I don't know what to say about this...if it is out of character for the dog it could have been many things, like a triggered prey instinct or maybe even some kind of deficiency. I had thought that maybe there was something wrong with the kitten...you might consider talking to a vet or animal behaviorist.
(((((Hugs again))))) SG
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
I don't know what to say about this...if it is out of character for the dog it could have been many things, like a triggered prey instinct or maybe even some kind of deficiency. I had thought that maybe there was something wrong with the kitten...you might consider talking to a vet or animal behaviorist.
(((((Hugs again))))) SG
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
Wellllllllll, my brother's dog ate his bird once. The bird was gone but, there were a few feathers hanging out of the dogs mouth.......ICK!!!
Anyway, just have your baboo put his fleece jammies on and cuddle up with the hardies.
And...it doesn't sound like the dog is normally vicious but I'd still call a vet or dog trainer and get some insight as to why this may have happened before making any decisions about the dog.
Oh Fig, I am sorry. Please don't have your dog put down unless the agression continues. This is a natural thing for dogs. You should never leave young kittens around dogs. The dog has just had a move to contend with, maybe he has been abit neglected and then the cat had kittens, so lots of attention for cat and kittens-maybe a bit of jealousy there. Understandable he isn't keen on BH right now depends how severe the punishment was. If the aggression continues and is very out of character it could be the dog is ill- possibly a tumour. My dog is over 100 pounds and a real gentle giant but he gets a little jealous when I have my g/son. Re enforce your position as alpha male in the pack and lots of love and affection. The dog will have forgotten kitten inciddent shortly after. Just a life lessson for Hardy. It's hardy but happens. Please don't let it affect his love for the dog or animals in general.Afterall the kitten would have grown up and killed and eaten lots of animals smaller than herself. Survival of the fittest. Always remember however pampered, however good the pedigree a dog is a step away from a wolf. That said I would never be without one, my life would be so much poorer without my best friend.
There's been a lot of environmental changes for the dog and animals do take a while to adjust. Unfortunately we can't discuss it with them so they understand, they just have to find their groove.
Is this BH's dog? Sounds more like it's Fig's so there could be a loyalty issue - if Fig had done the correcting it most likely would have gone down differently.
The dog likely has no idea why he was hit, since he was doing what dogs do. So, yeah, he's going to react, snap. If he had continued to go after BH, I would be concerned. A snap is a warning and he was defending himself.
Hard lesson to learn, but it is why animals hide their litters. Sorry your son had to witness this.
If the family can't get past it, rehome the dog. IMHO this was a difficult situation, from history you've shared, not a temperament problem.
fig, ((hugs)) to hardy2, the kitties, and even your poor dog. Sounds like MommaCat has worked out a new game plan. If you do decide to take this dog to the pound, please make sure they have the full history. I'm sure your vet can assist, as well. Here in Portland, pets are often re-homed using that craig guy's list. Good luck.
