Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I posted a question before and here comes another one. My black gsd is about 3 months old. I also have a cat. They play fight and don't really hurt each other. The cat, however, sometimes bites the dogs ear and he yelps. The dog also puts the cats neck in his mouth, but never really bites down(yet). My question is. Is this all just fun or should I put a stop to it now? Also my gsd has one ear that stands up perfectly but the other one doesn't seem to be trying yet. Are the chances pretty good that it will stand up also. Thanks!!

I don't know the answer to the ears, but my guess is you shouldn't need to worry about it. Others here have more experience with that though.

As for the kitty, there is going to be a huge size difference between the two of them soon. Monitor the situation. If the dog isn't hurting the cat- which it sounds like is the case, I doubt you will have issues. The cat getting the dog's ears- well- i'm not too concerned about that. Both can leave when the rules of the game aren't being met.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Don't worry about the ears it will stand with time. The other may even fall back down...it's nothing to worry about. the dog and the cat playing is fine. I would suggest letting them play naturally. If the cat gets upset and starts hissing and clawing at the dog i suggest you let nature run it's course. Let the cat show him whos boss while he still can. the pup will be fine. Cats are very instinctive animals you don't have to worry about him hurting the dog. I really don't think you should worry about the dog hurting the cat either...the cat should be able to take care of it's self.

Hope that helps

>>Hi I posted a question before and here comes another one. My black gsd is about 3 months old. I also have a cat. They play fight and don't really hurt each other. The cat, however, sometimes bites the dogs ear and he yelps. The dog also puts the cats neck in his mouth, but never really bites down(yet). My question is. Is this all just fun or should I put a stop to it now? Also my gsd has one ear that stands up perfectly but the other one doesn't seem to be trying yet. Are the chances pretty good that it will stand up also. Thanks!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I have a new article on Cats and Dogs at the link below my signature. It explains why you don't want to risk letting them fight it out, and ways to make it safer. Accessing it is free, of course.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

GSD's ears start to stand at about 8weeks, but during teething they will fall and rise for no real reason. I wouldn't worry about the ear until he/she's between 5 or six months. If it doesn't stand on it's own by then there are ways to train the ear to stand. Not sure how that is done, but your vet or a local breeder might be able to help you.