ChloeEastwood

I personally wouldn't intefer in the matter only because I shy away from confrontation due to past bad experiences. But if I was in the situation of the handler I'd quickly remove it's focus away from that zone along with a stern "NO" and turn around towards another direction with lots of praises.

Just don't praise her prematurely while she's still in act only once she's completely finished, then go crazy there's nothing wrong with lots of excitement in the praising period.

How rude! Trespassing, vandalism, theft (cat burglar) and terrorizing your household. The nerve of that cat.

Sorry to sound harsh but perhaps if you'd kept your cat contained instead of letting it wander it wouldn't be dead. Whilst most people would apologise and feel terrible their dog had done this to someone else's pet they're not actually at fault in any way and probably get pissed off with roaming cats entering their yard all the time. I never said that their dog was at fault & never implied that they should have paid the vet bills. You think after 13 years I haven't beaten myself up enough over this? I really don't need pointing out that if the cat was kept indoors it would never have happened. I was confused by the OP as to who called the council.. was it her friend or the dogs owner?? If I was in the OP's friends shoes I would be over the mooon that they just showed concern towards the cat. I wouldnt as I didn't expect the dogs owner to foot the bills. It's always hard to lose a loved companion, but if they didn't give a s*** like you state in your post would they have taken the initiative to contact you? I mean there are those out there who would've kept quiet, contained the situation and dispose of the evidence for whatever reasoning. You would've gone on with just another missing cat. Still very sad for both parties. I couldn't bear witness to another animal fatality, 10 yrs ago my sister's dog killed a beloved pet parrot and the images still haunt me.

My council legally requires cats restricted to their property and if they are found trespassing on another property more than once it may be seized and impounded, issued an order to stop trespassing and if they don't comply receive a fine. Given any chance majority of dogs will defend their territory even to the demise of another living creature, it's a natural instinct. Poor kitty though, if only it's owner(s) were more responsible (shame on you.)

The OP's second scenario was simply pack mentality from those small dogs and the 2 girls are blatantly irresponsible and uneducated in canine behaviour and dog ownership. I would be mortified if my 2 showed that behaviour towards another canine member and be damned if I exhibited that responses for their actions which deeply reflect upon my training or lack of. On another note it requires a first time experience, situation to occur where you observe a potential issue arising and correct the action to the best of your ability before it escalates. I immediately connect the leads to my furballs when I spot a person(s)/persons with dog approaching or in the vicinity. It's our responsibly to constrain them before they reach a level of disturbance and verging on menacing. There must exist a mutual respect for each others personal space when out in public areas.

It's very difficult to know what your dog(s) get up to when your not present and even harder to address the issue. Majority of my suburban neighbours haven't a clue how their pets behave once their cars reverse out of the garage and off to work. Next door JRT's severe anxiety sets off when her only companion exits at 5:30am for 8hrs then later that evening to another job for a further 4hrs, she's goes nuts running around the house looking through the windows and barking excessively, panting for atleast an hour or more. The noise can be tiring but it doesn't bother me too much, I have empathy for the poor thing as she is a product of her environment. If you trust your adult dogs behaviour around the puppy maybe you should consider allowing them to reside in the same location preferably a secure yard for companionship while your absent. I have 100% faith in my 2yr old Goldie with my Pom puppy having come to this conclusion after past observation and experiences, he's even been left alone in the yard with young chickens and dwarf rabbits. Puppy's usually very vocal if she's had enough and will walk off. If after that the barking still exists maybe a barking collar can assist with the excessive barking. Nothing worst than working shift hours and trying to sleep through neighbouring dogs scream sessions. Good luck with the puppy.

I found at such a young age the next few or more months requires us to think for them. I had to take them out consistently every 30 mins if indoors, varying durations depending on their fluid intakes, if they were physically active, playing, before and after a meal, upon waking up from a nap or sleep. If they're in middle of playing interrupt the session and lead the way, delicious treats in tow and be patient. Once mission accomplished breathe a sigh of relief knowing they're fine till the next half hour. It seems never ending but with time comes age and with that they're able to hold their bladders and bowels longer. Mine usually didn't realise they needed to relieve themselves until the 11th hour so I had to be one step ahead. Stop whatever they're doing, lead, ask, then order and if they don't comply they may not need to part take but atleast you gave them an opportunity. And lots of love, praise, attention and a to die for mouth watering treat allocated exclusively for toilet training. They will remember that taste and look forward to their next rendezvous.

No they're not my stand in human children, we don't have any but they are integral members of our family just like everyone else. Their health i.e. mental, physical & emotional along with nutrition, comfort, well being and standard of living is a priority but they do not have the same equal rights like myself and OH in our household.

My answer is a big fat NO. Why? Because my 2 would give me the stink eyes. Don't give me EVILS!