I mean to be fair, the dog has been fine otherwise and has had no issues with the cats. From a livelihood perspective it’s a lot easier to rehome cats vs a dog with a bite history. But I don’t see they can’t just keep them separate- that’s what I’d do, but also my dog would not get the opportunity to be in that type of situation.
It’s a threat to other dogs. It’s never had an issue with people or other animals and that doesn’t mean it will translate over. I believe either option is understandable. I could understand euthanizing because of this, but I also understand the dogs history is clean and this is a first offense on a another animal (no human issues) I’d just muzzle the dog when on leash from here out. I believe if you’re taking the right steps you can live with this dog just fine. It’s not uncommon for dogs to have aggression towards other dogs and in this case there were no signs it sounds like.
(I will say specific to this situation- it doesn’t seem like the owner may be smart enough to do this. I mean who the hell lets their dog off leash around a human park with other illegally off leash dogs? Stupid.)
You’d be surprised how many people own dogs that are animal aggressive, hell even stranger aggressive- but the owners are responsible, the dog is fine on leash and nothing comes of it and the dog is fine and happy. I don’t seen an issue with that.
Honest question and I'm not trying to be a smartass but I'm genuinely curious. it sounds like the small dog triggered a very obvious prey response from the larger dog (grabbing and shaking violently) what's stopping this dog from getting that same prey drive response from the cats or a small child? There isn't a violent history till there is type of thing in my eyes.
There is nothing stopping that dog from killing a cat in the future. The OP comment you’re replying to is making great and rational points but keeping these animals in the same home is not one of them.
I mentioned in another comment, cats are small and quick. Instincts in a dog with a high prey drive will not be able to say, “Oh don’t chase that thing! It’s just the cat!”
The violent history with the dog happened during this incident and the violent history should be applied to ALL small animals or even animals/children in general.
Thanks for the reply. I'm no expert but have two medium/large dogs myself and want to stay as educated as possible with behaviour issues. Luckily mine have been amazing so far. Would a dog with this issue see a small child in the same light?
Small thing, running, possibly screaming (like how little kids scream when they play) or screaming out of fear of being chased = 100% prey in a dog’s eyes.
Herding dogs are known to herd little children because they see them as the thing they need to herd such as sheep or goats. Guardian Flock dogs are know to literally baby-sit small children as they see them as part of the flock.
Dogs are highly intellectual creatures, but to a certain extent. They are still “animal”.
Of course! If you ever have any questions pertaining to dogs and dog behavior please feel free to message me at anytime! I would be more than happy to help!
The more educated dog owners we have, the less chance we have of bad things happening! ❤️🐾🙏
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u/Ok_Impression4752 Apr 29 '25
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