My dog bit my kitten, need some training suggestions
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Stacyla
My dog bit my kitten, need some training suggestions
I've had my dog for 6 years, he's a rat terrier. We have had cats and kittens around him all his life and he has always lunged at them if they went near his food or toys but never harmed them. Last night, my dog attacked my kitten, my kitten fought back and my dog fought back harder. My kitten was left with a pretty nasty bite mark on his face near his whiskers. Does anyone know any training methods that I can use on my dog to break him from this habit? Thanks for your time.
Re: My dog bit my kitten, need some training suggestions
Most importantly is getting your kitten to your vet immediately to be examined and treated for bite/puncture wounds. Left untreated, they will develop into serious abcesses, and can cause infection to the point of entering the bloodstream and causing sepsis. You didn't describe the 'fighting' but if your dog bit, or shook your kitten in any way, internal damage could have occured and you need to get him checked ASAP. Get your kitten seen NOW please.
As for your dog, I would suggest a vet exam for him as well, just to be sure you are not mistaking his agression for a potential health issue. Painful dogs, for example, can exhibit any sudden agressive behavior and can snap, bite or attack in a second if they are painful or not feeling well.
Once your vet deems both to be healthy with no puncture wounds or other trauma, you may have to start over with the introductions. The most important thing is protecting your kitten and keeping them seperated until they re-learn to adjust with one another. A young kitten is no match for ANY dog, dogs have powerful jaws that can snap into a kitten and kill, so it's your responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen and to supervise them at all times when together.
Others might have tips to share, but don't delay, get your kitten seen immediately, even if he isn't showing obvious signs of pain or trauma, doesn't mean he won't later, play it safe please. Then get your dog examined, he is at the age where a senior blood profile should be done to keep abreast of any underlying health conditions.
As for your dog, I would suggest a vet exam for him as well, just to be sure you are not mistaking his agression for a potential health issue. Painful dogs, for example, can exhibit any sudden agressive behavior and can snap, bite or attack in a second if they are painful or not feeling well.
Once your vet deems both to be healthy with no puncture wounds or other trauma, you may have to start over with the introductions. The most important thing is protecting your kitten and keeping them seperated until they re-learn to adjust with one another. A young kitten is no match for ANY dog, dogs have powerful jaws that can snap into a kitten and kill, so it's your responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen and to supervise them at all times when together.
Others might have tips to share, but don't delay, get your kitten seen immediately, even if he isn't showing obvious signs of pain or trauma, doesn't mean he won't later, play it safe please. Then get your dog examined, he is at the age where a senior blood profile should be done to keep abreast of any underlying health conditions.
..........Traci