How to stop dog aggression towards cats in 8 steps

Fast, aggressive, and agile — these cat traits can trigger a variety of reactions in dogs. But of these reactions, the signs of being too fixated and aggressive toward cats are the ones to watch out for.

“Canine aggression is almost always justified,” says Dr. Alex SchechterDVM, of the veterinary hospital, Burrwood Veterinary Medicine. “Many people think it’s natural for dogs to want to chase something that moves, but it all depends on how they were raised.” While knowing your dog’s background is ideal, you can also learn how to prevent dog aggression with cats with the help of certified trainers. Dr. Schechter notes that positive reinforcement is the key to harmonious coexistence.

Whether you have a young, unsocial puppy or an older dog chasing cats, experts like Nicole Vento, CCPDT-KA, of Calm Canine Academy We recommend contacting a certified trainer. This is especially true when there are signs of aggression, such as biting, growling, or lunging. According to Dr. Schechter, the right trainer will also apply compassionate and ethical training methods.

How to stop dog aggression towards cats

Want to train your dog to treat your cat better? According to the certified trainers we spoke with, a mix of management strategy and training is key. As you begin to socialize your dog to be less aggressive, remember to never leave them unattended, especially if they show signs of fear, reaction, or predatory behavior.

These strategies are also helpful if you have a new dog or puppy in your home and want to prevent cat aggression in the first place. “If you encourage your dog to be friendly with other animals from an early age, you won’t have a problem!” Dr. Schechter adds.

1. Invest in a certified, free, positive reinforcement trainer

Positive reinforcement and a free degree can help ensure that your dog doesn’t get re-injured during training. Rachel Forday, VSA-CDT, coach at Dog at Heart.

She also recommends finding a trainer who can read cats and dog body language. “Understanding the emotional experiences of both animals is very helpful in improving these situations.”

2. There are captive options for your dog or cat

“This could be a baby gate or pen Vento said. The goal is to prevent negative interactions between your dog and cat.

“Other management strategies may include providing cats cat tree and raised platforms so they can move around without being within reach of the dog,” adds Foray.

GlobalP / iStock .’s photo

Worried about the freedom of your cat or dog? Schedule a time for each pet to roam freely without concern. For example, let the cat out at night when the dog is in the bedroom, sleeping in their kennel.

3. Find out why your dog is aggressive towards cats

A certified trainer can help determine the function behind your dog’s behavior as well as which management commands and techniques are appropriate for your situation. For example, if your dog reacts, doesn’t want to play, you can redirect the dog with a toy. But if your dog is aggressive, out of fear, you may need to demonstrate more obedience behavior first.

These are the common reasons for cat aggression in dogs:

• Annoyed by wanting to play (reaction)
• Resource Guardian (reactive or aggressive, depending on intensity)
• Livestock demand (responsiveness)
• Fear (aggression)
• Tall (aggressive) prey

The response, when a dog is behaviorally triggered is a bucket term that includes aggression.

4. Before training, address your dog’s daily needs and stress level

“Offering complementary therapies helps your dog meet both the breed-specific mental and physical needs,” says Vento. For example, give your dog exercise and provide playtime with toys that meet their herding or prey needs so they understand that there is time for play versus training and relaxation. Distinguishing these times can help them respond more calmly when around the cat.

Watch for any additional reactive behaviors, such as barking at household noises, that add to your dog’s stress. You may need to address those behaviors before your dog can learn commands around cats.

5. Enhance these training commands

“Start in a quiet and relaxing environment for the dog before introducing the cat,” says Foray. After your dog responds to you reliably, focus on other toys, people, or foods. From there you can slowly bring the cat into the room.

Meda settled under the chair. Christal Yuen’s photo

Your foundation training may include:

• Recall (with distractions): “[Pet parents who] proof of their dog’s recovery Vento said.
• Stability: Addressing the dog where to go and, if well reinforced, can help make the dog comfortable around the cat. The combination of strong recall and well-trained stability is especially helpful in preventing dog contact with cats.
• “Look”: This game from Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt helps dogs build positive emotions towards cats. “LAT offers the dog a way to just calmly tell us the cat is there and join us instead. Again, it’s important to do this carefully, starting with something that’s neutral to the dog and working at a distance that’s comfortable for the dog when they haven’t reacted yet,” says Foray. .

Suitable tools, such as fastener or a baby gate, which will help your dog stay focused during training. If you’re worried about biting, consider muzzle training. Please work with a trainer if you are concerned about biting.

6. Avoid “punishment-based” approaches

Vento warns against punishment during training sessions, especially when cats are around. Foray echoed this, saying, “[Dogs] They may also react in self-defense because they have had a scary experience in the past, such as being attacked by a cat or being hurt or punished every time a cat is present. “

Punishments add embarrassment to your training sessions and risk increasing the dog’s aggression toward the cat — or causing it to turn toward you. “If you are working with a highly social or excitable dog, punishment can add fuel to the fire,” warns Vento.

7. Proactive, not retroactive or reactive

One of the biggest mistakes pet parents can make is introducing your pet too early or the process being too rushed. “Leaving pets completely free and comfortable around each other often ends with at least one creature having one or more bad experiences at the very beginning of the relationship,” says Vento.

Another mistake is waiting to see what your dog or cat can do other than stepping in to prevent any interaction. If you suspect your dog will chase your cat, it’s best to redirect your dog before they notice them.

8. Do not force the dog to train

You may feel rushed to get your dog and cat to live in harmony, but some days your pet may not want to be trained — and that’s okay.

“Don’t force your dog to lie there,” Foray says. Forcing your dog to lie around the cause of their fear can cause distrust in your relationship. Instead, find out what distance the cat should be from your dog and use confinement tools to keep that distance.

Acknowledge that this situation can also be stressful for you. Rest (with management in place) can help you set yourself up for a better workout the next day.

Signs of Cat Aggression and Reaction in Dogs

Based on our research, dogs combative for cats is often the result of high predation motives (e.g. intent to chase or grab) and/or fear. “If your dog is exhibiting aggression, it’s time to make an appointment with a professional who can help manage the situation so no one gets hurt,” says Dr. Schechter.

“If your dog suddenly becomes violent, take him to the doctor to rule out any medical problems,” advises Dr. Schechter. Pain and fear of pain are common reasons dogs react suddenly. Your dog may need medication to relieve pain — or stress levels.

Some dogs can be so overstimulated around a cat that obedience training is not possible. Medicines, like trazodoneIs it possible to balance your dog’s serotonin so that they are calm enough to practice the behaviors you want?

How long until you can trust your dog and cat together?

There is no guaranteed timeline for getting your dog and cat to stay in the same room together peacefully and calmly. Preventing dog aggression towards cats, indoors or outdoors, requires ongoing training and management. For some dogs, it can take up to six weeks while for others months.

You also need to keep in mind how long your dog has been practicing reactive or aggressive behaviors before you begin training. The longer your dog is aggressive towards cats, the longer you will need to train.

Four months of work on resolution and desensitization allowed Meda and Hazel to coexist. Christal Yuen’s photo

Instead of looking for a timeline, Vento recommends observing the behavior of cats and dogs. “[They should] consistent in green (see areas above canine ladder of aggression) for a number of months prior to review so that they remain unsupervised. “Otherwise, you run the risk of a backlash and having to retrain from scratch.

Don’t forget to “Train” your cat

After hours of watching your dog receive treats, your cat might get jealous. Reward your cat with gifts for looking at your dog so that the positive bond between the dogs begins to develop. The purpose is to reward and encourage slow blink from your cat (a sign of happiness!) and Gentle eye contact from your dog.

As a parent with two dogs and one cat, I spent many hours sitting on the floor making food for my cat, puppy, and adult dog. While my puppy isn’t ready to be alone (stage), my dog ​​and senior cat still respect each other’s boundaries and sleep peacefully in the same room.

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