aronoiiel Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 I'm seriously at my whits end with this kid. We were doing great with his obsessive need to put cats in his mouth until tonight. This is the first outside cat we've seen this close so now that I'm calm and NOT wanting to sit on his face I can give him a little credit. BUT he STILL lunged and very nearly pulled me the 3' to the stupid thing that stood there all hunched up like that was going to do anything >_< I'm still super high strung so no hatred towards cats really just COME ON how are you just going to stand there-*aaaaand breathe* Is it seriously hopeless to get him to NOT want to eat cats? I'm feeling like this is just a losing battle and maybe I should move to africa and show him that cats freaking eat back! I've talked to a local behaviorist but they just reinforced what his trainer said about being pack leader and either avoiding the situation or making him sit through it or whatever. I'm frankly tired of hearing all the same crap over and over again. Not to mention THIS does NOT work when a cat appears out of a random shadow merely three feet away from you! I'm usually hyper sensitive to our surrounding thanks to all the freaking thugs in my complex but you can't see or hear a cat that doesn't want to be seen or heard. What's worse I feel like I'm failing him as an owner. I'm supposed to be the one correcting and controlling his behavior not letting him give in to whatever demented reason it is that he does this. I don't know how to do this and I can't find anyone that can give me anything else besides exercise and the information I already have. I live in a community with kids and adults that are very ignorant to how you are supposed to handle a dog and I don't want to deal with their snide remarks anymore. I'm hoping to move soon but when I do move that still presents the problem of if there are cats in the neighborhood What should I do? Am I just expecting way to much way to soon? I've had him almost a whole year now and while he's getting better at some things I just don't think I can get this under control Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 Interesting (and rather difficult, given your situation!) question... Have you been to any training classes, and if so, have you really gotten to know the trainer or owner of the place where you've trained? I guess what I'd suggest if it's possible to find/finagle such a situation (can you cultivate such a person/situation if you haven't already?), is that you'd convince such a trainer to work with you, and try to set him up with a cat in a formal training area, first - if you haven't done some formal training with him, do that first, so that he associates that area with the wanted behaviors - calm, paying attention to you, getting rewards for doing what you ask. As you get the response you want fairly reliably, place a cat in a carrier (maybe others who train there can help, if the trainer/owner doesn't have a cat) on the other side of the room, and work him well away at first, gradually working closer and closer to the cat. Reward him for ignoring the cat - big time, if making a fuss will help, keeping it calmer and quieter if that's what HE needs to succeed. Once he can work and ignore the cat in that situation, change things up a bit - maybe put crated cat in a less-expected place, such as near the entry-way where you'll come in, or perhaps work up to having the cat loose, if it's a relatively calm cat. As he gets better in a controlled situation, you can start transferring his work to cats outdoors... Look for an opportunity with a cat at a distance, and practice - keep an eye out with the goal of making it a "trainable moment", rather than "death watch"! Wish I could help, as most of my outdoor and indoor/outdoor cats are even a little overly dog friendly - they're so used to how Shad was and how Tux is that they don't run, most of the time. As long as they're out of reach, I'm happy for that, as it doesn't cause the prey drive to kick in quite so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 great advice Gi x Tiff - I know how you feel when I took Koda on he was a nightmare with cats! Having one myself and not fully knowing how he was has in a way made it easier - they tollerate each other now but he is always watching her - not in a "i want to eat you" way more inquisitive thankfully although I never let my guard down. When we're out walking he makes a run for any cat he sees and boy do those sudden jolts hurt! You're not in any way failing him or anything like that. Some dogs are more instinctive with their prey drive than others. I bet there is a difference since you've took him on, even if it's a slight one - there will be an improvement and that's what you need to keep in the back of your mind hun xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 Thank you Gigi that does help alot actually and was what I was thinking NEEDS to happen with him. The problem is finding a willing cat and trusting owner. I actually had him in two training courses at Petco (don't knock it lol I knew the person really well and really respected what they had accomplished with two dogs I've seen in our store regularly that were an absolute nightmare and were also rescues) and it has helped. He has, from what the trainer told me based on Diesel's behavior, NEVER had any kind of training so it's like starting from scratch but not with the fresh mind of a puppy to shape. He's not treat oriented at all. He's not ball or toy oriented. He just doesn't seem to have a trigger to get his happy mode activated lol. I've talked to him off and on and he agrees that D's behavior needs a specialist and he's still trying to find one that's not states away that can help. We did, while at Petco, use the dog friendly kitties they had in their care to help with D's window lunging but that's about all it's helped with. I'm going to call a place up in Seattle I think and see if they have a private session I can get with an instructor that may be able to arrange something like you suggested. I've talked to this place off and on and been to their facility once and enjoyed the experience so we'll see. Alot of people I've talked to at the dog park with problem rescues have gone there with good results. Thanks for the idea it's a great one actually safety for the kitty and my idiot hound >_< My problem is trying to get up there with no car LOL but I'm sure I can bribe someone to take me All else fails this place makes house calls Could do in house training even if we have to do it with all the neighbors cats Sarah, I do remember your Koda nightmare you poor thing I can't imagine what would've happened if I had a cat when I got D. You are right though he has gotten better at stuff, mostly in the house, and I am proud that he's gotten to the point he has. He'll lunge at a window now but then correct himself, sit, and whine like his life is the most difficult thing in the universe lol. As apart to trying to break through the window. He'll also not try to drag me to dogs across the parking lot now. He'll still get upset but will sit in place when demanded. His brain just literally clicks off when he sees a loose cat though. I mean it's full on no body's home robot mode O_o you can SEE it when you look at him that his world has tunnel visioned to that one feline. It's very disconcerting to have literally no way to snap him out of it. I'm sure we'll get this handled somehow I was just shocked and in pain last night. My body can't handle that LOL. Thanks ladies last night was just one push to far for all the stress I've been dealing with. Guess I just burst or something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 Tiffany, do you use a walking belt, and if not, do you think that it might be less painful to get a jerk on you lower down like than, than from your shoulders? I know that it doesn't hurt as much for me... Best wishes! I have no problem with some trainers from Petco or Petsmart - a good friend of mine was one at Petsmart years ago. It's their trainers in general, and some of the training methods I've heard, such as clicker training in a large group, which seems like it could be a major problem for the dogs to sort out THEIR click! (Had to laugh the time a Petsmart trainer asked Shad, "Can you sit?" Shad just looked at him, and you could see it clearly going through his mind, "Can I sit? Of course I can, you idiot! What kind of question is THAT?" I quietly suggested that he TELL him to sit, not ask if he can; the trainer did, and Shad promptly put his butt down, lol!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 good idea - a walking belt makes a huge difference hun x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 good idea - a walking belt makes a huge difference hun x Except when they pull you over and you get dragged a few feet! Just gotta be careful, though, with it on as there's no quick escape! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Tiffany, do you use a walking belt, and if not, do you think that it might be less painful to get a jerk on you lower down like than, than from your shoulders? I know that it doesn't hurt as much for me... Best wishes! I have no problem with some trainers from Petco or Petsmart - a good friend of mine was one at Petsmart years ago. It's their trainers in general, and some of the training methods I've heard, such as clicker training in a large group, which seems like it could be a major problem for the dogs to sort out THEIR click! (Had to laugh the time a Petsmart trainer asked Shad, "Can you sit?" Shad just looked at him, and you could see it clearly going through his mind, "Can I sit? Of course I can, you idiot! What kind of question is THAT?" I quietly suggested that he TELL him to sit, not ask if he can; the trainer did, and Shad promptly put his butt down, lol!) I've seriously considered it but with a previous hip break (and pins currently keeping the stupid thing together) on the left side and last years pelvic fractures I don't think that a 60lb gsd mix yanking on my lower regions would be healthy LOL. That and given I'm only 130lbs so not to much gut for my butt to anchor me LOL yes I went to a couple classes at a couple different petsmarts and petcos and seriously some of the I just don't understand how anyone could pay them to do that to their dog lol. Just plain confuses me. Kiana does the same thing you ask her a question you can see in her eyes saying "yeah I can so give me the darned treat" there's a reason why they are called commands LOL. When I get paid friday I'm going to take Nix's suggestion and order a WYDWL harness and see if Sid can make me a semi slip for Diesel. Right now all he's on is one of those nylon collars which you can imagine is no help to either of us but does give me some control if need be. He does start to back up and flip when he doesn't get his way and it's making me a bit nervous. Hmm, I wonder if Rosemary would send me a cheetah or leopard for a day maybe strike the fear of the cat god into this boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 That will definitely work or I'll send you one or two of the wild/feral cats from our area - Ozzy & Micah learned the hard way not to mess with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 That will definitely work or I'll send you one or two of the wild/feral cats from our area - Ozzy & Micah learned the hard way not to mess with them Ohohoho if a husky has learned a lesson then they MUST be good I wonder if all the junk I'd have to go through to get one imported would be worth it (not that I'd ever have the ability to do that anyhow HAHA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I've seriously considered it but with a previous hip break (and pins currently keeping the stupid thing together) on the left side and last years pelvic fractures I don't think that a 60lb gsd mix yanking on my lower regions would be healthy LOL. That and given I'm only 130lbs so not to much gut for my butt to anchor me LOL yes I went to a couple classes at a couple different petsmarts and petcos and seriously some of the I just don't understand how anyone could pay them to do that to their dog lol. Just plain confuses me. Kiana does the same thing you ask her a question you can see in her eyes saying "yeah I can so give me the darned treat" there's a reason why they are called commands LOL. When I get paid friday I'm going to take Nix's suggestion and order a WYDWL harness and see if Sid can make me a semi slip for Diesel. Right now all he's on is one of those nylon collars which you can imagine is no help to either of us but does give me some control if need be. He does start to back up and flip when he doesn't get his way and it's making me a bit nervous. Hmm, I wonder if Rosemary would send me a cheetah or leopard for a day maybe strike the fear of the cat god into this boy Yeah, I wasn't sure if your injuries would make it worse or easier, using a walking belt - couldn't remember what all was busted up! Sorry that won't work, then... LOL, I think the final straw teaching Tux he had to be nice to cats or risk getting smacked around by them was when we were walking up the drive one night with one of the cats that hangs around, Ty, following us. I told Tux not to worry, I wouldn't let the cat attack him any more than I'd let him attack the cat - and Ty immediately flew over the mound of snow between the tire ruts, bounced off Tux's shoulder, and back away! I almost fell down, I was laughing so hard! Both of us had a whole, new respect for cats after that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Please don't be offended by my suggestion. I have six cats and my dogs get along with all of them (now). I used a shock collar on them. It took them a few days to get used to it. I set it on really low but my cats would run and Smokey would want to terrorize them and chase them. Now he just ignores them. I've also been able to train him to ignore bunnies, other people (not jump on them) and go off leash because of it. I don't use it any more now that he knows how he is supposed to behave... Don't feel like a failure. They are a tough breed to handle when it comes to prey drive. I've been dragged 8 feet into a pine tree by Smokey once when he tried to chase a squirrel. Lord knows we don't wanna let that leash go no matter how painful it to hold on to them when they drag us like that... best of luck hun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks Smokey it's an idea for sure but I don't think it will help. I'd have to have it set to a pretty high level as his neck fur is very thick I just don't think it will be effective. Had that problem with the prong collar before he broke it >_< This dog has destroy pretty much any training aid I've tried lol. He's just bound and determined to put little furry things in his mouth. He hasn't killed any and hasn't escalated into doing that yet but I'd rather not give him the chance anyway. I did contact a behaviorist in Seattle through the ASPCA and they said they'd love to make a in home consult but that and the training methods they will show me will cost $400 soooo that'll have to wait a couple more months until I get some cash I'm waiting on. I'm excited though she said that's fine and she's going to keep in contact with me to help get a little bit of a jump start Hopefully this works out better than the last one haha I'm running out of people in my area Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 hmm..well if you were here i'd work with you and my cats...don't give up hope! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #2 Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 If you don't have cats in your home, how important is it for you to train the prey drive out of the dog? I have Andy because he supposedly "ate a cat" and ended up in impound. I felt like it was unfair to put him in that position knowing about prey drive and huskies. Squirrels, cats, other dogs...I guess Jack is the worst, Jessy does what whoever is the noisiest is doing, and Andy just keeps walking along. Maybe you can focus on walking training and it will all fall in place. Have you tried training look at me with treats for when something comes by or "on by"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 If you don't have cats in your home, how important is it for you to train the prey drive out of the dog? I have Andy because he supposedly "ate a cat" and ended up in impound. I felt like it was unfair to put him in that position knowing about prey drive and huskies. Squirrels, cats, other dogs...I guess Jack is the worst, Jessy does what whoever is the noisiest is doing, and Andy just keeps walking along. Maybe you can focus on walking training and it will all fall in place. Have you tried training look at me with treats for when something comes by or "on by"? It's not important as I don't own one but the idiots in my apartment complex let their cats out all the time even though it strictly states in the lease agreement indoor only cats. The manager says she can't do anything about it because there's no proof even though I know which apartment which cat belongs to. Really ticks me off. I just don't want him to get ahold of one and him have to pay for it Idk maybe I'm worrying far to much about it. There's just some cats here that are dog friendly and go up to Kiana for a good sniff and rub. They stand and stare at Diesel when he tries to eat them all confused like lol. It's kinda funny when your not holding him back O_o I am working on the watch me thing it's great in the house but when I get outside it fails terribly haha. I've been taking him to a park down the road with a few less distractions but one squirrel blows the whole stupid session >_< Ah takes time and patience though fortunately I have both just not in ample supply Great suggestion thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #2 Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 It's not important as I don't own one but the idiots in my apartment complex let their cats out all the time even though it strictly states in the lease agreement indoor only cats. The manager says she can't do anything about it because there's no proof even though I know which apartment which cat belongs to. Really ticks me off. I just don't want him to get ahold of one and him have to pay for it Idk maybe I'm worrying far to much about it. There's just some cats here that are dog friendly and go up to Kiana for a good sniff and rub. They stand and stare at Diesel when he tries to eat them all confused like lol. It's kinda funny when your not holding him back I am working on the watch me thing it's great in the house but when I get outside it fails terribly haha. I've been taking him to a park down the road with a few less distractions but one squirrel blows the whole stupid session >_< Ah takes time and patience though fortunately I have both just not in ample supply Great suggestion thank you Look at me is great for Jack when we have treats. Jessy and all her 38 lbs can pull me to my knees going after a squirrel, and/or a cat. I think if the cat is out and Diesel gets it, I'd say oops! Teach him drop it, and run like hell away from any cameras. Hopefully you won't be recorded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aronoiiel Posted February 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Look at me is great for Jack when we have treats. Jessy and all her 38 lbs can pull me to my knees going after a squirrel, and/or a cat. I think if the cat is out and Diesel gets it, I'd say oops! Teach him drop it, and run like hell away from any cameras. Hopefully you won't be recorded. LMAO the worst part when he does get a cat is he doesn't know what to do with it so he stands there while it rips his face apart He doesn't even hold it firmly all I have to do is put a couple fingers in his mouth and he opens up and drops it. I wish he was treat oriented lol my dad says just show him another cat but I think that would be a little detrimental to the whole concept Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoBD Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 I'm glad I came across this, I will read all the responses when I'm not busy at work but yesterday my Moro got a hold of one of my dads chickens . We have a trainer we've used before coming this week to help us get him back on track and hopefully get to where he will ignore small creatures or at least not pursue on my command. I cried all day yesterday because I was soo sooo upset MY FURBABY killed that chicken...Dad wasn't as mad, he said "its in him Nessie, you have a mini wolf...you just need to keep him up until we can make changes". I feel SO awful because I feel like somewhere along the lines I did something wrong or didn't do what I needed to. So again I will read all the responses later on but I wanted to at least comment for now and say thanks for the information here and all the other wonderful information in this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoBD Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 After reading through this I am going to apply what has been suggested and hope for the best. I hope it gets better for aronoiie as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.