What to do if a dog chases cats?

Most often, dogs run after cats because:

• Almost all dogs instinctively perceive cats as a target that must be pursued at any cost. But biting, by the way, is optional. Therefore, many dogs, having caught up with a cat, do not know what to do with it, immediately lose interest in it and, as if nothing had happened, return to the owner.

• The chase instinct is especially strong in dogs of hunting breeds (terriers, spaniels, hounds, beagles). They consider it their duty to catch the animal and bring it to its owner.

• Sometimes dogs just want to “play”. By nature, dogs are very friendly and active creatures, while cats, on the contrary, prefer inviolability and loneliness. So there are quarrels and pursuit races.

• A common cause of disagreements between a dog and a cat is the struggle for territory or, for example, the attention of the owners.

• The owners may have incorrectly socialized the puppy. They didn’t teach him to communicate with other animals.

• And there is such a scenario (fortunately, rare). As a child, a puppy could be injured by any other cat. And now the dog seeks to protect itself or take revenge.

Cats and dogs basically speak different languages ​​and misinterpret each other’s behavior. For example, a wagging tail in a dog means readiness for communication, and a cat in this way shows its irritation.

An interesting fact: almost every nation has its own legends, where the dog and the cat have an unresolved dispute. And their descendants continue to resolve the conflicts that have arisen.

Although the race for a cat is inherent in dogs at the genetic level, but in an urban environment such adventures can be dangerous and must be fought.

A runaway pet can:

• Get lost.

• Get under the wheels of a car and get another injury.

• Hurt the cat.

• Scare passersby.

Such cases, unfortunately, occur all the time.

The puppy chases the cat because it does not have sufficient socialization skills. If you take care of its adaptation in time, then an adult dog will not have problems with the outside world.

If you teach your puppy to behave properly at home and outside, then there will be no problems with him in the future. When you go out for a walk, show the puppy that you have a tasty piece that he will receive for the correct behavior. In this case, it will be easy for you to practice calling the dog and following simple commands.

• The first skill a dog needs to learn is mastering a basic set of commands. Before taking your puppy outside, teach him to perform commands such as “Place”, “Sit”, “Stand”, “Lie”, “Fu”, “No”, “Come”.
• Be sure to keep your dog on a leash during the first walks. Gradually you will see how the puppy reacts to other dogs, cats, children and ordinary passers-by.
• Walk in quiet and peaceful places. Here you will be able to let the puppy go for an independent walk and hone the skills of executing commands.

If you get nervous at the sight of a cat or other dog, the puppy will notice. When you see a cat, walk past it calmly. If the puppy starts to struggle, give the command “no” or “sit”. Aerobatics will be the “near” command, in this position the dog is always under your control and further control depends only on you. After executing the commands, treat your pet with a treat.

Give the dog the opportunity to study the cat at a safe distance for both.

If the dog does not respond to commands, try to distract it with another stimulus. For this, your favorite toy, laser pointer or clicker is suitable. You can do without them. It is enough to clap your hands or whistle.

You can wean an adult dog from chasing cats using the same algorithm. But only if the dog already owns a basic set of commands. Otherwise, seek help from a dog handler. During classes, take an active part in training, otherwise the dog will not perceive you as a leader later. Gradually learn to interact with your pet without a specialist. During training, do not forget to reward your dog with treats.

• If during walks the dog notices a cat and does not rush after him, then stop and give him a treat.
• If the dog wants to start the chase, then call him and pull on the leash. After completing the commands, treat the pet.

Well, if you already have a cat at home. This will make it easier to introduce your dog to another animal and teach him communication skills.

To avoid aggression at home, we recommend the following algorithm of actions:

• Ideally, get a kitten or puppy at the same time. Or bring a puppy or kitten to a house where an adult dog or cat already lives. It will be easier for two adult animals that were not familiar before to get along in the same house. But it’s important to get to know them right.

• Do not separate pets, so as not to increase their desire to dominate each other. At the first meeting, you must set the rules of behavior and clearly control the movements and actions of the wards.

• The cat and dog take different heights when moving around the rooms, and the cat will always be able to hide on the back of the sofa or on the table. Don’t let the dog bark at the cat or the cat hiss at the dog. When meeting, do not pick up pets and do not stand on the line between them.

• It will be a great solution to work out a couple of commands for a treat with a dog when you first meet or play with your favorite toy. This will form a positive reinforcement for the appearance of a new stimulus. Repeat this practice several times and the dog will stop responding to the cat that gets in the way, but on the contrary, will be ready to work with you in obedience or play.

• Practice commands with the dog regularly, but don’t forget to communicate with the cat.

• In no case do not drag pets to each other by force! So you risk causing aggression and fear in both pets.

• When the cat understands that there is no danger from the puppy (or dog), he will calmly go about his business. Don’t let your dog chase your neighbor and disturb his peace.

After a while, your pets will learn to live together and become inseparable water.

To wean your dog to run after cats, you will have to stock up on a lot of patience. Train regularly, do not forget about rewards – and a positive result will not be long in coming.