At my wits end with my puppy bulling my cat!!!

[Amanda & Riley]

I need advice!! My puppy (who will be 4 months next week) has always played really hard with my cat George. When Riley was little, george was able to play with her at an equal level but now Riley is starting to really tower over him and play WAY too rough. George has put up with a lot, but I am starting to really feel horrible for him as he wants to be downstairs with everyone but is starting to become afraid/annoyed of Riley.

 

I have been using the "shake the can" method and that and clapping will startle Riley for a second but then she will just continue bullying him.

 

I do not know what else to do.. it is becoming exhausting constantly yelling at her and chasing after them!!

 

Any suggestions?

 

PS- This is a picture of her and George from over a month ago.. she is A LOT bigger now!!!

[Melody & Bruin]

I am sorry Amanda - poor George.  I have no good advice to offer as I don't have a kitty, but my sympathies are with you.  Good Luck!

[Amanda & Riley]

Thanks Melody!! How is Bruin doing?? How is the classes at petsmart, do you like them?

[Jess and Pippin]

Pippin bullies Kylie, our maltese cross.  She is 7 pounds and he is 37 pounds.   Fortunately, she has no problem putting him in his place.  It usually starts by Pippin inviting Kylie to play, which she does not know how to do (she is a rescue and she "visits" at the dog park, she doesn't play).  Kylie puts up with it and then will snap at him.  He gives her a belly up, she forgives him and then a few minutes later, they are back at it.  We use the command "Be nice", intervene, and then get them in a side by side down for some ear rubs.  Now, we can usually say Be Nice, and Pippin will back off.  We can't leave the 2 of them alone in the house in the same space, so have Pippin gated off and Kylie gets the run of the house, including the dogs' favorite chair  :)  Not quite the same as a cat, but the pups can definitely be trained to respect the smaller pets in the household.