You are here:

Canine Behavior/Shitzu chases cats

Advertisement

Expert: Susan Downes - 1/26/2008


Question
Hi,

Any advice when it comes to getting my 9 month old male Shitzu (not fixed) to stop chasing my cats all over the house? This is almost constant. Whenever he sees the cats, he goes on a mission to chase them out of the area. If he can't get to them (for example, if the cat crawls into a space where he can see the cat but can't reach it), then it's constant barking. In addition, whenever he becomes aware of anyone in the house giving the cats attention, he takes a fit and takes a barking tantrum.

Thanks for any input you can provide that might set me in a direction where I might put a stop to the habit.

Sincerely,

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike, You must show him that you are the pack leader of the home and the dog and cats are equal in their rights to the home. If you let this behavior go unchecked it will turn into an obsession. Walk him everyday as long as you can at the heel. Claim the cats, when he barks or chases them, snap him out of it by touching him firmly in the neck and giving him a calm command to stop. We live with many cats and dogs who all share the same environment. When a new member comes in they are shown that everyone has a right to certain areas of the home and no one is allowed to harass another. Leave me some feedback and follow-up if you have time to let me know how it goes for all of you. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan

Canine Behavior

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Susan Downes

Expertise

As an animal behavior specialist for over 30 years, I can answer your questions regarding training problems, help you solve behavior problems, and help you and your dog have a wonderful, productive relationship. Often times it is harder to train the people than the animals simply because they cannot speak to us to let us know exactly what is happening. So try to be as detailed in your posts as possible. That way I can give you the best answer. It is so very important to get to know the owners as well as the animals. They are the team, the partnership is what we want to improve in this field.

Experience

AS degree in Animal Science, Essex, 1984 Breed specialties: Doberman Pinschers, Terriers, Standard Poodles and many more. Excelled in classes in obedience, advanced obedience, behavior, reproduction, training and more.

Organizations
Service Dog Training Therapy Dog Training, Canine Good Citizens, National Toy Fox Terrier Association

Education/Credentials
AS degree from Essex Ag.& Tech Inst., Hawthorne, MA. 1984. Website: http://downes.8k.com . Offering Advanced classes in animal behavior and training in West Central Florida, located in Brooksville, Florida. We are willing to travel, special requests for training in other locations will always be considered. Contact downesfarm@gmail.com for appointments.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.