how to keep 6-7 months old puppy from chasing the cats

mwallace056 · Jan 16, 2015

i have a great pyrenees who play and chase the cat and the two kittens but the thing is he is not gentle, and they don't like it , he don't really chase the adult cat because he kinda know better because when he was a puppy she attacked him because she felt he was a threat and she have kittens so she just be protective (i plan getting her fix and the kittens too) they are outside, i also got the the cats locked up in a shelter because of him anyway how can i get him to leave them alone so they can go in and out the shelter when they want to, i wouldnt care as much if he gentle but he not

Norachan · Jan 17, 2015

Have you tried puppy obedience classes? A dog of that size could easily kill a cat just by picking her up and shaking her so you really need to stop this behaviour before anything terrible happens. Until the puppy is well trained enough to be trusted around cats you should keep him separate from them. Either keep the puppy in a kennel, keep him on a leash or put a muzzle on him so that he can't grab a kitten

mwallace056 · Jan 17, 2015

Norachan said:
Have you tried puppy obedience classes? A dog of that size could easily kill a cat just by picking her up and shaking her so you really need to stop this behaviour before anything terrible happens. Until the puppy is well trained enough to be trusted around cats you should keep him separate from them. Either keep the puppy in a kennel, keep him on a leash or put a muzzle on him so that he can't grab a kitten

The thing about obedience classes is that they cost money which my parents not going to pay for, he does needs obedience training, he know sit but that about it, when he younger he used to grab them every chance he get, but now he just jump around i just afraid he might make a wrong move and land on one of them breaking their ribs or something, he leaves them alone when i am outside probably because i yelled at him so much, but when i not he will sometimes try to play with them, he has gotten better leaving them alone when i am not outside but he will still try to play with them,also he not my puppy so i can't put him in a kennel or anything

mwallace056 · Jan 17, 2015

also their sheller is a old house

detmut · Jan 17, 2015

you need a cat tree or something similar. take advantage of cats' jumping and climbing ability

mwallace056 · Jan 17, 2015

detmut said:
you need a cat tree or something similar. take advantage of cats' jumping and climbing ability

will it make the cats feel safe and secure from the puppy? the condo would have to be high enough where he can't stick his nose into it and bugging them, there also ton of trees around here and they climb them without any problem

Norachan · Jan 17, 2015

Yes, the cats need to have a place where they can get away from the puppy, so a cat tree or a cat highway would be great. I'm quite worried about what will happen to the puppy when he gets bigger though. If you have trouble controlling him now what will happen if he knocks someone over or bites them? Even if he is only playing your parents could get in a lot of trouble for that.

Are there any free or state supported dog training classes near where you live? Sometimes the local police run dog training classes, you should check to see if there are any in your area.

Would the puppies owner agree to keep him muzzled until he is better behaved?

mwallace056 · Jan 18, 2015

Norachan said:
Yes, the cats need to have a place where they can get away from the puppy, so a cat tree or a cat highway would be great. I'm quite worried about what will happen to the puppy when he gets bigger though. If you have trouble controlling him now what will happen if he knocks someone over or bites them? Even if he is only playing your parents could get in a lot of trouble for that.

Are there any free or state supported dog training classes near where you live? Sometimes the local police run dog training classes, you should check to see if there are any in your area.

Would the puppies owner agree to keep him muzzled until he is better behaved?

he great with people expect when fedex or someone not well known or new to him, he starts barking at them and scaring them, he will chase their vehicle down the driveway, he keeps his distance from them, but as he get bigger he may decide do full on attack he will sometimes chase vehicles driving by

i have to look but even then i have to convince my dad to take him as they think they can train him themselves well they not doing a good job, he does listens to sit, No and come expect when fedex comes then it difficult

no they would not agree to anything,

pinkdagger · Jan 18, 2015

This is going to be a big dog, and as with any sized dog, training is absolutely imperative. If your family does not have experience training dogs, especially of this size, it is worth it to shell out the money for something basic like a Petsmart training course. The last thing you need is a Pyrenees learning that it's okay to chase people and things, and not even just for the comfort of your cats, but for the dog's safety. I would suggest seeking some suggestions from a more dog-oriented community in addition to finding a way to help your cats with vertical space and a room that is off-limits to the dog.

There's a method called umbilical cording which some people have used with success, though it's intended more for house training. Instead of keeping the dog or cats cooped up in a small space like a single room or a crate, the dog can always be on leash in the house. He can be attached to someone so they have control and can, in an instant snap on the leash and give a verbal NO if he shows too much interest or tries to make a lunge at the cats. You can also teach your dog boundaries, so some people will keep their dogs out of the kitchen (without a door or gate) so they don't beg or lick off the counters and tables. You can do this with a specific room, even a bedroom, where the cats can go to feel safe.

Introducing Your Cat to a New Dog

Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Teaching Your Dog to "Leave It"

Predatory Behavior in Dogs

Dogs Chasing Cats

Dogs Chasing Cars

Teaching Your Dog to Stay

Training Your Dog

mwallace056 · Jan 18, 2015

pinkdagger said:
This is going to be a big dog, and as with any sized dog, training is absolutely imperative. If your family does not have experience training dogs, especially of this size, it is worth it to shell out the money for something basic like a Petsmart training course. The last thing you need is a Pyrenees learning that it's okay to chase people and things, and not even just for the comfort of your cats, but for the dog's safety. I would suggest seeking some suggestions from a more dog-oriented community in addition to finding a way to help your cats with vertical space and a room that is off-limits to the dog.

There's a method called umbilical cording which some people have used with success, though it's intended more for house training. Instead of keeping the dog or cats cooped up in a small space like a single room or a crate, the dog can always be on leash in the house. He can be attached to someone so they have control and can, in an instant snap on the leash and give a verbal NO if he shows too much interest or tries to make a lunge at the cats. You can also teach your dog boundaries, so some people will keep their dogs out of the kitchen (without a door or gate) so they don't beg or lick off the counters and tables. You can do this with a specific room, even a bedroom, where the cats can go to feel safe.

Introducing Your Cat to a New Dog

Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Teaching Your Dog to "Leave It"

Predatory Behavior in Dogs

Dogs Chasing Cats

Dogs Chasing Cars

Teaching Your Dog to Stay

Training Your Dog

we are well aware how big he going to be, i tried reintroducing them and he still want to play with them, where do i find a dog community? i shown my dad a american kennel club licensed Obedience club and to my surprised he is willing but he don't have time because he have to feed the livestock. how can i teach him boundaries? will a stock collar help? i am against them as i don't see them working other then causing the dog fear and pain

pinkdagger · Jan 18, 2015

A shock collar? No. I would advise anything but a shock collar and/or a prong collar. You don't need to punish the dog, you need to reinforce the good mannerisms, even if that manner lasts 3 seconds of the dog sitting calmly when a cat walks by. I'm neither a dog owner, nor a member of any dog-specific communities so unfortunately I can't think of dog communities off the top of my head. I mean forums like this, but for dogs. Here are some dog-specific forum links with training tips that may help:

http://www.dogforum.com/training-behavior-stickies/introing-cats-dogs-23536/

http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/72111-reccomended-reading.html

You may also want to try reaching out within your local community (a site like Reddit has lots of activity, and they have lots of subreddits devoted to different regions of the world. try searching your city/town's name to see if there's an active subreddit for that area) and ask about dog training and if there is a place other dog owning members can recommend for training. Someone has to train the dog consistently, both in and out of the home environment. It will have a huge impact on how the dog interacts with strangers and with other household members like the cats.

If you're not in a position to take the dog to the AKC obedience club (if travel is an issue), perhaps there is one closer by that you can take the dog to. Or any other family members who have the time? Maybe compromise and take some of your dad's responsibilities with feeding so he can take the dog. Those classes are usually something like once a week, so it's not a huge time sink, but it is very worthwhile.

mwallace056 · Jan 18, 2015

pinkdagger said:
A shock collar? No. I would advise anything but a shock collar and/or a prong collar. You don't need to punish the dog, you need to reinforce the good mannerisms, even if that manner lasts 3 seconds of the dog sitting calmly when a cat walks by. I'm neither a dog owner, nor a member of any dog-specific communities so unfortunately I can't think of dog communities off the top of my head. I mean forums like this, but for dogs. Here are some dog-specific forum links with training tips that may help:

http://www.dogforum.com/training-behavior-stickies/introing-cats-dogs-23536/

http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/72111-reccomended-reading.html

You may also want to try reaching out within your local community (a site like Reddit has lots of activity, and they have lots of subreddits devoted to different regions of the world. try searching your city/town's name to see if there's an active subreddit for that area) and ask about dog training and if there is a place other dog owning members can recommend for training. Someone has to train the dog consistently, both in and out of the home environment. It will have a huge impact on how the dog interacts with strangers and with other household members like the cats.

If you're not in a position to take the dog to the AKC obedience club (if travel is an issue), perhaps there is one closer by that you can take the dog to. Or any other family members who have the time? Maybe compromise and take some of your dad's responsibilities with feeding so he can take the dog. Those classes are usually something like once a week, so it's not a huge time sink, but it is very worthwhile.

well i show dogforum.com to my parents and my mom said there may be good info on that site (meaning there may be info that reinforce their belief on how a dog should be train), but we using a shock collar, i tried to tell her there people who know more then us but she cut me off before i could finish, saying she know people and it works for them

does the alpha roll works?

pinkdagger · Jan 18, 2015

No, the alpha roll does not work and becomes problematic and harmful both physically and in terms of your relationship with the dog.

http://respectyourdog.com/read/what-alpha-rolling-is-really-doing-to-your-dog

It sounds like your parents are using outdated and potentially dangerous information that doesn't reinforce good training and good habits, but puts fear into animals that can cause a dog to react aggressively or fearfully (which can include biting). I'm sure if there was ever mention of use of a shock collar, prong collar, or alpha rolling in any obedience or training group, the trainer would be mortified. These ideas of suppression/repression and punishment are very old and there are now MUCH more effective, quick, and reliable ways to train dogs.

http://animals.io9.com/the-science-of-dog-training-is-it-okay-to-use-a-shock-1632740695

You're teaching a dog to fear - and they don't always know why, instead of teaching him what is and isn't acceptable. I reiterate that I'm not a dog owner, so if your family can make it to any training class, try to go with them. Casually bring up the methods they use and they can be told first hand by a professional that a) it doesn't work, and b) they can be shown better ways to do it, specifically with regard to your dog's issues if there is mention of their current methods. Also, bringing along multiple family members means everyone sees how it's done right, instead of having information relayed incorrectly and having consistency issues, which will delay training progress.

mwallace056 · Jan 18, 2015

pinkdagger said:
No, the alpha roll does not work and becomes problematic and harmful both physically and in terms of your relationship with the dog.

http://respectyourdog.com/read/what-alpha-rolling-is-really-doing-to-your-dog

It sounds like your parents are using outdated and potentially dangerous information that doesn't reinforce good training and good habits, but puts fear into animals that can cause a dog to react aggressively or fearfully (which can include biting). I'm sure if there was ever mention of use of a shock collar, prong collar, or alpha rolling in any obedience or training group, the trainer would be mortified. These ideas of suppression/repression and punishment are very old and there are now MUCH more effective, quick, and reliable ways to train dogs.

http://animals.io9.com/the-science-of-dog-training-is-it-okay-to-use-a-shock-1632740695

You're teaching a dog to fear - and they don't always know why, instead of teaching him what is and isn't acceptable. I reiterate that I'm not a dog owner, so if your family can make it to any training class, try to go with them. Casually bring up the methods they use and they can be told first hand by a professional that a) it doesn't work, and b) they can be shown better ways to do it, specifically with regard to your dog's issues if there is mention of their current methods. Also, bringing along multiple family members means everyone sees how it's done right, instead of having information relayed incorrectly and having consistency issues, which will delay training progress.

he actually well behaved when it comes to family but with someone new not so much, today my dad did the alpha roll and he bite him, i told my dad if you going to act aggressively to a dog they will eventually act aggressively back and that what he did and i also told him alpha roll wont work all it does put fear into him,(he ran off) i asked because i wasnt sure about alpha roll, i know there are more humane and effective ways to train dogs but i don't know anything about them my knowledge on dogs is limited, i will show the links to my parents but they won't even think about it they will ignore the science. to me this like spanking kids there more effective and positive ways that don't cause pain, while spanking works it also cause problems like increase risk of mental illness, lower iq, slows brain development and other things i can't remember, but a lot people still believe in spanking,

mwallace056 · Jan 18, 2015

the aspca.org links you sent me i actually show hima few of them when we first got him, but he didn't seem to take any info to heart

Kat0121 · Jan 18, 2015

Our local Humane Society does obedience classes and they are inexpensive. Yours may also.

pinkdagger · Jan 19, 2015

Your parents need to speak to a trained professional so they can get an accurate idea of the expectations to have for this dog the way they are training him. Chances are they think they know more than you (as most parents do, because they're parents, but it isn't true in ever subject) or strangers on the internet. Having someone with the first hand knowledge, experience, and education tell them the same things you're trying to tell them can make a difference for stubborn parents.

If your local humane society doesn't offer obedience training themselves, you can probably phone them up and they'll know of others who do.

howsefrau32 · Jan 19, 2015

I adopted my doberman when she was 6 months old, and already had two cats. We did like others have said, put up a gate that the cats can quickly escape under, in their "safe" room, that the dog is NOT allowed into. They have to have that space they feel secure. Then what worked the best for me, after letting them check each other out with the gate between them, I would get my dog to calm down, and talking very quietly, in a soothing calm voice....almost baby talk but not quite, it really helped keep the situation calm. Once everyone was calm, they ALL get little treats, little training treats, or tiny pieces of meat that is very desirable to them is great. If the dog did not remain calm, we had her sit or lay down, or put her on the leash to keep her from jumping. Then, once they were OK with each other, I put the dog out in the living room, let the cats walk out, but had the dog on the leash, and the dog gets a little treat for being calm, and praise, praise, praise. Praise her for calm behavior, and give those treats. And I use the words NO KITTIES, not shouting, but very firm. She knows what it means. Or if your dog knows the "leave it" command, that works. We had little training sessions like this, with the dog on the leash, laying down, and the cats eventually walked around the house, and she was curious, but we kept her from being able to run after the cat. And all the while I'm doing all of this, praising, treats, I am talking to them all telling the dog "you're such a good girl", and "the kitties are nice". I found that I am almost always able to set the mood by the tone of my voice, with my dog. For instance, if someone comes to the door, and it is someone I know, but the dog doesn't, I use my calm-silly-happy voice to say to her "it's OK, it's just our neighbor Joe, and he's nice", and she's cool. If someone comes to my door that I don't know, and don't want there, she is instantly in protective mode. She completely feeds off of me and how I am reacting. So when you and your family are trying to train the dog to be calm around the cats, it is very important that everyone be calm. If your dad is yelling at the dog, and using punishment, it's not going to work, because everyone is going to be tense, the dog, the cats, and all of you.

It is important that dog NEVER be allowed to chase the cats, or even play with them, in my opinion. I know people have dogs and cats that play together, and I actually think my dog would have been OK with playing with the cats and not hurting them, but I never took the chance. When she would start to nudge them and try to play with them, I'd say NO KITTIES and I never allowed it. Also, it is very important that your cats NEVER be allowed to be out while everyone is not at home, or cannot be around to supervise the situation. I have had my dog 7 years, and I still do not leave my youngest, rambunctious 2 year old wild man out when I leave. He has his bedroom, which is his safe room, he sleeps in there at night, has a cat tree and a window, and that is where he goes when we are not home.

You can do this, but you have to make sure that the dog is NEVER allowed to chase or play with the kitties. Teach the NO KITTIES command. It works very well.

I am no expert, this is just what has worked for me. I have helped a few family and friends out who have done this and it has worked for them. Good luck.

mwallace056 · Jan 19, 2015

pinkdagger said:
Your parents need to speak to a trained professional so they can get an accurate idea of the expectations to have for this dog the way they are training him. Chances are they think they know more than you (as most parents do, because they're parents, but it isn't true in ever subject) or strangers on the internet. Having someone with the first hand knowledge, experience, and education tell them the same things you're trying to tell them can make a difference for stubborn parents.

If your local humane society doesn't offer obedience training themselves, you can probably phone them up and they'll know of others who do

the problem is they could talk to someone with the most first hand knowledge, experience, and educated and most certified then anyone on this planet, but they still won't even consider what he or she said they will just go back to using the old methods because that they used and that what other people they know uses and says it works despite the fact it causes the dog fear, stress,

my sister lives with us with their two dogs,bear and jazzy when they first got bear her son was two or three and didn't know how to proper play with a puppy, that now growl and bites at him when he try to hold him because of fear what the kid might do, they use a shock collar on him and while he don't bite or growls at him, you can clearly see the fear is still there, they don't play with him, he locked up in a kennel 24/7 her husband give him food and water, jazzy is inside because she had puppies locked up in a small freaking crate with her puppies as i saying this jazzy poop in her kennel and she got scold badly what she suppose to do? hold it? as anyone knows there come a time you just have to go. they pick up their scruff i tried telling them it can cause damage to the dog esp when you don't provide support on their legs but my sister reply was it won't hurt them because they are small

my other sister asked my mom what she going to do when it come to vet and she said all we going to do get him neutered and that is it, so when Sam get sick or hit by a car or old or anything they won't bring him to a vet but yet again she might because we have a dog who have some sort of joint pain idk because we haven't take him to a vet anyway he got attacked by a bear or cougar his lower left lip was just hanging and we bought him to a vet because we were kids at the time he was extremely lucky he didn't have any more damage otherwise he would got put down because they wouldn't afford it when i say wouldn't i mean they probably could afford it but costs too much

howsefrau32 said:
I adopted my doberman when she was 6 months old, and already had two cats. We did like others have said, put up a gate that the cats can quickly escape under, in their "safe" room, that the dog is NOT allowed into. They have to have that space they feel secure. Then what worked the best for me, after letting them check each other out with the gate between them, I would get my dog to calm down, and talking very quietly, in a soothing calm voice....almost baby talk but not quite, it really helped keep the situation calm. Once everyone was calm, they ALL get little treats, little training treats, or tiny pieces of meat that is very desirable to them is great. If the dog did not remain calm, we had her sit or lay down, or put her on the leash to keep her from jumping. Then, once they were OK with each other, I put the dog out in the living room, let the cats walk out, but had the dog on the leash, and the dog gets a little treat for being calm, and praise, praise, praise. Praise her for calm behavior, and give those treats. And I use the words NO KITTIES, not shouting, but very firm. She knows what it means. Or if your dog knows the "leave it" command, that works. We had little training sessions like this, with the dog on the leash, laying down, and the cats eventually walked around the house, and she was curious, but we kept her from being able to run after the cat. And all the while I'm doing all of this, praising, treats, I am talking to them all telling the dog "you're such a good girl", and "the kitties are nice". I found that I am almost always able to set the mood by the tone of my voice, with my dog. For instance, if someone comes to the door, and it is someone I know, but the dog doesn't, I use my calm-silly-happy voice to say to her "it's OK, it's just our neighbor Joe, and he's nice", and she's cool. If someone comes to my door that I don't know, and don't want there, she is instantly in protective mode. She completely feeds off of me and how I am reacting. So when you and your family are trying to train the dog to be calm around the cats, it is very important that everyone be calm. If your dad is yelling at the dog, and using punishment, it's not going to work, because everyone is going to be tense, the dog, the cats, and all of you.

It is important that dog NEVER be allowed to chase the cats, or even play with them, in my opinion. I know people have dogs and cats that play together, and I actually think my dog would have been OK with playing with the cats and not hurting them, but I never took the chance. When she would start to nudge them and try to play with them, I'd say NO KITTIES and I never allowed it. Also, it is very important that your cats NEVER be allowed to be out while everyone is not at home, or cannot be around to supervise the situation. I have had my dog 7 years, and I still do not leave my youngest, rambunctious 2 year old wild man out when I leave. He has his bedroom, which is his safe room, he sleeps in there at night, has a cat tree and a window, and that is where he goes when we are not home.

You can do this, but you have to make sure that the dog is NEVER allowed to chase or play with the kitties. Teach the NO KITTIES command. It works very well.

I am no expert, this is just what has worked for me. I have helped a few family and friends out who have done this and it has worked for them. Good luck.

just so you know they are outside i thought i mention this? i want to teach him obedience before doing anything with the cats,

i agreed with you when the two kittens was 4 or 5 months old (had 4 give two away to someone i know) he would try to play with them and my parents didn't know why i have such a problem with it well he could easy hurt them and i didn't know what to do so i just locked them locked in the old house so he can't get to them, i have 7 kittens who 4 months don't worry we going to get mama spay. as soon he will leave them alone without me worrying i will put a cat door on the door so they can go in and out whenever they want to,we live out in the country so getting hit by a car is pretty slim also they don't go near the road

mwallace056 · Jan 19, 2015

what if the trainer uses outdated methods?

how to keep 6-7 months old puppy from chasing the cats

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