How to Get a Dog to Not Attack a Cat

Most dogs, especially younger ones, would rather play with other animals than attack them. Although some consider dogs and cats to be natural enemies, there are many instances where they have become fast friends. Allowing the animals to establish safe boundaries, limiting their access to each other and taking steps to control your dog's aggression are the keys to getting a dog to stop attacking a cat.

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the dog to the cat at a young age -- while still a puppy, if possible. Give the animals an opportunity to get to know each other while you're present, regardless of the dog's age when introduced. Allow the cat to gradually become more comfortable around the dog, which will make the pup less likely to attack.

    • 2

      Have the dog spayed or neutered to reduce aggressive behavior -- toward cats as well as other dogs.

    • 3

      Walk your dog often and play with it as much as possible -- away from the cat -- to keep the dog's energy levels lower when he later interacts with the cat.

    • 4

      Take the dog to obedience training conducted by a professional dog trainer. Establish a series of commands for the dog to follow, so that if an attack seems imminent, you can be prepared to stop it with the recommended and practiced voice commands.

    • 5

      Stay in the room when the animals are together. Separate the animals with squirt bottles or cups filled with water, if the dog shows signs of aggression and your voice commands are ignored. Signs of aggression include baring its teeth, growling and a rigid stance.

    • 6

      Maintain separate areas in your home for each animal, if possible. Keep them separated whenever you are not around to monitor their interaction. Leave old bedding from the other animal in each animal's separate area, so that they become used to the other animal's scent.