How to Stop Dog From Bothering My Kitten?
Question: I would like to know how you can get my 7 month old puppy, part lab and german shepard to leave my 5 month old kitten alone. The dog constantly bothers the kitten, any tips? - from Diane
We encourage you to share your "dog wisdom" - Please Feel FREE to Help Answer this Dog Question!!Answer: Diane, the good news is that yes, most dogs can be taught to get along with cats if you are willing to be be consistent and patient. From the tone of your question, it really does not sound like your dog is mean to your cat, but basically just bugs the cat all day long. Some dogs will take longer to train than others, and this usually due to how much that dog hunts “prey”.
The breed of your dog really does not have a naturally high desire to catch prey, although the lab is definately a “retriever”, and the German Shephard is simply smart. For instance, we have probably all observed a dog chasing a toy, catching it and shaking his head back and fourth. This is a natural instinct to “kill the prey”.
My preferred method of training is to train the dog that the cat is completely off limits - never to be disturbed. You will probably need a friend or family member to help as you do these training sessions several times a day. To get started use a leash and collar on your dog, and make him sit/stay next to you. Have your friend hold the cat on the other side of the room. MAKE YOUR DOG SIT/STAY NEXT TO YOU. He will naturally want to go over and check out the cat - but make him stay. Give you dog plenty of praise for calmly sitting at your side.
Now have your friend move a few steps closer with the cat. Hopefully your dog continues to sit calmly at your side - give tons of praise if he does. However, if he tries to lunge for the cat, give a very stern “NO - LEAVE IT!” and a sharp jerk of the leash. Make sure he returns to the sit/stay postion. Once he sits calmly give plenty of praise. Continue to do this, repearting the corrections as needed. Depending on your dog, this could be very easy or very hard. I have seen some dogs that can only progress a few feet each session.
Once your dog sits calmly with the cat right next to him, you can move to the next step. Let the dog go loose in the room, but leave his lead on so you can offer a correction if needed. You must watch him constantly, if he shows any sign of moving towards the cat, grab the leash, and say “No- Leave it!” - if you miss this critical point, you will have to completely start the training over from step one.
Over time you will see that your dog has learned to completely ignore the cat - this could take a few weeks or a few months - have patience, be firm, and offer plenty of praise when the dog behaves.
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