Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services
A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results
604-868-0341
Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results 604-868-0341 Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Reigning Cats and Dogs Anyone with a multiple-pet household can tell you that a friendship between species is as common as toast. This was true with my childhood pets, the family cats and dogs spent a lot of time together, playing and hunting. My father spent a year building a cabin in the woods behind our house. He felled the trees, skinned and shaped the logs; it was all very Paul Bunyan. The family cat and dogs at the time, Noah, Pepper and Treacle, went with him every day, striking out behind my dad as he made his way along the path that cut through the fields. While dad went to work on the cabin the animals would take off to search for small game. One day dad looked up to see the three of them run by. In their mouths hung equally divided pieces of rabbit - head, middle and butt. I don't have acreage nor do I currently own multiple pets. I do, however, have the responsibility of providing my dog with opportunities to socialize with species other than his own. We say hello to the neighborhood cats, I take care to keep Chico calm and accepting. Occasionally we take a stroll down “Rodentville Ave”, walking along a walled display of hamsters, gerbils, white mice, etc available for sale at a local pet store. When I first started working with Chico, he could not see a cat or caged critter without shrieking in excitement, standing on his hind legs, struggling mightily to “get!” Back then, there was no stopping to say hello, no attempt to socialize. I first had to teach Chico that his behavior was not acceptable. It required months of “Uh-uh, leave it, this way.” “Good leave it, good this way, good boy Chico.” As time went on Chico’s ability to stay calm improved and bit by bit we’ve started making feline friends. There’s a tuxedo kitty that lives in our building who understands there is a process taking place, he knows I won’t let anything happen to him so he has allowed Chico to come nose to nose. The first time was accompanied with a soft swat to Chico’s nose, no claws, just a little reminder to him to keep his boundaries even if they are that close. Chico is so thrilled to have the opportunity; he tries very hard to be good and sings a siren song to the kitty trying to convince him to play. “Good kisses, Chico, good boy.” |
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