Hi everyone,
I brought home a new 8-week-old puppy last week and, while I’m managing to get through to him on some things (house-training, nipping...), I’m really struggling when it comes to my cats.
I already have an adult dog who gets on brilliantly with my two cats, but the puppy just doesn't understand that he shouldn't be chasing them or pouncing on them. I’ve already had to intervene to stop him getting a claw to the eye, but yesterday I just snapped.
After the hundredth time of telling him "no" with zero result while he was jumping all over the cat, I scruffed the puppy and threw him onto the tiles towards his bed.
I feel absolutely terrible about it because I’m scared I might have hurt him. The tiled floor is very hard for the poor little thing. I’m taking him to the vet later just in case, as I’m a bit of a worrier by nature.
He seems fine; he's playing and barking. Do you think because he’s still a baby there could be any lasting damage to his skeleton or brain?
In the moment, he was a bit scared of me (I feel so guilty) and he stayed in his bed, which actually allowed the cats to move around more freely.
The problem is that since I got him, I hardly see my cats; they’re always hiding in the house or garden. I’m even struggling to feed them because they don't feel settled, even when they're up high, if the little one is nearby.
I’m terrified my cats will leave home and find somewhere else to live because of the puppy.
How can I get him to stop pestering them?
As for my older dog, she’s lovely and doesn't say a word even when the puppy climbs all over her and nips her. I just hope she isn't miserable or thinking she’s been replaced.
Anyway, I just feel sad for everyone and I hate that I’m constantly shouting at the puppy to teach him the basic rules.
If you have any advice, please let me know, I’d be very grateful.
Thank you.
