Ok, for those of you that don't know my situation, here it is. I recently purchased 2 Parson Russell Terriers for fun, show and breeding. My puppy girl, Piper, is working out great but my adult male, Clipper, is having major problems with my cats. I don't believe he has ever seen a cat before. Also, when my mom brought them to us from Colorado, she brought one of her little small breed puppies with her and Clipper tried to attack him. He tries to attack my sons pat rats (instinct of coarse) and he tries and HAS attacked my cats. He trashed our bedroom window screen from outside, trying to get to the cats and yesterday, he bit my finger trying to bite the cat. He wasn't after me but my finger was in the way of the cat. We unfortunately don't believe he will ever leave the cats alone. We have been told by the breeder and other dog inthusiests (sp?) that this behavior is normal for the breed and that Piper will attack the cats when she is an adult dog also. My hubby, mom who has been into dogs for over 30 years and myself don't agree and since Piper is great with the cats now, a puppy will be better because he will grow up with the cats and know that they are a part of the family and another pet. What do you all think? Should I ask the breeder for a male puppy or just stick it out with Clipper? I am already attached to Clipper and i feel bad because he was kept in a kennel and if he goes back, he has a good chance of being put in one again. Don't take that wrong, not a home like kennel but a strictly breeder kennel. He didn't even know how to play! My cats were first and a BIG part of our family, so they stay no matter what. What should i do?
This is really tough. How long have you had him again? I guess in reality I wouldn't be able to keep a dog that couldn't be peaceful with the other animals.
I agree...if an animal isnt a good fit in my home...I find them another home...think about it...if your not happy with the dog...think of the average life span of a dog...are you prepered to live like you do now for 10 to 15 yearrs? I for one am not. I have one right now that I am loking for the right home...she gets attacked by my GSD and she is terrified...and now she is a nervous wreck and barks at the least noise or the sight of a dog...big or small...well...it gets my whole brood going...I have about had it...my nerves can only take so much...she needs a quiter home with an older person I think...Well...she will live here until i find the right fit for her...she too was a kennel dog and will never go back to that existance...
I sympathize with you. My cats rule the house here, but fortunately, the dogs are dumb enough to let the cats think that too, so no problems. I think, since Clipper is an adult......you would be better off to place him yourslef....with a family that has no other pets......and start with a pup that can grow up with Piper and the kitties. I don't see his behavior really changing that much since he is already grown. Besides, you cats already have animosity towards him now......and they will taunt him when you are gone......you know how cats are.......they'll walk right by his face and lift their tail just so that it tickles his nose.......they are so arrogant...lol......and thats why I love them!
We have been told by the breeder and other dog inthusiests (sp?) that this behavior is normal for the breed and that Piper will attack the cats when she is an adult dog also. My hubby, mom who has been into dogs for over 30 years and myself don't agree and since Piper is great with the cats now, a puppy will be better because he will grow up with the cats and know that they are a part of the family and another pet. What do you all think? Should I ask the breeder for a male puppy or just stick it out with Clipper? I am already attached to Clipper and i feel bad because he was kept in a kennel and if he goes back, he has a good chance of being put in one again. Don't take that wrong, not a home like kennel but a strictly breeder kennel. He didn't even know how to play! 
