We recently brought home a beautiful kitten (about 14 weeks) from the Humane Society. We believe he is part Maine Coon. Our 4 year old dog(lab/newf cross) is behaving very aggressively toward him. We have been putting him in a cat carrier so the dog can see him but he is still barking and is obviously still upset. We can borrow a wire cage which will allow better visibility for both, but I would like further suggestions about what else we can do. The dog goes crazy if he sees us holding the cat, but we desperately want to keep him. We were advised not to spray the dog with water, which he doesn't like. Please help!

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2000

Answers

Start with the cat in his own room for a week and don't let the dog hear you talking or playing with him. Give the dog lots of attention using his name frequently, lots of play, and praise for being quiet. Then start letting the dog see the cat in the carrier once a day for a week, playing and praising the dog and giving him treats and ignoring the cat. During the second week, when the dog is outside let the cat roam the house, closing him back in his room before the dog comes back inside. Also go through your house and be sure there are places the cat can go in each room where the dog cannot. Make sure the cat has a secure room for his litter box, food, and water (a cat door cut into the door to the basement or laundry room works well for us). The third week put the dog on his leash and choke chain and let the cat out of his room for a few minutes at a time several times each day. Have the dog do sit and down stays while the cat roams, again with lots of praise and treats for good behavior, and corrections as necessary. Depending on how the dog is doing, let go of the leash during the next week but keep it on the dog so you can stop him easily if he misbehaves. This takes time but should work. Don't leave them alone together until you are positive they are OK together (after they have played or interacted several times with good behavior on both parts).

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2000