We recently adopted a 3 yr old female boxer to go along with our brood. (4 yr old male boxer, 4 yr old male & female Shitzu's, 3 adult cats & 4 kitten's - temporary.)  We also have 3 kids 12 & up.  When we adopted this dog we were told that it was her 2nd home in a month & that the family was getting rid of her because she snapped at their 3 yr old.  Otherwise, we know very little about her history. In addition, we're not sure 3 years is an accurate age--my husband feels she is much younger.

About a week ago my daughter came home for lunch & found that the new dog had killed one of the kittens. We have since kept her separated from the kittens unless an adult is present. Yesterday she was left in the house with the male boxer & unfortunately one of the adult male cats. My children came home from school & found him dead. We're pretty sure that along with our new dog, our 4 year old male boxer was involved as he had scratch marks on his face.

We've had all our other dogs since they were puppies and nothing like this has ever happened, the cats and dogs have never even fought.  We're extremely concerned about our other pets and children but also feel committed to doing the right thing for this dog.  We would like to keep her but not sure if this behavior is correctable.

At this point, we're keeping her in a kennel in the basement when we are not at home.  We do have a vet. appointment this Saturday (this will be the first time we're taking her.)

We're desperate for any advice you could give us as to how to proceed.

Thank You,
Rebecca

Dear Rebecca-

Thanks for writing.

I guess you realize you are in an impossible situation -- it's a dreadful shame that the shelter did not temperament test the new dog for compatibility with cats or other dogs.

Also, the more dogs you get, the more they tend towards pack behavior. Please get a copy of my book THE DOG BIBLE and read about how I went through something similar -- it is so horrible, i feel for you.

I sent your email to Allison Denlea of Paws for Positive Training, the official trainer of DOG TALK and these are her comments:

This dog may have been able to perfect the skill of a cat kill for the 3 years before they got her. The vet should be able to determine with some degree of accuracy the age ~ my advise would be to bring her back to the shelter and bill her out as an only pet scenario; OR she'd never been around cats before and found they were REALLY fun to play with, especially when they start screaming.

Not quite sure why they thought an adult cat would be safer being left out than a kitten?

The rehabilitation would depend on whether this is predatory behavior; or if it begins as play and "prey" kicks in at some point.

I think there are too many animals in the home to coexist (are the shitzu's next?) - and no, the answer is not to lock the dog up in the basement in a kennel.

Seems to me that the adults in the house work?  Why then, take on the responsibility of a very young, active breed, that needs daytime exercise?

Without seeing the situation in person, I can't advise further.

—A.D.

I have to agree with everything Allison said - please get that dog out of the basement and back to the shelter and hope she will find a home without other animals. You cannot put any more of yours in jeopardy.

Good luck to you,
Tracie Hotchner