How do I train my dog to ignore cats and stop pulling on walks?

Question

How can I get my dog to ignore my neighbor’s free-roaming cats? She always pulls on the leash and whines when we near that part of the block on our walks. Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 65 lbs

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello! There are definitely things you can do to help modify this behavior! I would recommend starting by watching some dog training videos- the user Kikopup on youtube is a good one. Good dog trainers will always focus on positive reinforcement. Beware of dog trainers that claim to use dominance or punishment for training, as these methods can do more harm than good. Start by training Ali to sit and stay for a treat. On walks, have her periodically sit on command. You may need to bring REALLY good treats to bribe her at first! Eventually, you can have Ali sit and look at you every time you walk past a cat. This breaks the cycle of chasing behavior, and over time, she will learn to not pull on the lead and become more focused. This is how I trained my cat-reactive dog to go on walks, and it took a couple of months of dedication, but he doesn't even notice cats anymore! I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! :)

How do I train my dog to ignore cats and stop pulling on walks?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?

Share