Question:

We recently adopted a new dog. We were told he tested cat safe, but he has been chasing our cat. Is it possible to get him to stop chasing the cat? Can they learn to get along?

The Trainer Answers:

Most dogs can learn to live with cats peacefully, but some dogs will never be safely left alone with cats. Look at the intensity of the dog’s interest in the cat. Once the cat is safely away, does the dog obsessively continue to search for the cat? Has the dog tried to injure or kill the cat? Or is the dog being playful and only wanting to chase the cat? Can you easily distract him and redirect his attention to something else?

If the intensity level is high, the dog seems obsessed with the cat and/or has injured the cat, you must consider the safety of your cat first. While it might be possible to train this dog to leave your cat alone, it is often best if a dog like this does not live with cats.

If the dog is playful and simply wants to chase the cat, we can teach the dog to stop chasing the cat and help the two to live peacefully together. Some dogs even learn to play appropriately with cats who also enjoy the game.

Ideally, dogs and cats will be introduced slowly. While your dog and cat have already been introduced, I recommend starting over so they can learn to interact appropriately.

First, set up a secure separate living area in one part of the house for your cat. Under supervision, periodically allow them to smell each other briefly through the door that separates the two areas. At various times, safely move your cat to a different area and allow your dog in the cat’s space to check things out and vice versa.

Next, use a baby gate or other barrier that allows the dog and cat to see each other. Keep sessions very brief and don’t force anyone to stay. Reward BOTH animals with tasty treats for remaining calm. Ask your dog to do other things, such as make eye contact with you after a quick sniff of the cat. Practice this until you can easily redirect your dog away from the cat.

Next, have your dog on leash. Allow the cat to go where he wants. As soon as your dog spots the cat, redirect his attention and ask him to focus on you. With enough practice, the sight of the cat himself becomes the cue for your dog to turn his attention toward you.

The key is to redirect his focus immediately when he spots the cat and reinforce calm behaviors. The longer he is allowed to focus, the more difficult it will be to redirect him.

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