Well... I tried doing a search on the forum.. Couldnt find anything about it. I m pretty sure some of u has had this with ur dog...
Karly s afraid of cats!!!! Argh!! Everytime we pass by them his back hair spikes up, he either hides behind me or tries to run away.
I ve tried to assume the pack leader s position and make them run away or startle them but nothing it didnt change his behavior.

He s even afraid of tiny kittens.. Advice anyone?

I think trying to chase them away using your body or voice may only result in some aggression later on as he will perceive them as a threat.

If you are walking down the street and a cat approaches, I would ignore it and redirect. So use a ball/tug or food, get his attention and let him know that cats are ok. He doesn't need to love them, just ignore them.

I don't know if you have friends with cats that are dog savvy (just ignore them) where you could bring him to do some desensitization work?

My previous GSD did this in the begining. I don't know how your pup is over all, mine was not fearful at all, he was just a very laid back wimp, but the best pet one could ask for! I always attributed this cat reaction to the fact that my breeder also bred some rather large cats, and perhaps he had a bad experience in his imprinting phase. Our cats became his best friends eventually!

well ... he s pretty weary from strange pple that approach fast to pet him. i ve been trying to let them crouch and approach more gently which is fine.

but apart from that it s still the cat thing.
we went to the vet yesterday and there happened to be some cats in crates. he was afraid of the kittens at first, but i got him to accept them somehow. but the cats there, a whole another story.

i donno anyone who has dog savvy cats ...

Hi Michael:

We just use neighborhood cats, dog savvy or not (more not).

My boys were the opposite, kicked in the prey drive. We have chain link fence so the dogs can see the cats walk by. They would run up barking like banshees. I’ve got great neighbors that like to play so I’d have them come out with their cats and stroll by. Had them hold their cats as we carried on a casual conversation with the boys in a sit/stay. Cats were put on the ground (on the other side of the fence) and did cat things as I did short obedience session (e-collar on lowest stim level and high value rewards). We did six sessions like this and dogs are totally indifferent to cats now. Neighbors still ask if they can bring the cats over – it was a lot of fun. I think this also assisted to create more dog savvy cats.

I think you’re boy is quite young yet and fear period is the first thing that pops into my mind. If you know someone with a cat and have a secure area where your boy will feel safe, I’m with Naomi, don’t chase them away, desensitization might be a better plan.

ok that makes sense. i think i can figure out a way to integrate something like that in our walks. (no chain link fence where m at. only apartments)

How is the hi-flying Karly doing these days?

Well as long as he s not pulling off the daredevil stuff that happened on friday he s doing great!
And stools have never been better btw, always great for me
Pple catch me staring at his bum as soon as he squats! Picked up that habit unwillingly! Hahaha

Fear of cats is fine by me if the other stuff s not there.

MAJOR UPDATE!!!!
i worked the "lets have fun when around cats". he got comfortable around them after 3-4 days and i m proud to say, that Karly approaches cats now!
but one VERY interesting thing happened today .. i donno how i should direct it still cause i didnt praise him on it

we were walking and he saw a cat lying down, got alert and barked at her, then tried to run after her. i stopped him with the leash but now at least i can also proudly say that he's trying to comfront the fear and is conquering it bit by bit!!

thanks guys for the tips! i love it when a thread ends with a happy ending!!