Dog Attacks Cat

Alex is a chihuahuh and he likes to attack Mittens my cat. Anytime he sees the cat just laying around or playing with one of his toys he starts nipping at his face and the back legs. I've tried distracting him and nothing seems to work. Sometimes Mittens dont mind playing with Alex but when he starts to nip at him Mittens just hits his head with his paw. Anyone have any ideas how to help??????

Alex is a naughty boy! I'd be worried too, because if Mittens gets really mad, she might accidentally claw one of Alex's eye out!
Even though it looks like Mittens does not mind, it's a good idea that you start teaching Alex basic commands. NO, and STOP for starters. He'll learn to know what you don't or do want. He will stop.

Mittens is declawed and neutered. He attacks Alex back if he gets annoyed but Alex dont mind, he keeps up annoying Mittens. Mittens is 1 yrs and Alex is 3 months, he likes to try to hump Mittens alot, lol.

You need to train your dog ... How old are the dog and cat???

Mittens is a year old and Alex is 4 months. I've had Alex for a month. He's very hyper and has lots of energy all the time. He's kinda getting better with Mittens now.

is it a jealously problem? you will have to reassure your dog you love him if it is. make a fuss of him, and if the cat is getting your attention focused entirely when the dog is about, perhaps talk to him to let him know you still love him too.

my mum has a boxer, it got along fine with her six cats up until it was about a year old, then for some reason it started to attack a couple of them, it actually bit bailey the cream persian quite badly on his back leg and need vetinary attention, this was so out of the blue, the vet put it down to jealously.

Your dog sounds bored. I would start power-walking with him every day at least for 30 minutes at a time. You need to put your pup in basic obedience as well. With a declawed cat, your cat is at a disadvantage during this type of interaction. It is not healthy at all for either animal. You cannot control a cat, you can obedience train a dog.

http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/5...s-to-Dogs.html

Originally Posted by hissy

Your dog sounds bored. I would start power-walking with him every day at least for 30 minutes at a time. You need to put your pup in basic obedience as well. With a declawed cat, your cat is at a disadvantage during this type of interaction. It is not healthy at all for either animal. You cannot control a cat, you can obedience train a dog.

http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/5...s-to-Dogs.html

Click to expand...

I agree with Hissy. Your dog needs distrackstions. A walk....it's you & the dog, dog doesn't have to compete for your attention. A declawed cat is at a great disadvantage. It will also teach the cat to bite. Many declawed cats bite because it's there only defence. Dog needs to lean 'NO'.

IN addition to extra exercise, Alex may need some redefinition of the "pack hierarchy" in your home. The fact that he sometimes humps Mittens and that Alex ignores your commands to leave the cat alone indicate that he feels like the "alpha" dog (the pack leader). you might want to check out National Geographic's "Dog Whisperer" (Cesar Millan) on Fridays @ 7:00p. You can also check out his blog
http://blogs5.nationalgeographic.com...hisperer/?p=43
Sometimes it's hard when you're used to having cats, to realize that dogs do best with a "pack leader" in charge of the household. Please keep us posted - I'll bet that Alex is such a cutie that it is very difficult to be stern with him! My uncle has an absolutely adorable Papillon dog that just melts my heart - and the dog knows it, and will attempt to break so many rules with me!

wow your dogs lucky your cat has no claws my dog has gotten a bloody tongue nose from the cats a few times which is good because it teaches him cats should be respected! I think u need to teach ur dog some manners

I started using a spray bottle on him when he starts going after Mittens and it seems to work. He runs away from mittens and then gives me a strange look, lol. But he even started laying next to mittens and mittens licks him. And it is kinda hard to tell him no, he is really cute. Here's a link to pics of Mittens and Alex: http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f121/wi_grrl/

Very good advice so far.

My favorite saying...

"a good dog is a tired dog"

You would be surprised what just a basic obedience class can do for a dog's behavior.

!!!!

Every dog needs obedience classes and daily training to be enjoyable to everyone around him....