I have a 2 year old cat that is and has been the alpha-cat. I just got a new sheltie puppy that thinks hes the alpha dog, whenever I hold my cat the puppy gets jeaolous and bites the cat, who bites me. Is there any way I can help them work it out?
December 25, 2009
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First, you need to stop holding the cat when the puppy is in the room. You are preventing the cat from leaving if it desires, and to the puppy, it looks like you’ve got a toy for it. The cat is biting you to try to get you to let it go!
Do not interfere in their relationship, although your puppy should be monitored when out and about in the house. Neither pet should be subject to inappropriate attention from the other.
Cats do not operate on the so-called alpha-beta program. Cat society differs from canine society and both your pets sare very well aware the other one is a different species. Your cat is an adult, and probably recognizes the dog as an unruly child. He
will probably react in one of three ways to your puppy’s attention: respond nicely to appropriate behavior from the dog, correct the dog with a hiss or swat, or simply move to higher ground or run away. LET HIM!
He was there first, so the puppy needs to learn manners. Enroll yourself and your pup in obedience class so you learn how to control him. He’ll benefit greatly all around from it, and you’ll be better equipped to keep both your pets safe and happy.
Comment by Amie — December 25, 2009 @ 9:20 am
Put the dog outside and the dog inside!
Comment by gsdmommy — December 25, 2009 @ 10:00 am