[cookie]

Hi everyone! My name is Cookie, I joined this forum a couple weeks ago and have been browsing. Time to introduce myself!

I have had dogs all my life. Most recently my husband and I were the proud owners of Mandy, the best Pug who ever lived. We adopted her when she was 2, our kids were little at the time. Well, our kids are now 26 and 21, respectively, and little Miss Mandy passed away last June. She was 17 years old!

Last month, the week before New Years Eve, we found a sweet Border Collie mix in our local pound. He was a stray, and he had been on their adoption row for about a month. He's 4-5 years old. He was already microchipped and neutered, so it was a little strange that the previous owners never answered their calls. Anyway, we have him now. His name is Mickey (according to the chip company). He is very responsive to his name, has some obedience training (needs a refresher course!!), and is housetrained.

We do love him already, although he has some issues. The worst is that he has a very strong prey drive, and is extremely aggressive to our cat, who has been with us since he was 7 weeks old. He is 6, and a little psycho. Re-homing the cat is not an option. He has been living in our bedroom since we got the dog, and I'm pretty much at a loss as to how to get them to tolerate each other. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

So that's me, hello again to everyone! Nice to be here!

[DoggieVogue]

Hi and welcome!

[CorkyMax]

Quote: Last month, the week before New Years Eve, we found a sweet Border Collie mix in our local pound. He was a stray, and he had been on their adoption row for about a month. He's 4-5 years old. He was already microchipped and neutered, so it was a little strange that the previous owners never answered their calls. Anyway, we have him now. His name is Mickey (according to the chip company). He is very responsive to his name, has some obedience training (needs a refresher course!!), and is housetrained.

We do love him already, although he has some issues. The worst is that he has a very strong prey drive, and is extremely aggressive to our cat, who has been with us since he was 7 weeks old. He is 6, and a little psycho. Re-homing the cat is not an option. He has been living in our bedroom since we got the dog, and I'm pretty much at a loss as to how to get them to tolerate each other. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks for rescuing--He may of been a permanent resident if you had not rescued him! It is funny that the owners didn't respond as it sounds like he may of been well taken care of--doesn't appear to act like he has been abused and why would he be chipped if they didn't care about him. Anyway it sounds like he has been lucky as you sound like a good 'parent.'
I have a book on the description of the breeds. Will quote you a few lines as may help with things.---> Be Aware--These dogs must have enough exercise--boredom leads to bad habits. Fast and agile, these lively little dogs have boundless energy and thrive on hard work and play. They are a delight to see streaking after a ball, or bringing straying sheep back to the fold. They also love to swim. (NOTE--It would be good if you could give them a 'job' of sorts---gives them a purpose and makes them feel good and would use up some of that boundless energy. Lol, I'm sure you have no sheep to herd but if you could figure out some kind of substitute?)---more from book--> Highly intelligent and eager to please, are easily obedience trained, but harsh training can make them submissive. They are wonderful pets, esp. in homes with energetic children, but can be scrappy and jealous with other dogs. Adapts well to urban living, but needs plenty of space. Regular combing and brushing will keep the coat gleaming, with extra care needed when the soft, dense undercoat is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Check the ears and coat regularly for ticks. HEALTH PROBLEMS: Although generally hardy, the breed is subject to some joint problems and genetic eye disease, such as progressive retinal atrophy. (Good to be aware of these things and know what to look for in case it happens.)

The problems with the prey drive--Give him a 'job' and lots of exercise---wear him out.

I am no expert or professional of any kind---Just offering some suggestions! The problem with the cat----Prob. going to take patience and time (to begin with) You will have to have them have some contact in order for them to get use to each other---keeping the cat in the bedroom is also prob. reinforcing the dog that he is 'top dog'. Can you start out by having them in the same room/area without them being able to fight but close enough so they have to acknowledge one another. I don't like crates but if you have one--This would be an example where they couldn't get a hold of each other when one was in the crate. Gradually they might get close enough to just smell/lick each other and decide that they could at least tolerate one another. Hey, over time they could even become big buddies! If you could figure something out on this order---Start out trying to have them associate these 'meetings' with something pleasurable for both--as giving treats only when they are in same room together--Not even give treats, etc. at any other time until they learn to live together. This way they will get the idea --No treat if you don't behave together. Hope this gives you some ideas to work with! Keep us posted on things! Maybe start out taking the dog for a good run/walk-wear him out a little and get him in a happy, content mood and then try puting in same room as I mentioned above--Offer a treat to each, but only when they are not 'fighting' or have calmed down----Don't associate the treat with agression. Good luck and be patient!