Suddenly disliking the cat

I have had Becca for nearly two years. Initially she disliked my cat, it was difficult because the cat loves dogs. With some training Becca decided she would tolerate the cat and would even play with her occasionally.

This past week she has been bullying the cat. Poking her with her nose, wrinkling her lip, and a bark or two. The cat doesn't run and has never fought back.

Becca is afraid of most othe cats she meets, and is terrified of my mothers cat. Mom's cat goes out of her way to scare Becca when we

I am wondering if this a fear reaction or aggression. I'll work on rewarding positive behavior again. Any other suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on January 18, 2014 at 7:27pm

What do you do when she does this to the cat? I would correct her verbally as well as a touch to get her attention. A touch and a very firm "knock it off" should deter the action. If she chases I would leash her so you can stop it. She needs to know that you get to decide who resides in your house!

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Permalink Reply by Marcie on January 18, 2014 at 7:48pm

She has a 'be nice' command. I'll tell her that when I catch her being pushy. She doesn't chase the cat. The cat won't run unless she initiates a game. I really wish the cat would just stand up for herself. Mokey,the cat, has figured out that if she gets on the couch and Becca growls, Becca has to get down. Mokey uses it to her advantage.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on January 18, 2014 at 8:00pm

I have been very lucky that all the cats and dogs have gotten along or at least pretended the other didn't exist. Mine chase the cats but it's mostly the cats who start it. My one cat prefers the 2 dogs to the other 2 cats.

I do agree with what Bev said. I can stop my 2 with a knock it off quickly. Could Becca be trying to initate play with the cat tho? Dogs do know which cats to they can play with and which ones to avoid at all costs. I had an Irish Wolfhound who was terrified of our female cat but adored our male cat and would play with him constantly. To others it looked like she was going to chew the cat to pieces but the cat could walk away anytime and just kept going back for more.