We live in the country. I have a 1 year old, indoor Pomeranian. He goes outside to the bathroom and comes back to the door after he has made sure his premises are secure. There are many wild cats that live in the barns or other outbuildings. I have several "dog houses" set up around the place for the cats to take cover in if necessary. I also keep a cat food feeder out for any cats that need to supplement their wild food intake. Two cats had kittens in the dog houses this year. The Pom has picked up several of the kittens and has played with them until they have died. We don't believe that he maliciously kills them. We feel that he is just trying to find a friend to play with. Of course, when we see the Pom with the kittens he is commanded to sit, drop and leave the kittens, which he does. Many times, the kittens do not appear to be hurt but he has still played with some of them long enough to have killed them. What can I do to keep the Pom from harming any more kittens?

I live in the country - with my dogs it's rabbits that they are after. I simply watch them all the time they are outdoors.

Mine aren't looking for "friends," though. They are looking for prey.

You can also move the houses over the dog's head so he cannot reach them or move them entirely out of his reach.

Keep the dog and the kittens apart - it's as simple as that.

Yes, dog on a leash is one way, YOU take the dog out.

You can try a citronella collar and block off the majority of the yard for your dog, and leave the cats and their kittens outside of the secured area. Other wise you will have to be out there with him and supervise at all times.

First of all.. Dogs don't find "friends".. That is human emotion coming through.

Since he is fed on a regular basis, he is just simply playing with is kill. Its not unheard of, and even happens in the wild.

To prevent him from killing off the wild cats, you may need to either invest in a fenced area where he can be, tie him out, or hand walk him yourself.

There is nothing anyone can suggest to prevent a dog from killing a small animal.

The circle of life is never easy to watch. Your dog is just exhibiting natural behaviors. Unforunately, dogs will go after small animals. The weaker the better.