Hi All,
I rescued a pooch from Alabama and I am very happy with him. He does have some learned behaviors we are trying to make him unlearn but overall we are happy with our new family member. There is one behavior, which, we are struggling with and not sure exactly how to tackle it.
Our new dog, 20-30% of the time he leaves our 10 year old cat alone. The other 70% of the time he barks at him, chases him, and generally is super annoying. We have been re-directing this behavior with treats/toys/distraction as we have been told from research and a trainer who we know as a co-worker.
The real problem is when the dog decides to "chase" the cat as it's like a switch in his brain. He goes from being super gentle and calm to being a super jerk, doesn't listen, and no matter how many times I re-direct he still, a 1/4 second after the re-direction goes right for the cat. It's becoming a problem and I feel like it's getting worst not better. I'm not sure what to do. I've been getting a little frustrated and have to remove myself from the situation at times because I don't want them to see me frustrated. Not good at all. Makes me sad.
I need help guys. We love him so much and am trying so hard to get him to where he is balanced, and content with life. We want to share this with him in the worst way and I have always thought I was good with dogs. I am, but this boy is stubborn.
His name is Reuben, 64lb, Boxer/Lab. We were told Boxer/Lab online but we are almost convinced he has some pit in his genes.
Please help us!
Thank you!
Mike/Sarah
I rescued a pooch from Alabama and I am very happy with him. He does have some learned behaviors we are trying to make him unlearn but overall we are happy with our new family member. There is one behavior, which, we are struggling with and not sure exactly how to tackle it.
Our new dog, 20-30% of the time he leaves our 10 year old cat alone. The other 70% of the time he barks at him, chases him, and generally is super annoying. We have been re-directing this behavior with treats/toys/distraction as we have been told from research and a trainer who we know as a co-worker.
The real problem is when the dog decides to "chase" the cat as it's like a switch in his brain. He goes from being super gentle and calm to being a super jerk, doesn't listen, and no matter how many times I re-direct he still, a 1/4 second after the re-direction goes right for the cat. It's becoming a problem and I feel like it's getting worst not better. I'm not sure what to do. I've been getting a little frustrated and have to remove myself from the situation at times because I don't want them to see me frustrated. Not good at all. Makes me sad.
I need help guys. We love him so much and am trying so hard to get him to where he is balanced, and content with life. We want to share this with him in the worst way and I have always thought I was good with dogs. I am, but this boy is stubborn.
His name is Reuben, 64lb, Boxer/Lab. We were told Boxer/Lab online but we are almost convinced he has some pit in his genes.
Please help us!
Thank you!
Mike/Sarah