Q: How can I stop my dog from chasing our cat when she starts running?
A: Chase games are super fun. A behaviour that is reinforcing will be repeated and become well-rehearsed.
Prevent the chase game from happening by installing barriers, such as baby gates, in the high trigger points. The barriers will allow the cat to go through or over into a place of safety, and prevent the dog from crossing the boundary to ensue the chase.
I would also suggest you install various cat platforms where your cat can jump onto to be out of reach from your dog. This will encourage the cat not to run, but remain stationary in a safe, elevated area.
Your dog may already be anticipating the chase game, which in itself is rewarding.
You need to teach your dog an alternative behaviour in proximity to the cat. What does your dog find equally or more rewarding? A tasty treat? Once your safety barriers are up, BEFORE the dog chases the cat, offer the alternative (that treat your dog will sell his soul for).
So long as the alternative is more rewarding than chasing, the cat will now be the new predictor of a different activity. For example, your dog sees the cat and turns to you as the exercises have taught him that in this context he gets yummy chicken.
Once this is achieved, your next step is teaching and rewarding calm, relaxed behaviour around your cat.
As you cannot be around 24/7 to monitor cats and dogs or implement exercises, barriers and high resting points are critical.
In some cases, depending on a dog’s level of prey drive, ‘cat chasing’ may not end well.
I would suggest you arrange a consult with an accredited behaviourist to assist with your specific case, as well as the correct mechanics and timing of the two recommended exercises.
Samantha Walpole, behaviourist
