Teaching your dog not to run after cats may seem unnatural, but with the right amount of patience, you will be able to stop him. Here is a wikiHow guide that teaches you how to restrain your dog, to stop him from chasing cats.
Steps
Step 1. Understand why dogs chase cats
It usually happens because, despite not perceiving colors as clearly as we do, dogs have very developed motion sensors. So, whenever a dog sees something small that moves fast, they fidget. A dog also protects its territory if it sees the cat invading it (its territory does not necessarily include only the garden, it can also extend to the whole neighborhood). Dogs are predators and can regard cats as prey even if they rarely eat it.
Step 2. Get the dog used to the cats
Start by taking him to a room (with a leash) in which there is a cat. It would be better to take him for a long walk first. A tired dog is less likely to run after something, much less a sweet kitten. Make sure the cat has an escape route in case the dog escapes you. Let them get used to each other's presence.
Step 3. Hold the dog on the leash when he tries to jump
If your dog knows a command to stop and return to you such as "stop" or "leave," use it.
Step 4. Try spraying it on the muzzle with cold water
Do this only if the dog disobeys the voice commands. Say "No!" when you spray it. This way you should get his attention.
Step 5. You will need to repeat this more than once to get your dog to learn to calm his hunting instincts
If the dog still tries to chase the cat after countless repetitions, it may be time to consult a trainer or have him take obedience lessons to teach him to be more receptive.
Step 6. If the dog chases the cat a third time, the cat will eventually get tired
Cats are predators, not prey and will likely scratch it, blowing it at memento.
Advice
- Better to teach the dog that 'no' means no. If he does something around the house and you catch him red-handed, say "No!". If you don't notice, consider it as an opportunity to learn (for you) and be more alert in the future. Punishing a dog after trouble doesn't work, as it won't understand the link between a past action and a current punishment.
- NEVER give your dog away or abandon him. It is your responsibility to take care of it, at any cost. Once you adopt an animal, you make a commitment for life. If for some reason you feel you can't be responsible enough, seek out a refuge where they don't euthanize or create your own. Craigslist is full of torturers and people who make dog fight, never offer an animal on that site.
- A tip for the commands. You don't have to scream or raise your voice. Have you ever noticed that the simple sound of the box being opened attracts the dog's attention? This is because it is a habitual noise, with a meaning that the dog understands. The same goes for verbal commands. They should be uniform and never shouted. Just like with the can lid, one command can be anything you want.
- Teach the dog the command "let go". You start with a reward in each hand. Present a hand to the dog. As he tries to catch it, tell him "let go" over and over (and don't let him catch it) until he stops. As soon as he calms down, give him the reward of the other hand. Keep practicing until your dog stops looking for the reward as soon as you say "quit." At this point, start practicing with objects (toys, rocks, leaves, etc.). When you succeed with these too, you can move on to training with the cat (or other small animals such as squirrels, birds, etc.)
Warnings
- Never hit the dog, especially in the face. You could cause him to develop behavioral problems such as aggression and fear. If he is already aggressive and dominant or prone to biting out of fear, you may be prompted to bite you.
- Not all dogs learn not to hunt other animals. If yours is highly prone to prey, it may be trying to chase small animals all the time, at the expense of its intelligence or desire to please you. You will need to teach these dogs the "let go" command and get them to get plenty of exercise every day, keeping them on a leash whenever they are outside.
- You should not use chains and chain leashes, which could seriously injure the dog. If the dog chews the soft leash, spray it with the Bitter Apple. It is a spray that will not harm the dog but tastes bad and serves as a deterrent.
