Old Dog vs New Kitty

[sceadugenga]

We've been adopted by a stray kitten who's busy eating us out of house and home and being subjected to various medical procedures.

 

The problem is the dog, who's about 13, fairly fit but wont leave it alone.

There's no aggression, he just follows it around and actively searches for it if it disappears.

Eventually he collapses in exhaustion but he's still wired and ready to go at a moments notice.

 

Is this normal?

Will he get over it?

It's been two weeks now and no sign of it letting up.

 

[wildewillie89]

What breed of dog? Many dogs still have their original instincts, but rather than killing the animals, many just want to play with them. So tracking it could just be some work the dog has been craving. 

Could be a new lease of life for the dog - as it is quite old. 

I find it best to slowly introduce the two  Walk the dog. Put the cat in your arms, let the dog sniff it, have someone with a leash on the dog (don't pull - just safety), let them know each other over a limited time period. Let the dog see you holding the cat, and let the cat see you pat the dog. Take the cat away. Then slowly increase the time til they are used to each others company (no new excitement feeling). Also safer for the kitten as it will be bigger/matured - in terms of rough play from the dog.

Also make sure the dog gets the required exercise per day - if built up energy then it will just make it that much harder. 

[sceadugenga]

That's pretty much what I've done,  they're on apparent good terms, the kitten will approach the dog to play but soon gets p--d off with having a great black nose shoved in it's face constantly and drives it off.

Quite a sight, 3-4 month old kitten beating up a 15kg dog.

 

Dog is a combination of many splendid breeds, gets walks and has about an acre yard to run in.

[jak2002003]

Normal... maybe the protecting instincts of the dog are kicking in!  It will get tired of it soon enough.

 

 

[sceadugenga]

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[wildewillie89]

1 hour ago, Arjen said:

It seems you do not have experience with cats.....

To be fair, I could tell you a ripe banana was yellow and you would tell me I don't have much experience with colours.

Seeing as the OP said he had already done what I suggested, and you then did not correct any of the techniques, and only said 'don't worry' means one of two things:

1 - you not correcting me (and indirectly the OP) means you completely agree with what I said. If not agree, your conclusion still implies what I suggested has no negative impact on the situation (leaving neutral to positive).  

Or 

2 - you have no idea yourself (from past conversations, probably this one). 

Play the ball, not the man. Continually contradicting yourself.