Why dog attacks cat

Your ultimate goal is for him to obey these commands when he's around your cat. Make sure he's on a leash when you first test his obedience with the cat present. If you need to bring in a trainer or dog behaviorist, that's okay.

Some dogs with high prey drives need professional intervention before they can learn to leave a cat alone. You'll have the best shot at curbing aggressive behavior if you catch it early and redirect it. So try to catch it early. If he tries to lunge or chase your cat, tell him "no" and put him in a room by himself for a few minutes.

As soon as you notice your dog fixating on your cat, redirect his attention immediately. Tell him to come or leave it. When he turns and obeys you, praise him and give him treats. If he's calm around your cat from the beginning, reward that behavior too. Over time, give him a longer leash to work with.

Make sure your cat always has a way to escape, just in case. Consider using cat trees, cat condos , tall furniture, and cat shelves as escape routes. Some trainers suggest trying a slightly different version where you give your dog tiny bites of a treat every time he's around your cat.

Make sure you keep your dog on a leash for your cat's safety. A dog that has too much energy is more likely to chase a cat. The more you engage his mind and body, the less likely he will expend his extra energy on your cat. The same goes for your cat. A cat with too much energy is more likely to pounce on a dog and possibly trigger his prey drive. So play with your cat a lot and try clicker training or interactive toys to engage her mind. Give your cat a safe space where she can relax away from your dog.

Keep a Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser in the room to help her manage any stress she feels. This drug-free solution mimics a cat's natural pheromones helping her feel relaxed and happy.

When we will take action There have been decisions in the past by courts and authorities to suggest that it is the nature of a dog to kill and wound small animals. What action we will take The owner of the offending dog may be issued a Community Protection Notice by the police warning them in the first instance to try to protect other animals from further injury by the dog.

What other options do I have? Deliberate attacks and dog fighting Please note that this advice does not apply to deliberate attacks or dog fights. In any other situation In any other circumstances, please contact Nottinghamshire Police using the non-emergency number.

Back to Top. You also can try throwing a blanket or tarp over the dog, or spraying it with the hose. If you can interrupt the attack, you usually can stop it. You can try striking the dog with a board or heavy club, such as a golf club, but there is a risk the dog will then turn its attention and aggression on you. If a dog charges at you, put something — a car, a trash can, a fence — between yourself and the dog.

For walkers and hikers, carrying pepper spray or an air horn is a good idea. I prefer the air horn because the risk of inhaling the spray yourself or enraging the dog is fairly high. All dogs have a natural instinct to hunt prey.