Catahoula/Boxer Mix anyone?

[colebenn]

I just recently adopted a 1 year old catahoula/boxer mix.

From what we know, her original owners were abusive to her. When the woman left, the man decided he didn't want the dog and was going to have her put down :(

A neighbor took the dog to a vet who found a foster home till she was adopted. My friend was fostering her, that's how I ended up adopting her.

She is such a sweetheart!! Can tell her never really had any training. She doesn't have accidents in the house which is GREAT! Although, when she's outside, she has no clue. She pees on the sidewalk when we're walking... even though there's grass right there. She also walks through poop constantly. So everytime she comes inside I have to wash her feet. Is there any way to train dogs not to walk in poo?? Or is this just something I need to deal with?

Also... any other suggestions would be awesome. So far I have her trained to sleep in her own bed... that took a few days but she is getting it :) :)

She is soooo smart. I just want to train her properly. She clearly had never been walked as she just puts her head down and PULLS. And she is STRONG!!! The vet recommended a gentle lead, which seems to work really well. Is there a way to eventually train a dog to run free in a dog park and not take off? To stick by me?

Thanks everyone!

[SalemWitchChild]

Oct. 29, 2010 at 12:23 PM

Yes you can train, however if you have no experience with training dogs I suggest you attend a training class. That way you learn proper techniques.

[colebenn]

Oct. 29, 2010 at 1:45 PM Thanks... I have a few friends who are trainers and we are trying the regular techniques... but I have also been told there are different ways to train catahoula breeds. Such an unpopular breed here in Canada.

(Original Poster)

[Acid]

Oct. 29, 2010 at 2:47 PM

I live in Canada and I have never heard of the Catahoula being unpopular here.  Rare maybe is what you meant.

When you are walking with her, make sure she walks on the grass (she probably doesn't know what it is...sounds as if she may have spent her life either locked in a small room or in a kennel with a cement ground).

As she is walking on the grass praise her repeatedly.  Good girl, that's it, good job, good girl.  Then, say, go pee, or go poop or whatever.  When she does, praise the lving daylights out of her...lots of happy voice.

You can also use google to see if you can find a Catahoula Leopard Dog club or group in Canada.

Good Luck!

[colebenn]

Oct. 29, 2010 at 3:19 PM Rare.. yes, thank you :) I haven't spoken with many people at all who have even heard of the breed. She is such a sweet thing. Thanks for the advice :) :) She is very smart, she is very quick to catch on. I already have her sleeping in her own bed, not jumping up onto the kitchen counter, not putting the clean dishes back into the sink....ahhhh! LOL!! I agree with you... I really think she was locked up all the time. I have 2 boys... 14 and 8... she adores the kids... that made my decision simple to adopt her.

Thanks again!

(Original Poster)

[jem_duke]

Nov. 10, 2010 at 7:26 PM

Hmmm.. good luck with this one! I have a Catahoula and all the research I read and all the experience I have with him now have proved to be true! Catahoulas are very intelligent dogs. However, I don't believe it's good to try formal training with them. They have a mind and an agenda of their own. Often, they know exactly what you want them to do and know exactly what to do, they're just stubborn and do it on their own terms. They're very playful and puppylike until about two years old. With my Catahoula, one day, he just stopped the puppy behavior and turned into an adult. I've had other dogs before, and there have been none smarter than him, more stubborn, michievous, and loyal! An awkward combination of adjectives but it's true. As far as the problem with urinating, i would try to bleach the porch and try use a pheromone stick in the place you want her to eliminate in the yard. You could reward her for successful elimination. I am impressed that she will go on a leash, as most Catahoulas hate confinement to eliminate. My Julius will not eliminate on a leash. I took him on a trip with me, and had to leave because he was holding it! He didn't go until I got him back home!

I also have two boxers growing up with my Catahoula. I can say that the male has been easier to train. The female has been treated like a little princess, so she is spoiled rotten, nevertheless, they're also very smart dogs and quick to catch on. Careful on the rewards, or they'll perform before you even ask them. My 2 month old male boxer has already learned to go outside and pretend to pee, just to get a treat. The female, who's almost a year old still just urinates wherever outside. She'll go on a leash, off one, etc. It took her quite a bit more time than the males to get completely house broken.  I would also suggest getting rid of the feces to prevent any bacterial disease or infection that sometimes can be spread to humans. There are safe ways to compost it, but not use as fertilizer for food to eat.

[colebenn]

Nov. 16, 2010 at 5:25 PM Thank you! It's been 3 weeks now... how time has changed things! You are so right! She is very smart, very stubborn, mischievous and loyal! She certainly has a mind of her own. Yet, she listens soooo well at one moment, then like she shuts off the next. We have solved the peeing issue. She was quick to get that one :) She walks on a gentle lead very well... right beside me. This past weekend I was even able to take her off the leash in a park!! I was so excited!! And, so was she!
I have her sleeping in her own bed... that took 3 nights. She no longer drinks from the toilet... that took 4 days. She only comes on couch if invited... that took 4 days. She is very smart! She tried to dominate me at first... quickly realized that I am the boss.
Only issue now really is her sneaking into the kitchen and getting on the counters. I work from home, so am here with her all the time. She generally follows me if I go to the bathroom... or to do laundry. She is quick and sneaky. I can sit on my computer with her right here on her bed for an hour. She doesn't get into anything. I leave the room and BAM... she's up on the counter. SHe licks any dishes in the sink. I have been very careful to keep all food away and where she can't get at it. I can't even leave a mug on the table... she gets it. When I walk back into the room, she goes straight to either her crate or her bed as if she already knows she's in trouble. ahhhhhhhh Any suggestions??

(Original Poster)