How to deal with energetic dog

Dear Cathy: My son and his 1-year-old dog, a basenji mix, live with us, but he keeps Roxy in his room most of the time when he’s not working.

I have a 9-year-old pug who is very meek. We also have a 6-year-old cat that at first ignored Roxy. Roxy wants to play with her, but my cat doesn’t want to. She gets mad and chases her and has her claws out. She barks and jumps all over the place. I have to take my cat into the bedroom and close the door.

Now Roxy is growling at my dog, Sierra. Sierra isn’t doing anything but standing by her dad or lying in her bed. Every time I give Sierra a treat and Roxy a treat, Roxy goes after Sierra’s treat. How can I stop all this? — Mary, Las Vegas

Dear Mary: Roxy’s the common denominator, so let’s address what may be leading to this chaos.

Your cat is irritated by Roxy’s jumping and barking and wanting to play. Sometimes, a cat will scratch a dog and the dog is usually quick to get the hint, but I hate to see things escalate.

Roxy needs basic training so that she has other things to think about besides the other animals in the home. If your son will do it or allow you to do it, train Roxy to “come” when called. Train Roxie to “sit” and “down” and reward her behavior with a treat each time. If Roxy doesn’t listen to you and continues to go after the cat, put Roxy on a leash.

Dogs can be trained to leave food alone with the command “leave it” and a food-based reward. They also can be trained to “leave it” with the animals in the home.

Roxy shouldn’t be allowed to growl at Sierra or take a treat from her.

When Roxy growls, give a quick, firm “no,” call her to you, ask her to “sit” and then “down” before giving the treat. Never give her a treat if she has just growled.

Roxy needs play time and a 30-minute walk daily.