Our beloved Hiroshi- the super puppy- is almost 9 months old now. He is a cocker spaniel, in case you haven't read our other threads (-part time ninja- is his mama, I seem to be his mommy- big difference- she is supposed to be his owner, but he spends most of his time with me)

Anyway... we have 3 parakeets. Cocker spaniels are hunting dogs- bird dogs to be exact, and now he wants to get into their cage and "play" with them. I have taken the oldest one, Sesshomaru, out several times to try and get Hiro to understand that parakeets are not to be toyed with, and Sesshomaru has made it quite clear to Hiro to keep his distance (that parakeet has a nasty bite to him). Still- pups will be pups, he keeps barking at the birds and wants in the cage.

2nd problem- Yesterday morning, there was a stray cat in our complex. I had Hiro on his leash, but as soon as he saw the cat- he pulled so hard, he almost broke my hand, got away and chased the cat for 2 blocks before the cat got away- I think it got away- didn't see any dead cats when looking for the runaway pup. Ninja and I went after him- she was on foot, I was in the car, but that little guy just decided that he was going to run and chase things. Seems he can't distinguish live things from fallen leaves blowing in the wind.

So- how do you break the pup of it's instinctive desire to chase after things he has been told and told and told not to do?