[Jegga]

My parents are going on holiday for 7 weeks and I have offered to take their dog, Jessie, rather than them put her in a kennel, no matter how nice those places seem, there's nothing like love...anyway, this dog was trained by my brother to chase cats as a puppy, and while I am convinced I can de-train (is that a word?) Jessie re:cats, I would still like to make this as stress free as possible for all animals (humans included) concerned.

Any hints/tips? :?:

 

[kristi]

How big is Jessie? If she's anything other than a toy breed, I would just be very very careful. A dog can kill a cat in just a few seconds.

If she already likes chasing cats, it will very hard to train her against it. I would leash her at first and scold her for showing interest in the cats; praise her for ignoring them. You may just want to separate them.

Good luck!

 

[RayOfAsh]

Crate the dog and let the cat sniff him/her out, and vice-versa. If the dog barks, scold him/her

 

[Gracie's Mom]

Most people don't agree with me, but I'd say get a basket muzzle and muzzle the dog at first! That way it's harder for the dog to injure the cat, but NEVER leave the two unattended together. I also agree with leashing her until you're sure of what she's going to do-some dogs can learn to get along with cat inside, yet still chase them outside.

 

[Zalensia]

If it is a large dog then i would agree with a muzzle. It doesnt take much for a dog to over power a human, even on a lead. That way the dog cant seriously injure the cat, or yourself if she gets over excited. Just remember DONT NOT go out and leave the dog with the muzzle on alone, they cannot eat or drink with it in, and if they panic with it on when you are not aroundthey could hurt themselves.

 

[Ioana]

If the dog barks, scold him/her (remainder edited)
I hope you are not serious about that, Ray of Ash.

 

[drjean]

dog/cat

This dog will *never* be trustworthy around cats. You absolutely must keep them separated (by crate or by sturdy door) when you are out or asleep, and muzzled at all other times--or perhaps keep the dog physically tied to you with a stout leash. You are simply not fast enough to prevent a disaster if the dog gets hold of a cat. Even if weeks go by and the dog "seems" fine--she *cannot* be trusted. Ever.

I can't tell you times I've heard people tell about their cats being slaughtered by dogs in their own homes--in some cases dogs they had lived with peaceably for years. This dog is a REAL serious danger to your cats. How would you feel if Jessie did injure or kill one of your cats? How would that affect your relationship with your parents?

Honestly, please seriously reconsider your offer to keep this dog. It will be anything but low stress, and the dog would probably be better off in a kennel than living in a crate or with a muzzle on for 7 weeks. Perhaps they can find a petsitter that will care for the dog in their home: Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com), phone directory, or if there's a college nearby, advertise in the student center. Lots of students would like to get out of a dorm or crowded apartment for a few weeks!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[AmberD]

I'm going to agree with DrJean and say that you shouldn't take the dog. 7 weeks is a LONG time to live with a muzzle and/or leash attached to the pup at all times.

What kind of dog is it? If it's been trained to chase cats, it's probably not going to be untrained any time soon. Maybe with some intensive training the dog could learn to control its prey drive (Because that's what your brother is encouraging by asking her to chase small animals), but int he meantime, there's going to be huge amounts of stress for everyone involved.

Before we rescued her, my dog hunted small animals in the neighborhood. Now after 6 years she lives peacefully with my five cats (and formerly guinea pigs and a rabbit), and she can watch a squirrel or a rabbit in the backyard without chasing it. She is 100% alert, and completely intrigued - I have no doubt that she'd take off in an instant if I said she could, but as it is, we no longer even have to coax her "Sasha... nooo..." anymore. And she's a chow/sheperd mix, both of which have fairly high prey drives. So it's possible, but it took a lot of work. Though she was never taught to kill anything, it was a necessity.

Especially if this is a bigger dog, I'd tell them that you're just not comfortable having a dog who is a potential danger to your kitties. Maybe they can find someone with a dog, or a petsitter as suggested, but if not, a kennel really is the best option. I know they may seem cold, but Jessie will get human interaction every day, and she won't have to wear a muzzle. She'll be as well as a dog can be when away from their family for an extended period of time, and you won't have to worry about anything happening to your cat/s.

And afterall, you could always visit Jessie if you want to give her some TLC.

 

[Jegga]

[quote="edited out)

Well, thank you for that insightful comment, you'll be glad to know then that my brother passed away four years ago next month, so don't waste your hatred on him.

What a nice forum this is.

 

[Jegga]

While I appreciate all other people's comments in here and your concern, I was looking for a more holistic, and possibly friendly approach to the situation.

Suffice to say, it is possible for me to keep them separated at all times as I have doors in every room of the house, which is what I will do now, hence no need for muzzles (can't do that), leashing in the house and *** (a reply that was--Jeanie) just plain sick.

 

[AmberD]

Jegga-

I haven't been here long, but don't think this is a bad forum, though I winced at that one particular post, too. But I think most people are trying to help. As a dog lover, I don't agree with muzzles, but if you can sucessfully keep the animals separate for 7 weeks without stressing either of them (or you) out too badly, then I guess that's the best option.

Since this was a question more directed at dog behavior than cat behavior, maybe you might be more successful finding a solution at a dog forum? I'm a regular member at http://forum.dogomania.com which is a GREAT place (not that this one isn't ) full of great people (ditto).

 

[Jeanie]

I offer my apologies to all who were insulted and shocked by an unsuitable and thoughtless post. I was shocked by that answer. Even the hint of animal abuse is not acceptable on a forum dedicated to caring for animals. As for the other comment which I removed, my sincere apologies to Jegga. This is a rare occurence. I have presented this post intact to the webmaster.

I have edited out all references to that post. We are a family site, and I felt it best to remove all traces of the unsuitable comments. That included references by several of our valued members. I hope you understand.

 

[RayOfAsh]

Man, nobody can take a joke here :? . Apprently nobody knows what scolding meens =/.

I think you guys forget i have dogs to, and puppys. My mom is a proffesional dog breeder, and has several hudnred blue ribbons from dog shows.

Our puppys grandparents on their fathers side's are both in the hall-of-fame.

I would never harm an animal..

Next time, please dont jump to conclusions.


As for the whole brother thing, that was also a joke. But next time, ill try not to joke like that .