Cats and Other Distractions

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Hi Everyone.  As some as you know, we adopted a rescue doodle 2 1/2 weeks ago. In my previous post I was really questioning my decision regarding doing this and have been having some ups and downs. things have gotten much better in some areas, but where i'm needing some advice and suggestions now are as to how to get Raleigh to stop chasing our cats. Our male cat is extremely friendly and sweet, but its quite clear he tries to be the dominant male of the house. Raleigh seems to just set focus on him and then chase. I'm worried on two counts: 1st, raleigh just got neutered and i'm worried about him tearing open his incision. 2nd. i do not want them chasing aroudn to the point where Rip  and Nala (our cats) gets hurt. Plus, i just really don't want to start the whole "running in the house/roughhousing with the cats" as an ok behavior. Savannah, our older GD, has been with the cats since we got her and she is just fine with them, doesn't chase, etc. . I don't see any aggressive behavior exhibited by Raleigh towards them, but he can't seem to focus on anything other than them.

Right now I have tried tethering Raleigh to me, or just leaving his leash on so that I have complete control of where he goes. Still, he tries to make a run after Rip.  I have also started puppy classes with Raleigh (8 months old) and have made a little progress on holding his attention (but only when the cats aren't near).

Help would be appreciated!

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

Becky, Savannah & Raleigh hang in there. I have three Goldendoodles, 3 Cats. The only cat that Li'l buddy in interested in is the one that does all the hissing and carrying on Misty-Minnie. Harlee does not chase the cats but Miss Chloe will join in with Li'l Buddy now and then. You are right to keep him tethered for control! Cook up and cut up a couple hot dogs and keep in a baggy where he can't smell them and when ever he start focusing on the cat distract him with a little treat! Praise him and make a big deal out of it calmly as not to excite him. If it happens two times in a row here the two cullprits get a nap time. They do catch on. Good luck with your new baby.
Another thing you could do is always have a favorite toy of his and throw the opposite way of the cats and break his focus on the cats.Again when he brings it back give him a little piece of hot dog. It is usually boredom or lack of exercise when the get cutting up. We have had several rainiy days so dogs have not been out and my natives are getting restless. Harlee has been out to R.E.A.D. and he is fine, it's the other two that get restless.

[Lori]

I think it just takes some time. We have two small dogs. From the moment Leo, our Goldendoodle, arrived he was obsessed with our poor old arthritic cat Rosie. Rose took to staying in my room and just sleeping on my bed all day. I kept the door closed because my room is off limits to Leo unless he is supervised because he still has a bad habit of stealing things and chewing on stuff! Anyway, Rosie finally had enough of him and in added a good paw swipe to her hissing and that was about it all it took. They have settled now on an uneasy truce, but Leo has really settled down and doesn't chase Rosie anymore. In fact, I'm starting to notice that not quite but almost half the time, Leo isn't really the instigator anymore whether it is rough-housing with the little dogs or something to do with Rosie! He may be an office quality dog by summer after all! Good luck...it's hard with rescues because we just don't know what their past entailed and sometimes it takes a little longer to get past some of their issues....just like it does with people!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

During puppy class you will probably learn the 'Leave It' command. I have found that this has helped when Harlow wants to chase our cat Cleo. As Beverley mentions below keep a baggie with small pieces of hot dog. Here is a good link explaining how to teach the Leave It command (http://www.obedient-dog-behavior.com/leave-it-command.html). Because of the high value treat Raleigh should learn quickly and you can use the Leave It command for the cats, yucky smelly things he may find on walks or just about anything you want him not to touch.