How to Stop Your Dog From Chasing Your Cat

Does fur fly as soon as you turn your back on your cat and dog? Are you at your wit's end, thinking it's a choice of adopting out one or the other? As a matter of fact, you can keep both of your furry friends. It's a simple matter of showing your dog and cat that they are part of the same pack. Read on and find out how to solve this common problem!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Sit on the couch, and put your dog on one side of you and your cat on the other. If your dog looks at your cat, perks up his ears or growls, tell him firmly "No"! If your cat hisses, growls, howls or slashes out at the dog with his claws, tell her firmly "No!". Continue this exercise until both parties ignore each other.

2. Now you can get up from the couch. If either party acts up, go right back between them and firmly say "No" to the offending participant. If and when they ignore each other, praise them both!

3. Another exercise to do to foster family togetherness is to put your cat in a carrier and put it in a room by itself. Now bring the dog in and ask him to sit quietly by the carrier. If he does, praise him. If not, ask for his full attention to be directed to you. Tell him firmly "No" if he looks or acts interested in the cat. Curiosity is fine, but perked ears and tense energy is not.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie a rope to your dog's collar that is long enough that you can reach out and grab it if need be. Keep tuned into your dog while the cat is around. Obviously, tell him "No!" firmly is he lunges at the cat and grab his rope. Focus his attention on you. Likewise, the cat can also be the aggressor. You can go after your cat and pick it up and say "No!". All this correction must be done seconds after the problem occurs.