Your dog just killed your neighbor̵7;s cat. You feel horrible, and your dog does not know she did anything wrong. According to dog ethics, she didn't. A dog̵7;s natural instinct is to chase small, running creatures. Once your dog already has killed a cat, the problem is much bigger to solve, but not impossible. Solutions will vary depending if your dog kills cats in your home or cats in the neighborhood.
Things You'll Need
- Training helper to hold cat
- Training collar and leash
Instructions
Teach your dog that cats are off limits. Generally, dogs live to please their owners, so if your dog knows how you feel about killing cats, she will do her best to please you. Get someone to help you with short, daily training sessions. Have a training collar and leash on your dog. Make sure he is in a sit position next to you. With your helper holding the cat across the room, let your dog see the cat. Your dog may be overexcited by seeing the cat; insist he remain in the sit/stay position. Praise your dog every time he sits calmly at your command. Make him work hard to earn your approval, and make sure your dog knows clearly what you expect. Do this several times a day for a week.
Supervise your dog at all times. Watch your dog̵7;s reactions to cats that pass by in the yard. Command your dog to sit or stop, or say "no" until the cat leaves. For cats that live with you, sit where you can see your dog with the cat, but the dog cannot see you. Be in range of a collar restraint to yank the dog back when necessary.
Control your dog. Always take your dog out on a leash, and fence in your dog. A loose dog cannot kill cats unless the cat comes in the yard. An invisible fence is perfect when you do not have a fully enclosed fence.