Let there be Peace!

Dear Fisher,

As you can see I’m a big, muscular, handsome tom-cat! However I seem to be having difficulty in how to handle a Golden Retriever, Jack, who is now a habitant of my domain. I’ve tried swatting him and biting him on the nose but nothing seems to work. He takes great joy in chasing me and I am personally getting sick of it. The other “intruder” on my turf is a cocker spaniel, Bailey, and he knows enough to give me my space. Any ideas on how I can train this brute?

Louis

Dear Louis,

Of course you are irritated with the constant chasing. The thing you must think about is your mode of behavior in retaliation. If swatting and biting of the nose is not working, perhaps you should think up a new plan. For instance, can you say “aloof”? It seems to me that Bailey uses this tactic well and it is working for the two of you. The more detached and unapproachable you can make yourself – and I know many cats who master this automatically – the less interest Jack will have in you.

You and Jack are just displaying parts of your different personalities. Big dogs tend to need much exercise to use up their restless energy. Big cats tend to not exercise so much, but rather just take life easy. Neither of you must accept any blame for your circumstance, but Jack does not see his actions toward you as a problem. You see a problem, and therefore must consider how you can change your attitude to make the situation better for you.

Jack sounds like he is in high prey drive, and as you have found out, once set in motion, he is hard to stop. This is where your humans might need to come into the picture. It is very hard to stop the chase once is has begun, but if they can look for the signs leading up to it they can help put a stop to the madness before it starts. The littlest signs that Jack is going into high energy mode should indicate to them that he needs to step outside – without you! It would be a perfect time to toss a Frisbee or tennis ball at the back fence and let him run off some of the steam.

Be very sure that you are not operating out of fear. Also be very sure you are not tempting him with little quirks of your own. Your humans can again watch for these tell-tail signs and avert your behavior. Cats have a way of staring at the “enemy” with their ears back and their tail wrenching back and forth. This particular tail action has quite the opposite effect of dog tail wagging. It is a defense ready action. So, you have on the one hand, the energetic ready-to-romp dog, and on the other, the defensive, ready to rumble cat. Hmmmm. Get the picture?

If your humans can pick up on these gestures, they can scoop you up and coddle you and you will first of all feel safe. Maybe even a little smug which if fine, but do not be too quick to show it. The ideal situation is to put a halt to the chasing, swatting and biting before is gets out of hand and the two of you are off to the races and their commands will likely become nothing more than background noise.

For more information and interesting advice, check out this web site: dogplay.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay