Freedom
Posted : 7/5/2012 9:07:29 PM
I went back to your intro post, seems Zeke is a mix, maybe Aussie, Rottweiler, Spaniel, maybe a few other things.
Some breeds of dog are not going to get along with cats; some breeds will. Within those 2 groups, you will have the exception. In "general," I wouldn't expect a Rottie or a Spaniel to be good with cats. That said I know of TWO different Rotties who live with cats and are fine -- with their own.
Any dog even one living with a cat --- like mine do -- should not be trusted with cats outdoors. My dogs and cats get along fine in the house, snuggle together, sleep together, and so on. Out in the back yard, I don't let them all out together. The 2 cats who are allowed out come out in the fenced area with me, but NOT with the dogs out. Once a cat starts running, all bets are OFF. and anything could spook my cat(s) to start them running, from chasing a squirrel to running from a noise somewhere.
So set your goal to be reasonable. I wouldn't expect you can get Zeke to snuggle up with a cat. You CAN work at training to get him to break off and pay attention to you with a distraction around -- even when that distraction is a cat. It will take plenty of work and treats, based on my experience (my Willy is taking for EVER to learn to break when it is another dog, larger than him, and with a black face).
Also, in the war between cats and dogs, cats tend to win the battle, though over time they lose the war. Here in the house, it is quite clear the cats RULE. If cat is at the water bowl, the dog waits. And if the cat then teases, sitting and grooming, studying the ceiling, the dog WAITS, or whines for me to come help. Each of my dogs has had a bop on the nose from a cat at some point early in their meeting. The first time, the nails were in. The second time, depends on which cat, lol. The 3rd time, should the dog be so stupid, nails are OUT!
What he would do face to face with a cat will depend in part on the cat. My Sparkle simply turns and gives "THE LOOK." The dogs skid to a halt, it is hilarious. Others of my cats will take off and the dog may pursue early in the relationship. Anything runs, dog gives chase. If the cat has a high up place to retreat and be out of reach, it will seek higher ground. But I would expect Zeke will attack and attempt a kill. You have to think this way, and train accordingly, until you see enough of Zeke to know differently.
So keep up with the training and practice, with any and all distractions.