How to Stop a Dog From Chasing a Cat Using Training Aids

When a puppy enters a new home, it may immediately begin chasing the household cat. Chase instincts are natural and caused by something called prey drive. Some breeds, such as the golden retriever, chase for fun. Other breeds, such as terriers, were bred to chase and kill. It creates havoc within a household and causes feline stress. However, you can train dogs that chasing is inappropriate behavior using patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Dogs soon learn you are the pack leader and be content to follow.

Things You'll Need

  • Head collar
  • Leash
  • Soft dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the head collar with straps around the nose and neck just behind the ears. It is not a muzzle; the dog should be capable of opening its mouth normally. The dog may try to pull off the head collar if it is something new. Eventually the head collar will become more natural and fit comfortably.

    • 2

      Attach the leash to the head collar. The leash attaches to a loop below the chin. You will find the head collar and leash can be effectively used to prevent a dog from pulling toward certain objects, including a nearby cat.

    • 3

      Command the dog to sit. Hold a treat in your open palm just above the dog's nose, then move that hand toward the dog's back. The dog will sit attempting to focus on the treat. The open palm is used as an appropriate hand signal and should be accompanied with a "sit" command. A treat and praise provide positive reinforcement for the new sit behavior.

    • 4

      Teach the dog to maintain a sit position. You can return the dog to a sit position using the open palm hand signal and "sit" command each time the dog stands or attempts to walk away. The dog should be able to maintain a sit for 10 to 20 seconds before proceeding to the next step.

    • 5

      Introduce the cat to the dog from a distance. A friend or family member should hold the cat as you observe the dog's reaction. When the dog shows excitement or stands, the dog should be returned to a sit position using the sit command and hand signal. Remember to provide positive reinforcement each time the dog sits.

    • 6

      Bring the cat closer to the dog when the dog learns to maintain a sit position. This step could take several attempts. The dog is beginning to learn a behavior foreign to the chase instinct. It requires patience and consistency.

    • 7

      Reward the dog with a treat and praise each time the sit position is maintained around the cat. Dogs respond positively to treats and verbal praise.

    • 8

      Be patient. Chasing other animals, particularly cats, is natural behavior for dogs. You are asking the dog to learn a new behavior. Certain breeds could learn this behavior more quickly than others.

    • 9

      Continue training until you are comfortable having the dog and cat together. Any chase activity should be stopped immediately and the dog brought to a sit position. Positive reinforcement in the form of praise with an occasional treat will allow the dog to learn proper behaviors.