Some people believe that cats and dogs are very different and therefore cannot get along. And, although it is true that both species are very different, these animals can live together in harmony and become best friends. You will only need some time and a lot of patience, especially if your pet is elderly and they still do not know each other. With effort and love, you will surely be able to train your dog to stop chasing cats. Take note!
Present them in a suitable place
If you take your dog to an animal shelter to meet his new best friend, he may become nervous or even scared. In fact, it could be a very traumatic experience for your dog (as he does not understand what is going on).
Therefore, it is better that you introduce the new member of the household in a safe environment, such as your home. Also, you should go little by little and keep them in separate rooms until both of you get used to it.
Adopt a cat that gets along with dogs
Although it may be obvious, some people do not consider what the personality of the new animal that is going to enter the house is like. For this reason, if you want to adopt a cat, you should ask the shelter volunteers if they have cats that get along with dogs (or dogs that get along with cats if the other way around).
This will ensure that your new pet will only have to go through a period of adaptation (and that neither of the two animals will be stressed or have a hard time).
Make them meet
You must do it under strict supervision. Tie your dog on a leash and if he tries to chase him, distract both of you by giving him some snacks. If you can, ask someone you trust for help to be with you during the presentation.
It is important that the animals sniff each other, but you will have to avoid that they get too close since either of them could become aggressive. Great care!
If your dog and cat behave well, you should congratulate them, pet them and give them a snack. For the first few weeks, you will need to continue to reward your pets as long as they are calm during encounters.
Use a clicker to train your dog
It is a small device with a metal tab that helps in the training of dogs. You will have to hold the clicker in the palm of your hand and quickly press the button to make a sound. Thus, you can condition your dog each time he behaves appropriately.
In addition, you should give him a snack immediately after using the device, since the goal is for the dog to associate the sound of the clicker with a positive reinforcement (such as his favorite snack).
Celebrate your dog’s progress
Your pet will not change its behavior from one day to the next. But over time, he will learn to behave differently and understand that he should not chase cats. Therefore, it is essential that you reward him even when his progress is only partial, as this will help him break the bad habit.
Every time your dog starts chasing the cat (but stops) you will have to give him a reward. In time, you will completely lose that habit.
