Need a little advice!
Just a couple things that have been happening more often lately that I'm not sure how to handle:
1. I cannot for the life of me get Hannah to stop tormenting my cats. She chases them. She hops at them. She barks at them (sometimes). Their food and litterbox is in the basement, and Hannah will not go down the steps. However, if a cat is sitting on the steps, she will spend an entire hour standing at the top staring at them. She's so obsessed. No amount of intervening will break her focus unless I physically remove her. Is there anything I can do to try to maintain the sanity of my kitties?
2. She has plenty of chew toys. I try to rotate them so she doesn't get bored. But, she always ends up chewing on something she shouldn't. She's ruined 3 pairs of shoes, a couple pillows, some underwear, etc. Generally, she never gets caught in the act. What is the proper way to handle this situation? I know you should never punish a dog for something they have previously done, but is there any thing I can do to teach her that it is not okay to chew on these objects?
I love her to death, but boy does she know how to get her little bunny butt in trouble!
1. I cannot for the life of me get Hannah to stop tormenting my cats. She chases them. She hops at them. She barks at them (sometimes). Their food and litterbox is in the basement, and Hannah will not go down the steps. However, if a cat is sitting on the steps, she will spend an entire hour standing at the top staring at them. She's so obsessed. No amount of intervening will break her focus unless I physically remove her. Is there anything I can do to try to maintain the sanity of my kitties?
2. She has plenty of chew toys. I try to rotate them so she doesn't get bored. But, she always ends up chewing on something she shouldn't. She's ruined 3 pairs of shoes, a couple pillows, some underwear, etc. Generally, she never gets caught in the act. What is the proper way to handle this situation? I know you should never punish a dog for something they have previously done, but is there any thing I can do to teach her that it is not okay to chew on these objects?
I love her to death, but boy does she know how to get her little bunny butt in trouble!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on
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You could use a spray bottle on her with water to make her stop harassing the cats, saying "leave it" when you do it. Or put her on a leash attached to her, so you can correct her when she starts after the cats.
The chewing, you'll have to just keep a close eye on her. Keep things up out of her reach until she gets past the chewing stage. Give her a cold carrot to munch on, she may be cutting some teeth.
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Permalink Reply by Jamie on
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Unfortunately, she thinks spray bottles are one of the greatest things ever!
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Permalink Reply by Kyle, Megan and Loki on
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Loki would chew the corners of my couch when I was around, some 'bitter apple spray' put an end to that. Just a spray with a taste deterrent. in fact he didn't even try to chew them or anything again, after licking the drip of it off my hand in curiousity.
We tried a spray bottle for him barking, however, he enjoys chasing the water... go figure.
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I've heard great things about the spray. It may be kind of hard to use since I never know what she might chew on, but it's worth a shot!
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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I have two cats and three dogs and I say put a leash on her and let her drag it around. If she focuses on a cat you bring her away for some loving or a treat or game. None of mine chase anymore unless one of the cats starts it which they do.
Chewing is tough especially for a pup. I put a little spray cheese (sorry all you health food folks) not too much just a smear on the inside of a cow bone(available in any pet supply store. It encourages chewing on something approprate. We use a Kong or a cow bone when we leave with a little cheese in it before we leave without them and they all love it when we go away!
Corgis do like to find interesting ways to get into trouble!
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I guess I'll have to start leashing her more often inside, especially when she is let out in the morning to potty. She tends to take off like a rocket, looking for a cat, and then completely ignores me when I try to take her out!
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Permalink Reply by Queenie and Chico on
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Its her herding instincts kicking in there..Mine do that to, I have 3 cats, and 2 of the cats will restle and play with the dogs, but when they get a little rough, the cat lets them know with a little scratch or bite on the nose.
Try the water bottle method, hopefuly its just a phase ur little darling is going through and I'm sure she's not trying to hurt the cat... Good luck
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She loves the water, so that wouldn't work for us. :) She definitely isn't trying to hurt them. She just wants to play with them very badly, and they just want peace and quiet! I'm hoping someday they'll just give in and satisfy her craving for dog vs. kitty play.
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on
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I agree with the herding thing. I used to farm sit for a friend that had two championship border collies - experts at herding sheep and so well trained it was amazing. The only downside was that one of them (Meg) would literally stalk the cat around the farm all day. She didn't bark at it or try to play with it - she walked about 2 steps behind the cat with her head down (in herding position) and her tongue hanging out and drooling with each step. She could do this for hours at a time. I could call her off with the "that'll do" command, but 10 minutes later, she was back at it.
I would guess that your corgi has some strong herding instinct and maybe using that to your advantage. How about getting her involved in some herding or even agility where she gets to work her brain a little more? And you'll have commands to call her off of the cat when you want.
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I'll have to look into that and see if there's anything in my area. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Permalink Reply by Sam on
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First let me say that she is a puppy. While beginning to train her now is a splendid idea dont expect too much too soon. If she is just staring at the cats and not bothering them then I would ignore it. If she is actually chasing them then she needs to begin some training in that department. My first choice would be when you see her "focus" on the cats call her to you and give her a treat. This is not only a helpful redirect from the cats but will also help her begin to focus on you. You may also carry a small spray water bottle on your pants. If she starts the chase give her a quick squirt in the face....tell her to LEAVE IT. Most come around in time. Heck my crew still enjoy the chase. My cats just dont run.
As for chewing clothes, shoes etc I suggest putting them away. Puppies love to chew and they have no clue what is optional and what is not when these items are also available. Heck I have a young girl that will still snatch a shoe or empty the grooming draw if I leave it open. Good luck!
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Thanks! I know she's still a puppy and nothing is going to be 100% at her age. It's mainly the rest of the household that is getting annoyed with her behavior. I do try to put things away to avoid potential damage, but she always gets a hold of something that we didn't think she could. (For example, she chewed up a pillow that was on a bed and under a blanket.) I keep trying to tell the cats to just quit running away from her and the problem would be solved, but they don't seem to take my advice very well. :)
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