room to learn, (management is at least half of this) and let him know what you expect. The post above, that suggested a growl is right on. Most dogs seem to associate higher voices with praise and lower voices with rebuke, they learn that from people. I'm not a fanatic about it, but I try to avoid using more than gentle tugs on the lead, just to get attention early on. I tend to guide with high-value treats at first, but I want the dog to put forth some effort too, so I will reinforce when even I can get them to turn their head toward me at first. Most learn quickly.

(People sometimes have other methods, and that's ok as long as it keeps a good relationship between them and the dog. I was fortunate enough to learn from people who work with much bigger and stronger animals, some that swim, and you learn that physical force is often the least reliable way to get results - especially when that animal can crush you like a bug and never feel it. Pays to stay friends with them <G&gt .

Lionessa mentioned that you reward him with pets for good behavior, and that's really important. Petting is good, and I use high value treats, like thin (nickel thick) slices of a hot dog in a plastic bag are fairly easy to keep in a fridge (a minute on a paper towel takes out a lot of the grease, makes them easier to carry). Something along that line is better than the cardboard cookie treats. yuck. That's like paying part-time wages for full-time work.

Obedience classes are usually good for both of you, but keep it FUN. (Dogs like fun. A lot. Most especially if it is fun from the dog's point of view). From that you can go into agility, tracking (that's run stuff - most any dog can do well, flyball, all sorts of activites. Activites=opportunities to train (and keeps you off the couch))

I am not sure I would try to restrain and bring the cat around, (at least not until well after your wounds heal from the first encounter). Just practice keeping the dog with you. Basic obedience. Sits, downs, Make sure he gets a lot of exercise outside - a tired dog is a happy dog. Been looking for an excuse to start a walking program? There's some research that says adding a dog will help your resolve in continuing the walk on a regular basis.

If you are managing well, (remember, 50% important) you will see when the cat tries to slink or hiss or run past the dog. JOY! A training opportunity! Bring him back to you, happy, happy, happy he is back, and drop a hot dog slice on him. (Not every time, just the first few). After a few times, have him do a sit (you have been practicing those, right?), THEN he gets the hot dog. A few times of that, and then the next couple times, no treat, just petting.

Then a treat. Note: You can, and should, use this in other training situations - it's fairly powerful. Works on people too

Then a few times, say three or four, just petting and praise.

Eventually you won't need the hot dogs, though I am sure he would appreciate some once in a while (make sure he gives you a sit, down, stay, something - capitalism, you know).

Build on that.

If you can find this at the library or get a cheap copy somewhere it's worth reading "The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs" Jean Donaldson (Author)

And congratulations on your new friend.

[nadine_mn]

10. Have your cats been around dogs before?

I have never forced our cat to be around our dogs. Our kitty was a stray who showed up one night...we already had two dogs, neither who had been round cats. We gave them space and let them work it out, which they did in a few weeks. When we adopted our third dog, another lab mix, there was a transition period..it helped that our other two dogs modeled good behavior.

Our fourth dog, a hyper German shepherd, would just mouth our cat like a big squeaky toy...just swallow his whole head. Our cat set him straight.

We have had our cat for thirteen years and he has adjusted to four large dogs (2 have since passed away). At first, he needed his space and then we let him train the dogs...our cat has a small piece of ear missing from an early tussle with our first lab, the dogs have had their muzzles scratched. It took time for our dogs to realize playing with a 10 pound cat is different than playing with an 80 pound dog. But they genuinely have deep affection for each other...they play, cuddle, sleep together etc. Our cat starts playtime just as often as our dogs do, and they share toys and nap together afterwards.

We are lucky that we have a very dog friendly cat...he tolerates the slobber as long as he gets to swat their wagging tails.

But we have always made sure our cat has safe places to go and retreat to...esp when we have brought a new dog home. It's important that our cat has a safe place that only he can get to and there is never a risk of him being cornered anywhere.

I think your cat needs time and space to adjust to the new family member, and make sure interactions are supervised and your dog knows kitties re not squeaky toys

[grntuscarora]

12. Thanks, all, for the suggestions!

I'm armed with new strategies and ideas to try this morning