What do you do when he is tugging your arm out of the socket or attempts to
chase the cat? Do you correct him in any way for misbehaving or reward him
for appropriate behavior? Is there anything you can do, at least
temporarily, to keep him well away from the cats (maybe so he can see them
but isn't close enough to get excited or want to chase them)? BTW, it might
be easier on you to tether him to your waist.


Well it would be difficult to tether him to my waist. I work from home and rarely have on clothing with belt loops, usually sweats or bathrobe, etc. I could do the ankle thing, but don't have much strength in my ankle and my upper arm. What kind of correction do you suggest for pulling on the lead? I mean he gets to the end and chokes, isn't that enough punishment??? He likes for them to run so he can chase them. I am convinced he will not hurt them, but loves the chase. If they sit and won't run he just stands and looks at them and even touches noses. But he wants the chase.


How much exercise does he get? Or training? That's one way to get any dog
to be a little calmer.


Well if the weather is pretty, not now we are in an ice storm, he can play in the yard all he wants. He is an outside dog as I could not ever get him housebroken. So he gets all the extercise he wants. Now training is another matter. As I am trying to housebreak him, I also am working on simple commands and he is a fast learner, until distracted by a cat, person, etc. If it is just he and I and no distractions he does great, with a treat or even without and just praise. But now, being tethered he acts as if he is feeling punished and looks a little sadder.



One thing probably has nothing to do with the other. I don't know if he
will ever be entirely safe to be left with cats, but he can probably learn
to leave them alone, at least in your presence. Towards that end, you will
probably need to give him lots of exercise, both mental and physical (no
need to take it *that* easy on him because he's 7), give him opportunity to
be rewarded for good behavior, and correct inappropriate behavior.


If he will just get housebroken I can deal with any of the rest. I just think he is a smart little doggies that deserves to live out the remainder of his life inside, and has the ability to learn to do this.


I hope I answered all the questions, if not ask again as I must have missed one accidently.

Thanks,

Mickee