1. Put your dog on the leash (supervised) so you have something to step on if your verbal correction fails.
2. Do early, early verbal corrections. As soon as the dog just looks at the cat, tell him firmly “No!” Don’t wait for the chase and then just participate yourself in the chase!
3. Practice 1-min Sits and/or Downs on a leash in the same room as the cat about 1-3 times per day at a distance that the dog can handle.
4. As the dog progresses, close in on the distance between dog and cat.
5. As the dog progresses, drop the leash.
6. As the dog progresses, weane off the leash.
7. Practice Heels on a leash around the cat.
For most dogs, it’s just a question of allowing them to get used to the cat so the obedience training will help in making the cat not be such a “new” thing. You want the cat to become old hat and a part of the family pack.
And the rules in your house are “we just don’t chase the cat” so use your leadership skills.
Sylvie Pleasant
Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
K9 Solutions LLC
www.nck9solutions.com
K9 Solutions 