End of my rope....help!
My girlfriend moved in with our Corgi (Ferris, F, 6yo) four months ago. She and Ferris came as a team so I've done everything I can think of to make this work. Ferris and I are best buddies, although I do almost all the discipline and training. We live in a small apt in NYC while previously Ferris had a big house and yard in Ct with no other animals.
Thing is I have two cats, both of whom I rescued off the street. Ferris has been completely obsessed with the cats since she got here, and we only have two rooms. One cat is terrified of her, the other is daring but confined by her herding instincts. I've tried treats, a spray bottle and currently I have all three locked in the bathroom (immersion therapy).
Nothing seems to work, Ferris listens to me on lead and off outside the apartment, but inside she is obsessed with making the cats' life hell. She's not aggressive or dangerous, just uber controlling.
I NEED HELP! We would hire a trainer asap but we both have recently found ourselves unemployed and pinching pennies.
Thanks for any and all replies. And yes, the dog and two cats are still locked in the bathroom, am I crazy to think that might help? Or am I only prolonging the inevitable?
Thing is I have two cats, both of whom I rescued off the street. Ferris has been completely obsessed with the cats since she got here, and we only have two rooms. One cat is terrified of her, the other is daring but confined by her herding instincts. I've tried treats, a spray bottle and currently I have all three locked in the bathroom (immersion therapy).
Nothing seems to work, Ferris listens to me on lead and off outside the apartment, but inside she is obsessed with making the cats' life hell. She's not aggressive or dangerous, just uber controlling.
I NEED HELP! We would hire a trainer asap but we both have recently found ourselves unemployed and pinching pennies.
Thanks for any and all replies. And yes, the dog and two cats are still locked in the bathroom, am I crazy to think that might help? Or am I only prolonging the inevitable?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on
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After 4 months, have things gotten any better?
We have 2 rescue cats, both declawed. One, the older one, does not mind the dogs and just ignores them. We did have to work on "leave it" with Sidney with this cat, because Sid wants to play with him and can be a little rough with this senior cat. If Sid is getting to want to play, we have to give the negative noise (kind of like "Ack") and a stern "leave it" command. It does not seem to be that Sid bothers Hammie when nobody is around, not that I can tell anyway.
Now with Pippin, our younger cat, Sidney does not have much restraint. But Pippin is spry and gets up on top of the hutch or entertainment center when Sid is feeling playful. Also he's fast. I think if Pip had his claws, he would have taught Sid a lesson by now!
Do you have something tall, like a cat condo, where your cats can go for a reprieve? If not, maybe you can find one on Craigslist or something. Also make sure you feed the cats where Ferris can't get to the food. It is extremely bad for dogs!
Good luck, and let us know how things are going!
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Permalink Reply by Inkou on
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Geri, thank you so much for the reply.
Letsee, yes things are better after four months. Ferris has chilled somewhat, settled in I guess. She's such a sweet soul but the adjustment from the country to the city has been rough for her. To compensate I take her on at least a 1 hour walk/run every day. Part of the problem is that my girlfriend doesn't consider the kitties part of the family and I think Ferris picks up on that, they've been together for six years.
So I've been shouldering this process alone. Ferris and I have bonded, so that's good. The cats have special carpeted shelves I built for them to get around- but still Ferris is obsessed and scares them off by lunging and barking. They are safe in the bedroom as we have a child gate, but we only have two small rooms.
I'm beginning to think perhaps the problem isn't Ferris or the cats, possibly it's my girlfriend and her energy. She's been out all day and I've released the herd. As I type Ferris is belly up snoring, Inko is purring on the printer and Koumori is chilling on the fire escape. No drama, exactly how I want it (!?)
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Permalink Reply by Sam on
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I am thinking that you should put Ferris on lead and tie him to you. Most corgis enjoy nothing more than the chase. Sadly it appears that there just isnt enough space to give the cats a safe room. If Ferris is tied to you he can not get to the cats. You also have the instant ability to use a "leave it" command. Typically once the chase begins you have no control. With constant corrections you may see him choose to leave them alone. You may also use this command while walking if Ferris tries to pick up an object along the way, to redirect him if he stops and sniffs. Adding this command is so useful in many ways. You can bet it has saved me from some pretty bad situations. Good luck.
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Permalink Reply by Kelly & Ozzee on
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i have the same problem with my corgi n kitty as well. its been going on for a whole year at my house. i have tried everything under the sun. training, treats, "leave it", being on a lead while around the kitty, but nothing! ive come to the realization that my corgis' herding instinct is just over whelming to the point where hes only focused on herding. so, i have to keep my corgi on a leash while the kitty is inside.
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