How to Keep a Dog from Chasing Cats

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By turtledove
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Keep a Dog from Chasing Cats

For many dogs, chasing cats is just plain instinct. In fact, some dogs will chase anything that moves, from a mouse to a school bus. If your dog chases cats, it can be infuriating. You can't go for a walk, because you don't know when you'll have your arm yanked out of its socket!
My dog is a cat-chaser. This method worked for me, and I hope it will work for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Teach your dog basic obedience. This step is not optional. It's the foundation for the next steps. You want to have a polite dog. A polite dog knows basic commands, like "sit" and "stay," and - this is important - knows who's Mom or Dad.
Step 2

Walk your dog regularly. This serves a couple of purposes. It keeps her happy, and it gives you a chance to practice regularly. (Oh, and you get exercise, too.)
Step 3

Notice your dog's body language.
When your dog first notices a cat, she becomes alert. You want to stop her here, before she works herself into a frenzy.
Step 4

Tug sharply on the leash.
Make a sharp, angry sound. (I say "Uh-uh.") If your dog relaxes, even for a second, you know she heard you.
You can say "behave" in a sharp voice. I've set aside the word "behave" to mean "don't pay attention to that cat/dog/truck."
Step 5

"Bite" your dog.
This step is controversial. All I will say here is, I tried everything else first, and this is what worked for me.
If Fido is fixated on the cat, you have to get her attention. Gently grab her at the shoulder blades and squeeze. It doesn't hurt, but she won't like it. You are "biting" her as an adult dog would bite a wayward pup.
Step 6

Next, roll her onto her back. (Cesar Milan calls this the "alpha roll.")
This step is controversial too, but it worked for me and my dog. By doing this, you're forcing her to admit that you're the boss. (If you feel that you are putting yourself or your dog in danger, don't try this.) Don't her up until she relaxes. Ideally, you can let the cat or dog sniff her, all the while holding her down; not angry, but firm.
Step 7

Let her up when she relaxes.
When she is not fixated on the cat/dog/truck, tell her how much you love her. Give her petting and love, because she's being good!
A well-behaved dog will ignore the cat.
Step 8

Once she knows who's boss, your dog will accept it happily. As long as she knows you're in charge, she's a happy dog.
At this point, all you have to do is tug on the leash and say "Uh-uh" or "behave," and she will visibly relax.
Step 9

Do this as often as necessary.
If you have a cat chaser, don't ever think that you've "cured" her. You might have to remind her for the rest of her life. To a dog, a moving object might always be "prey," so watch for smaller animals, and don't ever leave them in easy reach of your dog.

Comments

art2cee2 said

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on 9/20/2009 What a wonderful article. Sounds like you really know your dog training. 5* and rec

zoegus said

on 9/19/2009 This is a great article, we have three cats and a dog, our dog only chases our cats in the house. I think she thinks she is protecting us from our cats. It is funny to watch untill our 90 pound dog knocks something over. 5* and I recommended you.