[jersey_gray]

Title says it all. I'll take any advice on this one. If I was training a grown dog I'd simply block them with my body every time I saw them about to chase the cat and give a sharp "no". Doing that with puppy hasn't worked so well. She's so small it's to easy accidentally hurt her. I'm overly reliant on having physical control i.e. actually grabbing a collar or using my body to physically block the dog. Works when you bring home a nine month old 80 lb Lab mix but not so much for tiny puppies. I know now I made a lot of mistakes with my old dog Barley (Chihuahua/Terrier cross) and I did make some progress repairing some of the damage I had done when he was a puppy. I don't want to repeat those.

Also suggestions for chew toys. She doesn't go for the rawhide. She did like the bully sticks so I'll get some more of those. I've heard a lot of good about those tires for dogs, maybe one of those? Nylabones of course, though I have to be careful because I have the 98 lb Amy dog (don't want her to choke! on a puppy bone).

 

[3doglady]

I think showing the puppy there is an appropriate way to act can be approached in a much simpler fashion.

Does she know the Leave It command? There are some good threads in the training section. There are also some good videos on Youtube that will help you get started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNAOe1djDyc&feature=related

Once she learns leave it, then keep the puppy on leash. Bring her near the cat and use the leave-it command. As she gets better with the leave-it command, bring her up to the cat and ask her sit or lay down. When she behaves, praise her with "good gentle" and a treat. If she gets rambunctious, tell her "no" and walk her out of the room and away from the cat. Don't raise your voice, there's no need. The more relaxed you are, the more she'll get out of the training session. After you remove her give her a few minutes to settle and repeat the process. If she doesn't comply, make sure you leave on a positive note, by bringing her near the cat and giving her the leave it command. After a few sessions, she should be able to leave the cats alone on the "leave it" command or be gentle with the cat on the gentle command. After a few months, with consistent training, she should approach and sit.

I like elk antlers for chewing, you can get soft and medium densities, from some vendors. You can also use an empty 1 liter soda bottle. Some pups really seem to like them. (obviously keep an eye on her with the bottle, just to be safe).