New dog/Old cats. Help.

[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.