Problem.
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is"
I remember thinking how perfect it was that Ziggy gets along great with Skittles, his kitty brother, when we first brought him home, especially since I was so caught up in being able to get a Corgi that I forgot to ask if he was cat friendly (I know, I know, very stupid mistake.)
Well luckily after a quick conversation with Katie, whom I got him from, it turns out he likes cats more than dogs, he LOVES cats, even.
Well, that seemed a bit like overkill as he was just ignoring all three of the kitties that lived at my mom's, but I figured, hey, it's just because they don't like him. (Swatting at him, hissing, etc.)
Things were just plain awesome with that. Then Skittles started to come around and get curious, because he realized that Ziggy wasn't going to harm him.. Well, as things have gone along.. I am starting to fear that this is no longer the case.
It started off with Ziggy just didn't want Skittles near him while in the bed. Progressed to where most of the time he didn't want Skittles on the bed period. (Of course, we tried to correct that by holding Skittles on the bed with us and petting them both, making Ziggy focus on us rather than Skittles, etc.. But Skiski was not liking it or cooperating with us, because he was frightened.) Then it got to the point of where if we are loving on Skittles and he's on our lap he's death glaring at Skittles, even when we try to distract him, etc.
Well today was it. Skittles was on his way to the litter box, minding his own business, didn't even look at Ziggy, but had to walk a few feet in front of him and Ziggy lunged and barked and even snapped at him, if Skiski wouldn't have been so quick to bolt, I believe Ziggy would probably have caused some damage.
I would like some help dealing with this, because we can't have this going on, Skittles deserves to be able to be wherever he wants, it's his home too. And I can't risk Skittles getting hurt. I worry that if Ziggy does hurt Skittles, with it being a risk for Skittles' health and having hubby being part of the decision making process, that Ziggy will probably have to find a new home again, and that's something I DO NOT want.
I know sometimes these problems can be stopped and that's why I am asking tips now, because as of this point, I can just keep them in seperate rooms when we aren't home and be as alert as possible until this problem is fixed when we are. I know that with the right training Ziggy can get over this and we can all live happily together and Ziggy will be with us forever, so please, share any and all tips, or helpful articles, or whatever you have. Thanks.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
-
Sounds like Ziggy might be looking for some leadership. As he gets more used to being in his new home he is probably starting to see who he can boss around. Are you taking him to obedience classes? Also, google Nothing In Life Is Free and start using some of the suggestions. Meanwhile, put a leash on him to drag around and if he goes after the cat attach the leash to you and let him spend a couple days following you around so you can correct him if he so much as looks at the cat. If you are persistent this should be relatively easy to correct. Every time he manages to go after the cat with out a correction it will set you back a couple days so be vigilant.
-
Permalink Reply by Zigward & Kimberly on
-
Thanks for your reply, Bev:) I am not taking him to obedience classes, I had planned on it, but when we got him, we had a lot of extra money.. Now, with the loss of a job, we do not, so it's not exactly an option at this point in time.
I will make sure to look into that book, and try to get my hands on a copy for sure. I will also try the leash technique, which will probably work best in the end anways as it will encourage him to spend more time around us as opposed to trying to hide in the bedroom all day (aside from our walk.)
It is very possible he thinks he can boss me around, as he gets treats just to get them and not to mention the fact that when I call him, most of the time he ignores me and just saunters his little touche to wherever he wants to be, which having the leash on him may help this too, I would hope. I'm going to stop this and from here on out he is going to have to earn them.
-
-
That is what is nice about googling, costs nothing and there is a wealth of free info on the net. The NILF system helps us see some things we do inadvertently that send the wrong message. I used the leash method at my house with a combination of some NILF stuff. Apparently I do not have the natural dominant presence that Cesar has...:)
-
Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on
-
I agree with Bev's suggestion of putting him on leash for awhile (weeks not days, because going after the cat is a hard habit to break)), but I think you unwittingly contributed to the problem by trying to work out who could be where, when. I know I'm in the minority, but my dogs are not allowed on beds or furniture period. A dog on an upper surface feels high in rank, this is no problem with naturally submissive dogs, but can become a problem with all others. I would change the rules of the game. The cat is allowed on upper surfaces ( so he can get away from the dog at will ) and the dog has the floor for the rest of his days. The cat can be in your lap, never the dog. To cuddle with the dog, sit on the floor yourself. This course of action will by no means guarantee sucess, but should give you a pretty good shot at it. If you feel sorry for the dog, just think that he can have quite a happy life with you on the floor, rather than lose his home . The cat will have a better chance at navigating the situation. Make sure he has a protected area for the litter box and keep the two separate when you are not home ( as you said ) for a very long time.
-
-
Thanks, Anna for your comment.
I don't understand how you mean I contributed to the problem, who could be where when? I didn't take Ziggy off the bed when Skittles was on, if that's what you mean?:) If not explain it to me, please? I kept them both up because it is both of their bed and I wanted him to realize that it's okay for Skittles and him to be in the same bed.
I am not willing to change the rules of the game unless that becomes absolutely necessary. (I'm going to try this leash thing first, going to make him work for tricks, maybe even make his walks longer, though he's not a fan of them.) Dogs have always been allowed on the furniture in my family, and I'd like to keep it that way if at all possible:) But if it comes to it, that'll be what happens.
-
-
I was referring to this part of your post "
It started off with Ziggy just didn't want Skittles near him while in the bed. Progressed to where most of the time he didn't want Skittles on the bed period. (Of course, we tried to correct that by holding Skittles on the bed with us and petting them both, making Ziggy focus on us rather than Skittles, etc.. But Skiski was not liking it or cooperating with us, because he was frightened.) Then it got to the point of where if we are loving on Skittles and he's on our lap he's death glaring at Skittles, even when we try to distract him, etc."
-
-
I understand which part you were referring to, but I do not understand why you said, "but I think you unwittingly contributed to the problem by trying to work out who could be where, when."
I wasn't trying to work out who could be where when, just that they were both allowed up period:) Ziggy was on the bed at the same time as we were trying to keep Skittles on, letting him know that it is OUR bed, WE decide who gets to come on it.
-
Permalink Reply by Karen Dadisman on
-
That is just what Anna means I think. By keeping both of them there you haven't shown Ziggy who's bed it is. Boot them both off or just let the cat on. Ziggy needs to know it is not his bed, it is YOUR'S. At this point, he thinks he is the boss and on equal footing with you and the cat. He needs to know this is not the case.
-
-
Kymii, that sounds reasonable, but the animals have their own ideas and mode of communicating and interacting, especially across species ( cat-dog in this case ) and you were not able to override this. Skittles read the situation accurately, it was not in his best interest to stay on the bed under those circumstances. You forced the situation by holding the cat and insisting they share the space. It is never a good idea to force cats, they are freedom seekers with very long memories. It would have been better to simply correct the dog and demote him to the floor.
-
-
Anna, thank you for explaining. I don't think it did too much harm because last night they slept less than a foot away from each other on the bed with no problems.
I did put Ziggy's cone on him before we went to sleep, just to be safe, but they were sleeping there together from about eleven at night until I went to sleep at around eight in the morning without anything happening. In fact as soon as I woke up I snapped off Ziggy's cone and they're both still just laying down.
I disagree that it would have been better to just correct him by putting him on the floor, unless it is only temporarily. I know there are many families who allow their dogs on the furniture that not only respect their owners as the alpha, but also don't go after the cats, trained or not, it just so happens that training will be needed in this situation. I think of pets literally as family, I wouldn't make family sleep on the floor, no way am I making Ziggy.
I am going to make him get off the bed at random times and stay off until I say he's allowed back on just to establish that I make the choices, regardless of how senseless they are and he is going to follow them.
-
-
Kymii, glad things are working out better. When i wrote 'It would have been better to simply correct the dog and demote him to the floor." I meant as a correction in the moment. Just continue to be vigilant, some dogs have a higher pray/chase instinct than others and it is also normal for teenage dogs to test their boundaries. . If the cat has his claws, he can teach the dog some respect by cuffing the dog, if needed. I would always back up the cat. I agree that dogs on beds and furniture are a personal preference and that it is possible to manage that situation without any problems. With dominant dogs and especially dominant aggressive dogs, it is not the way to go. I am not saying this for you, but for others who may read this post. Accurately assessing the dog's personality makes all the difference.
-
Permalink Reply by Kevan hudson on
-
Hi,as bev wrote I think ziggy is looking for some leadership,IMO, any dog brought into a new environment is going to look for their place in said environment .When we brought Ben home from the breeder Abbie put him in his place right away.I would say that through my experiences you need to establish some leadership, be the boss.
Rescue Store
Stay Connected
FDA Recall
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Recall
Groups
We support...
Badge
© 2024 Created by Sam Tsang.
Powered by
