Sandra’s puppy, Rex, is grabbing her kittens and hurting them. What can she do to stop this dangerous behaviour, before another death occurs?

Question

I have a mixed puppy. He is very hyper, he does nap also. The problem with Rex is that he is hurting my kittens.

I left the house the other day and came home to a dead kitten; it looked like it had a broken back. I didn’t get after Rex as it was about an hour after he done it, so he wouldn’t know what he was getting punished for. However I do swat his butt, not hard, when he is grabbing the cats by the back. I am afraid he is going to do this again. I don’t think he realizes how strong and sharp his teeth are. What can I do? Please help soon.

Hi Sandra

The first think you have to do is protect the rest of your kittens from death or injury! They are vulnerable and quite incapable of fending for themselves at this stage. In fact they probably don’t even recognize danger!

Please keep the kittens where they are safe and where your puppy can’t get hold of them and hurt them. When they are older they will be able to stand up for themselves and escape from harm but at this age they are accidents waiting to happen.

I don’t believe for one minute your puppy is bad or needs a hiding for that matter. He is just doing what puppies do which is playing rough. You really do need to educate yourself and your pup so please check into a puppy school where you will be advised on how to prevent further tragedy .

Time is of the essence…run don’t walk.

Glynne