Advice on trying to train Puppy to not chase kitten?? (a little long)

[vsaddict]

We've had Apollo for a little over a month now (he's almost 13 weeks) and 2 weeks ago I rescued a kitten (Roxy) from the pound who's about 2 months old. I really wanted a cat and we figured if we got them both when they were little they'd be more likely to get along.

We tried keeping Roxy in a seperate room with a baby gate so that they could sniff each other and get to know each other without hurting each other. But of course, Roxy does not want to be locked up (she's honestly the most social cat I've ever met, she meows if she's left alone and stops the minute she sees me or Apollo. But if she's out and starts running Apollo will chase after her. I read on one of the other threads that I should put Apollo on a leash when she's out so that he doesn't chase her and I've been doing that. I've also been teaching him the leave it command and it worked great yesterday the first 4 or 5 times but then he just went up to her and didn't care for the treats. He's learning to not chase her and sometimes he'll just watch her run from one end to the other (at which time she tends to run right up to him - she's definitely not scared one bit) but other times he tries to go after her that's when I pull on the leash and say "no, Apollo, look at me" and I try to play with him but he just rather turn around sit and stare at her. I definitely give him lots of praise and treats when he does just sit there instead of going after her.

So my question is at what point can I let them play together? It seems like if I let him go up to her and sniff her they'll paw at each other or he'll try to bite and when she takes off running he'll go right after her. Is that part of the game or is that already chasing b/c at that point I usually stop him and tell him "no" and take Roxy away. I'm just afraid she might get him in the eye with one of her sharp nails or that he might bite too hard. I want to make sure I'm training him properly and not advancing too fast and making things worse! I really would love for them to get along and be able to play together!

[Just-A-Clown]

Sorry but I really can't help you. But, I just looked at your gallery and your puppy is sooooooo darn cute!!!!

[Evie&Adam]

well, I have my own little zoo at my house! A few months ago, my DD brought home an abandoned 3 week old kitten - who BTW has thrived!!! I was very worried about the boxers being - well - Boxers.

I CONSTANTLY would introduce the kitty to Evie & Adam. I would tell them "be soft with the kitty". Also the "leave it" command is invaluable! They have never hurt the kitty. In fact, they are all buddies! Adam and the kitty sleep together and eat together.

The funniest thing..... when I fill the water bowl, the kitty always races in to get the first sip. The dogs just stand there and let her drink her fill!

Also, no chasing the kitty!

[vsaddict]

Thanks for the encouragement and the compliments. We think he's the cutest thing ever but I know we're biased!

I definitely think things are getting better. Apollo is getting over the kitten and has started to ignore her on his own. However, he will try to chase her if they're playing and she runs away. At this point I've used the "leave it" command and he does leave it most of the time! I guess I just have to be patient and let them interact a little more every day.

Oh and yes, Roxy loves to drink out of Apollo's water bowl!! Thankfully he doesn't seem to mind. He's even moved over so that they can both drink from the bowl together - it's actually the cutest thing they do together so far! He doesn't even seem to mind when she sticks her head in his food. But he doesn't like it one bit when she gets in his crate!!

[kayboxer]

I guarantee they will grow up loving each other and being best friends!