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Dog attacking cats, help!

Sophie

We have two cats and just got a rescue dog that is part golden retriever and part yellow lab and the dog keeps barking and going after the cat what can we do?

Symptoms: Behavioral

• Experienced Advisor Rosie Barclay says:

  April 22nd, 2008 at 03:07 AM

  This can be a common problem when a new adult dog comes into the home of established cats. The worst thing you can do is to get cross and begin to punish your dog as this just teaches the dog that having cats around is a bad thing. Instead begin by using an old towel that the cats sit on and place this beneath the food bowl of the dog so it begins to associate the cats with nice things happening to it. When a cat appears at a distance try and ask the dog to do something else like sitting for a treat or a toy. Make sure the cats are not too close or this will trigger the behaviour, attempt this whilst the cats are in the distance and slowly you should be able train your dog that cats appearing means a great game or a treat.

  Once the dog has calmed down the cats will begin to approach and it won't hurt if they stand up to the dog and not run.

  If your dog does not respond I would ask the advice of a recommended qualified behaviourist to help you introduce them.

   

  Hope this helps

  Rosie Barclay.

   

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