Dog aggression is a frustrating and even terrifying ordeal for pet owners, and it can become a serious problem if not corrected. If your dog's aggression is targeted toward cats, whether in or outside your home, you will want to modify the behavior before serious injuries occur. While some dogs may continue to show aggressive traits due to their natural instincts, others can learn to live harmoniously with cats.
Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Dog treats
Instructions
Spray or neuter your dog. This is especially important for males, which often exhibit aggressive displays of territoriality if not sterilized. While it is best to have your dog neutered before six months of age (when dogs commonly reach sexual maturity), you can neuter your dog at any age.
Stop predatory aggression. When a dog exhibits aggressive behaviors toward smaller animals such as cats, it typically indicates a form of predatory aggression in which the dog is seeking to assert its dominance. You can reduce or eliminate these behaviors by firmly establishing yourself as the leader of the pack. Spend about an hour of each day with obedience training, teaching your dog to sit on command, heel, speak or perform some other action. Never permit dominant behaviors in your dog, such as placing a paw on your lap, sleeping beside you or jumping on you. Reward submissive behavior with treats.
Introduce your cat(s) to the dog gradually, if the problem pertains to cats inside your home. Place the dog on a leash and bring the cat into the room for two or three minutes at a time. If the dog shows signs of aggression, scold the animal in a stern voice and remove it from the room. If the dog behaves in a friendly or submissive manner, offer a treat as a reward. When the dog begins warming up to your cat, you can allow the animals to interact for longer periods of time, always while supervised. When not supervised, the animals should remain confined to separate areas in the home.
Walk your dog once or twice daily, and reward any positive interactions with other animals. If the dog is able to pass cats, squirrels and other animals without behaving aggressively, offer a reward. If the dog barks or tries to chase the animal, firmly grasp the leash and scold the dog in a firm, authoritative voice.