We are 1st time Lab owners and our 14 week old pup continues to chase our established cats. No amount of scolding seems to make any difference at all regarding the cats. Both his mum and dad cohabit with cats, and he was born into that environment, so didn't expect problems with the cats. He also wants to bite a lot which makes it impossible to cuddle him as much as we would like to. He has toys, and a daily marrow bone. Advice much appreciated. Thank you.
Just to elaborate, our 14 week old boy gets 2 daily walks on the beach, and ball games in our large back garden. He is very rarely ever left on his own.
Please note that our cats don't appear to be the problem i.e. they can walk through the room in a relaxed manner, and our Lab will become very interested and chase them. He is now becoming heavy enough to do unintentional damage.
Hi, once your cats run your puppy will be enjoying the game and perhaps scolding has become a part of the game. I had one cat that had no problems with my pup but with the other cat it's the opposite. I would get a clicker trainer in to show you how to train your pup. I think you will have success because the cats can still be around the pup. Just one session will be a worthwhile investment. In the meantime you could read up on clicker training if you haven't been doing any. I would put the puppy on a lead around the cats and reward for good behaviour, have another adult to help. Best done with a trainer who probably has done a few of these.
Hi there, I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. The cats have always been the boss in this house and will stand their ground and hiss ! Generally they have nice chats daily. Our cats are not generally all around our house so I guess if that is the situation there are going to be many opportunities for your pup to chase. Occasionally Meg (18m) will see one some distance away in our garden and she starts the chase, but I can call her back. From the moment we got her I have worked hard on her recall and would say it is pretty reliable now. They will learn to live in harmony but its early days yet. I totally agree with Jane above and start some clicker training indoors and also read Total Recall and work through the steps in that and it will really help all round. As for the biting, all very normal. They are known during that phase on her as Crocopups !!! There a umpteen threads on her about biting pups have a search and be reassured it will pass. Enjoy your pup, Emma
I'd like to add that a 14-week old puppy biting is perfectly normal. You need to teach him bite inhibition. There is a useful article here: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/ which contains links to other articles teaching you how to deal with this. It's an unpleasant time, but it does pass. He shouldn't be told off for biting; he just needs to learn how hard he can bite without it hurting us (which is an invaluable lesson for later life, if he feels that he has no option but to bite through fear, pain, or being trapped - he'll ensure he does it without causing any damage) and then, from there, you can extend it to not allow any contact of teeth on skin. Sadly, all Labrador puppy owners go through a stage of looking like self-harmers. It hurts and you sometimes think it will never end, but then you'll suddenly realise that your scratches are healing up and no new ones are taking their place. Aaah, happy times!
Don't worry it will stop. When we got Fred he use to chase our two cats if he saw them in the garden. To Fred it was just a game. It was so bad I thought the cats would leave home, but now they are best mates. Along as they can get up out of the way of your puppy they will be fine. They even sleep together.
