Tips to help train puppy to stop chasing cat
Question: Our 9-month-old puppy will not stop chasing and hunting our cat. This is causing much stress for my girlfriend and I, and we wonder if we should find a new home for the new puppy or the cat. Any suggestions? - Dustin
Answer: Ahhh, the age-old problem of dogs chasing cats. This has been going on since the beginning of time. If your puppy is typical, he is chasing your cat because it is fun.
Part of the problem is that most cats run instead of standing up to the dog. Part of the problem is that your puppy isn’t getting enough play time and exercise outside of chasing the cat. The other part of the problem is that your cat is running away.
Try the suggestions below to get the household under control.
1. Put a baby gate up to section off a part of the house so that the cat doesn’t have to go far to get from the puppy. This will reduce the chase and the fun.
2. Exercise your puppy and add a lot of toys to the house.
3. Put the puppy on a leash when the cat is out so that he can’t start the chase. He should be on a leash in this situation until he is always good at completing the exercise in Number 4.
4. When you see that the cat is in the room with the puppy, ask the puppy to lie down and stay. Reward him for calm behavior. This will eventually become his default instead of chasing.
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/05/11/tips-to-help-train-puppy-to-stop-chasing-cat/
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