dogs and cats......help!

[graceMC]

So my newly adopted kitty is sweet, but my young German Shepherd (10 months) is not being nice. I cannot trust him at this point. Any tips? We keep them apart, but I really want him to accept her. Could he just be a cat hater?
Anyone deal with this? He's great with little dogs and kids......

[candes]

How long have they been apart? I would still do it longer. It took a few weeks for my dog Gypsy to not try and eat my Nala as a new kitten. Once you hit a month, something else needs to be done. You know when I first brought what I suspect was a "cat eater" into my house (Gypsy), I kept her on a short training leash in my house until she settled down. I think it was 1 1/2 to 2 feet long. This meant watching TV and holding a leash etc... Taking her on the leash everywhere I went. I was ready for a nervous breakdown. Then something clicked and she was fine. Until we got a new kitten (Nala). On her first introduction to Nala, after about a week, she actually had her entire mouth around Nala. At least what was not in my hand. I was holding Nala, so I could yank her away immediately. And admonished Gypsy like you wouldn't believe. Slam went the door, and mom was pissed. And Gypsy got an ear beating like you wouldn't believe. Gypsy didn't like mom being upset. But tough nuggies.... About 1 1/2 to 2 weeks after that we tried it again and it went well.

Just so you know, Gypsy ended up being great friends with my cats. Her and Cleo really loved each other. But I would never trust her with any other cat outside our household. She had a very strong chase instinct. Very strong... She could pull a 6 foot man over if she saw any ol critter. Since she was also an extremely strong dog. Very broad and muscular.

In fact the vet told us to get her a choke collar with spikes that go into her neck. It was the only way we could safely take her on walks or to the vet. They explained that it was either that or certain death if she got loose. Gypsy would lose all sense of her surroundings including traffic when she saw an animal. Even then, I often had to straddle and sit on her while walking if she saw something. Once I even took gypsy to get a bath with her spiked choke collar and a short leash. (And also had her regular leash and collar.) The gal was very snide and snippy.. I won't need that horrid thing. I chuckled under my breath and left. I came back and Gypsy had the spiked choke on. And the gal was soaked from head to toe. The next time I called for an appointment, they said that my extremely strong problem child required a double fee. I just bathed her myself about once a year. Hey I ain't crazy either.

Funny thing is that Gypsys trainer said that there was no way she could have her strong chase instinct trained out of her. The only thing that worked was extremely old age.

So, if I could train Gyspy not to eat my cats, anyone can do it with their dogs.

[graceMC]

THANK YOU! It was really just the first time they got to meet face to face. She's been here about 1 week now and yes, his chase drive is high! But, I think he will come around. Slow slow slow.

[wendy67]

When my last cat arrived and met my dog for the first time, i think my dog was more nervous!, All i can suggest is much the same. For you to be there when there together. Slowly introducing to each other and give your dog attention infront of the kitten and visa versa.. Its like having a second child, making sure the first doesnt feel left out! good luck im sure it will be fine in a few weeks and they will be best of friends.

[graceMC]

thanks everyone. I HAVE to make it work. My dog is still a baby (10 months) BUT HUGE. He's also at that *full of beans" age. We are an "animal" house so everyone has to get along. I think the problem is my barn cats (2) have gave him a run for his money. They are busy outside/barn cats working to eliminate rats/rattlesnakes and he's not been able to get near them. They don't mess around. He keeps the coyotes from them, but they will not give him the time of day. I live on 2 acres that borders a mountain range. Grace is an indoor kitty and he's confused I'm sure.

[Miraskorka]

My dogue de bordeaux was 6 years old when he came to us first cat.She did not like cats.But the firm "DO NOT"resulted invery quickly. Now......see herself as in our house looks.

[candes]

My dogue de bordeaux was 6 years old when he came to us first cat.She did not like cats.But the firm "DO NOT"resulted invery quickly. Now......see herself as in our house looks.

How precious! Yes it does work out in the end. I have never heard of any failures socializing cats and dogs. Has anyone else? .

[dee4st]

I'm going through the same thing Right now. I've had my kitten for almost a week and my 110lb lab for 7years. He grew up with a cat who just passed away. I thought it would be love at first site but it has been more difficult than I imagined. The kitten was almost trampled and eaten and the dog nearly lost an eye. It's getting much better. They don't love each other yet but they are tolerating each other. I try to keep the experience positive for my dog who is jealous. I praise him like crazy when he's good with the cat and he wants to Please me so it's been getting better. I would not trust them together without supervision yet but I'm sure in time it will be fine. And Candes I do know of someone who came home to their cat dead from being mauled by their two huskies. Unfortunately it can happen.