I have a concern I have two mixed breed dogs they are a little over a year old anyway they killed a cat.?

Question

that found its way into out back yard. We have a fence with electric wire so the dogs can't get out. Anyway i know that cats and dogs don't get along with each other but i am still a little freaked out about them killing the cat. I have two young children I was just wondering should I be concerned or am I over reacting about the situation?

The dogs are really good with the kids we've had them since they were 5 weeks old. The reason for the electric fence is because they were digging out of the yard and the pound charges $200-$250 if they pick them up. Even if they have a collar and a lot of animals get hit by cars in our neighborhood. They have never been aggressive with the kids.

I remember the father is boxer and the mom was miniature german shepard.

Answer 1

Enlightened: This is very "normal" for some breeds -- killing small animals is not about "fun" with a dog, it's about prey drive (and, BTW -- yes, some human beings do go around killing humans for fun, unfortunately).

Are you sure you're a dog trainer?

All dogs possess some level of prey drive, whether it's been channeled into another function (like retrieving or herding) or left as it is (as with terriers and hounds). If a small animal runs from a dog, most dogs will chase it. Some dogs will kill it.

This DOES NOT mean that they will suddenly turn on small children, or you, or anyone else. As someone else said, I think small children and dogs should always be supervised, but trust me, your dogs have not discovered a "blood lust" that will lead them to hurt your children just because they killed a cat.

I have a breed that is *notorious* for killing small animals, cats included. However, they are extremely friendly and affectionate, and would never consider harming a human being.

Dogs aren't dumb...they can tell the difference between a prey animal and a human, and some will even leave your housecat alone even though it would chase a stray cat in your yard.

It's traumatic when your beloved dogs show their "feral" side and kill a small animal. But I do think you're overreacting about the kids.

Answer 2

Bravo on the electric wire. Although some people think that such a devise means the dogs are vicious these are the same people who would complain if the dogs got out of your yard. Dogs are very good at categorizing who and what belongs to the household and what doesn't. Your best bet is to maintain your position as alpha female in the household. What you say goes and that's it. Interaction with the owner of the cat is up to you. Sorry for your loss is about all you can say. My bet is that the owner will not show especially if the reason for entering your yard was a need for food and water.

Answer 3

Dogs are predators. My dogs have killed small animals (I don't encourage it and I try to prevent it, but it happens). Dogs can't tell the difference between a randome outside cat and a squirrell--both small furry mammals that aren't dogs and aren't humans. To a dog, that's fair game. They don't understand that we like cats and think they're cute and consider them as different from squirrells or gophers or anything else.

My dogs, even though they will definately consider a cat outside prey, actually get along quite well with my indoor-only cats. Because they see me interact with them, they understand that something about these small furry creatures is different from others.

A dog who has killed a cat outside who got into his territory, but has never showed any other form of aggression towards humans or other dogs is still a perfectly safe dog.

Though children and dogs when together should always be closely supervised, no matter who the dog is. And cats, for this very reason, should live inside. I'd be really bereft if my dogs every killed a cat in our yard (they never have), but when it comes down to it, someone who lets their cat outside runs the risk of it being prey to a larger animal, not just dogs but coyotes, hawks, eagles, anything with pointy teeth.

Answer 4

I understand you had a bad experience and now associate all German Shepherds with the memories of your dog dying, and I'm sorry for that. But at the same time, it's not something you can do. I was once bitten and attacked by a Corgi. I was hurt pretty badly, and was not allowed to use my right leg for three weeks. When my cousin got a Corgi, I initially expressed my general dislike for the breed based on my bad experience with them, but her dog, and every other corgi I have come across since then, are very friendly and pleasant dogs. German Shepherds may never be your favorite, just as corgis will never be mine, but this association with bad memories isn't a good thing. Your sister's dog will probably be a wonderful companion for her. And once you get to know the dog, I'm sure you will like him/her just as well. :)

Answer 5

Yes, you should be concerned, especially having young children. If the dogs are aggressive in nature you should consider finding them a new home. Screen the new owners carefully, you want loving owners, with no children, and who are knowledgeable about dogs.
Please from this point on do not leave your children with the dogs, don't even turn your back if you are with them.
I love dogs very much, but with some breeds you need to show extra care, some can be very dangerous if they are not trained properly. You mentioned that they are mixed breed... depending on the breeds, they may have inherited traits that make them even more aggressive. Please be careful.

Answer 6

That cat may have teased the dog long enough. Finally the dogs caught it. Same thing happens to squirrels (some of them really like to tease dogs). Are the dogs good with the kids?

Answer 7

dogs CAN to tell the difference between a random cat and squirrel....they can even defenchiate between a neighbors cat and a cat that resides with the dog. not all dogs kill animals that stray into their yard...usually dogs that are not being attended to are bored and that killing is usually "playing" . I would certainly pay close attention to the dogs when my child is "outside" IN THE DOGS "AREA".

Answer 8

I dont know WHO THESE people are that are giving you responses but THATS NOT normal. I am a dog trainer and work with dogs in a lot of different way. Do you excercise them enough? These dogs are not socilized and NEED to be. You do not need to get rid of them but I would try to borrow a cat and teach them that its NOT ok and to respect the cat as if it were part of the pack. Do not listen to people that say DOGS are PREDATORs, so are we but we dont go around killing for fun, do we? Do you hear about other dogs that do this? I would try to make sure they get plenty of excercise so they are TIRED every day. Theres a lot ot say about this but you need not get rid of the dogs unless you dont love them in the first place. Just train them and they will learn.

Answer 9

you're over reacting. dogs kill cats and that's the bottom of it. i've had a dog for 15 years that killed cats that got in the backyard but never touched the one that lived in the house. everything's going to be alright lady.

Answer 10

Frankly, they sound vicious. If ou need an electric wire to keep them from getting out, then something is wrong. I would get rid of the dogs. I have NEVER liked dogs who instinctively kill whatever comes into their path. Blech. Get rid of them, especially with two small children about.