Re: Dog and Cat Interaction Problem - Ideas Needed

Hi Storyofmylife,

I am not the expert with Shelties or herding breeds - you are right about that. I also don't believe in drugging animals and haven't done that either. I use a holistic vet and do believe in homeopathy or herbs and there are calming herbs and homeopathic remedies. Such as Feliway, which works well to calm cats and is working very well here. However, in this case energy healing work has worked wonders. I am using nothing on the dog(s).

I know the dog won't eat the cat, but this cat is super sensitive and gets freaked out easily. Plus his size, barking and quick movements are imposing to her.

Yes, you are correct that the dogs need training and I am enrolled in a class. Again, I am not a professional dog trainer, but I can say that the last dog I had was immaculately trained by me, so this can happen here as well. The dogs are 10 months old and getting better every day. I am learning things every day. The dogs are both neutered. Bear is very large compared to Lexi and if left to his own way would steal all her food and take every toy away from her and he chases her constantly, rolls her over and stands on top of her all the time. Maybe that isn't called dominance, but it is high alpha-ness or something. Is that dominance? You tell me. Plus he lunges and barks at any other dogs, where Lexi is calm and ignores them. She prefers hose water and lawn mowers. And yes, I do correct them.

And yes, I do know that taking a little short walk around isn't enough for them. We take them on the bikes and run and play ball retrieve until they fall over, plus long walk runs and lots of chase games in the yard. We go until they can't go any more. If that doesn't do it, then I guess I need to buy a dog race track for them.

Sorry to sound like such an idiot, but I am working through this stuff. And no animal is leaving our house.

Thank you for your feedback and input.

Critterkids

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