How do you prevent a dog going from excited to hog wild in an instant?

 Sheba is now uploaded as my avatar, and the other dogs are in my photo section as well. It's not very clear since it's so small, but if it's clicked on in my photos, it should be larger and clearer.

I'm sure others will be along soon with more advice, but I have a recommendation on the leash issue. One of my dogs (before I got him) was trained to only walk nicely on a "handle" (kind of like what service dogs use) and not on a leash. When I put him on a regular leash, he would attempt to chew through it and get it wrapped around things. Now that he's on the handle, he walks nicely by my side (I think because he can feel I have more control since there's no slack like in a leash) and there's not enough length for him to chew it or wrap it around anything. It's been great for us.

http://www.dog.com/item/the-perfect-leash-heeler/440261/

I suggest you consult a behaviorist.  You've got a problem that is multi layered and won't be solved on a dog forum.  In the meantime, protect your cats with a safe room they can access and the dog cannot. 

Do some reading on dog behavior and dog training.  Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller, Karen Pryor. 

http://www.associationofanimalbehaviorprofessionals.com/

 Thanks. Sheba is getting a bit better on leash. The Sporn no pull mesh harness works pretty well if we can get it on her. She bites is as it is going on or off. She clamps her teeth on it and refuses to let go. She is the most stubborn dog I think I've ever encountered. A leash and collar is getting more acceptable to her, but she pulls and runs so much she strains her windpipe and starts coughing. I have a feeling this dog has been allowed to get away with anything and everything she wanted before she ended up in the shelter. She had someone call to claim her and they never showed up to take her home. I feel sorry for her that way, but she does need to learn manners. Everybody will be happier. If she's tired, she behaves. When I let her out to play, though, she keeps it together for a little bit, but then she gets so riled up she starts going after the other dog instead of toys, and loses all sense of anything else. Is that what you would call a red zone dog?  I'm not sure how to even go about finding a good behaviorist around here, either. The local pet store has trainers, but I don't think they are equipped to deal with her along with other dogs. She needs to be one on one, or with CoCo (housemate) so there is some idea of what we're up against. We are trying, though. 

cmoore

I lay her on her side and try to get her to calm down. She fights me for several minutes-kicking and writhing.

I can tell you that your are totally wasting your time doing this. This type of technique should not be applied to "calm down" an overexcited dog, or basically ever since 99.9% of the people does not know how to do it properly and the ones who do, dont even need to apply it.

You need to learn how to read body language and what to look for BEFORE the chase or fight begins.

If you feel uneasy right now just buy a baby gate and use it so they can be "together" in the same area while they are still safe at the same time without having to really separate them.

Go to you tube and look for "flirt pole". Terriers LOVE those, 45 minutes of that and your dog would not want anything to do with the rest of the world

cmoore

I'm not sure how to even go about finding a good behaviorist around here

I put a link in my post that has a locator.  You might be watching too much TV dog training.   As the show says "don't try this at home".

cmoore

but several times a day one hisses or runs and the chase is on. I can usually stop her there, too, but I'm worried about the times I'm not home.

This is the statement that made me cringe.  Please segregate the cats and the dog if you aren't 1000% sure the dog can be trusted; and you aren't home to manage the situation.  This is a disastor waiting to happen.  You could come home to a bloody house and a dead cat. 

Perhaps gate her off AND keep the cats behind closed doors until you know for sure they can co-habitate.

You would benefit greatly from training classes, getting the help from a professional.  In addition, get some books to help yourself learn as much as you can. 

Good luck, and please keep the cats safe, most especially, if you are not home to supervise.

Welcome to the forum...you can get some good advice here...but you do have an issue that requires in person training.

 Unfortunately, I did not see any behaviorists listed for the state of WV. I'm sure they exist here, but I'll have to do some digging. Crating may be the best option. I love my dogs, but I am first and foremost a cat person. My cats are my babies. If I came home and found a dead cat, I don't know what I'd do. One of my cats was attacked and killed by dogs outside once, and it was terrible. Most of my cats are strictly indoors now, and the ones that go out are only allowed out for a couple hours in the late evening. They are quite used to having the run of the house. Sheba can probably jump most any gate I put up. I don't know exactly what she is, but she's athletic, that's for sure. I'm not quite sure of her intentions when she chases them. I don't know if she's just chasing on instinct, because something has run past her or if she has bad intentions. She's picked out a couple she bothers more than the others. They are more active, or more confrontational. For the most part, she whines and barks.

The flirt pole looks like an interesting toy. I bet Sheba would very much love that. I may rig one up and see if that helps. It takes alot to tire her out, but once you do, she is much better behaved.

Thanks, so far,

Carole

cmoore

  My cats are my babies. If I came home and found a dead cat, I don't know what I'd do. One of my cats was attacked and killed by dogs outside once, and it was terrible. Most of my cats are strictly indoors now, and the ones that go out are only allowed out for a couple hours in the late evening.

Boxermom2Marley

cmoore

  My cats are my babies. If I came home and found a dead cat, I don't know what I'd do. One of my cats was attacked and killed by dogs outside once, and it was terrible. Most of my cats are strictly indoors now, and the ones that go out are only allowed out for a couple hours in the late evening.

Sorry, I might be pushing my newbie status here a little by posting this, but when I have something on my mind, I have to speak about it. I am not trying to pick on you either, just asking a question.

I have never understood why people let their cats outside in the first place. I think a cat should be indoors all the time, just like dogs are. I dont know anybody (unless you live in the country) that opens there door and says "ok Fido, have fun for a few hours...see you at dinner". There are too many obstacles out there that could hurt the cat; dogs, cars, idiot people, etc.
I understand that cats like roaming outdoors (what DOG wouldnt like that?) and bringing out their "inner-kitty" but I have seen so many cats killing birds/squirrels/chipmunks. It doesnt seem right to me for other people to have to deal with cats eliminating in their yard, running all over their cars, passing fleas along.....

Am I the only one that wonders this?

Now if you mean that you let your cat outside on a leash thingy and the cat has to stay in your yard, then please disregard.

I agree with Espencer about the flirt pole. I own a JRT and her favorite toy in the world is those cat toys that have the fluffy mouse on the end of it.