Q&A for How to Keep Your Dog from Chasing Cats

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Question

Can a dog be trained to get along with cats?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Yes, but it can be challenging. You have to create a relaxed atmosphere—if the dog is too aroused, you won't be able to teach it. Try putting up a barrier between the animals. If the dog can look at the cat but stay sitting, give the dog a treat, then walk them away from the cat. Repeat this over and over until the dog is relaxed around the cat.

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Question

My dog is deaf, and my family and I are considering a cat. He already knows the basics in sign language, but I'm not sure if he could be trained not to chase cats using sign langauge. What should I do?

Bleaky

Community Answer

You don't need to specifically train him to "not chase cats." The commands you should definitely have down are Leave it, Stay, and Down so that he obeys no matter what. You would also need to make sure he and the cat are introduced properly so that neither animal sees the other as prey or predator. And if you do get a cat, if you see any signs of aggression or stalking from your dog, you need to correct that behavior immediately. Eventually, your dog will get the message that he needs to leave the cat be.

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Question

How do get the neighbor's dog used to my two kittens and not to attack them?

RaireFox14

Community Answer

Slowly introduce them to one another without letting them get too close. Depending on the age of the neighbor's dog, your chances at success could be very low as animals you want to get along should be introduced at the youngest age possible.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from chasing a hamster?

Emma Johnson

Community Answer

Put your dog away when you let your hamster out so your dog won't accidentally kill the hamster.

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When my dog chases my cat, I usually kick him across the room; he is now vomiting. What should I do?

Community Answer

That is actually a very terrible way to discipline your dog, and borders on abuse. You may have caused some serious damage. You should take him to a vet and make sure he is okay regarding the vomiting. As for the chasing of cats: catch him, stand in front of him, and say "shhh" or "it's okay" soothingly until he calms down and then take him out of the room. It will take some time and patience, but it will work. Also, never yell at a dog and especially don't physically harm it.

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Question

My 3-year-old dog is 58 lbs and not leash-trained. I am afraid of her choking herself when she sees cats or dogs. She stands on her hind legs and pulls hard.

Community Answer

Get her a chest harness and buckle the leash to that instead of around her neck. Work on leash training her so that she doesn't react to other animals. Use a clicker or treats to reward your dog when she remains calm in sight of other animals. (Read the article for more specific information.)

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