15.10.2020

Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Dogs with a fixation on cats.

Dogs with a fixation on cats -
Use a deep guttural “Bah!” and clap of hands (if able) as soon as you see your dogs behaviour modify, to when their body stiffens and their pupils dilate (wide eyed). ‘Ranting/screaming’ at your dog or physically handling them when they are in this state will only heighten the excited energy present.
You may need to train your dog to be relatively calm on a lead first in front of cats. Get them distracted and build a positive association with cats by undertaking a series of obedience tasks - sit, shake hands, down etc. 
Also work on your ‘Leave’ (see a previous blog on instruction for this) and ‘Stay’ commands.
Some other tips -
Ensure your dog is sufficiently exercised (also see a previous blog on exercise requirements). A possible outcome for a dog’s unreleased energy is the dog becoming fixated on or obsessed with something.
Also, dogs in the home environment should not be left to just sit and stare/glare at animals present. Being in a fixated mode is not normal for a dog and fixation is only recorded in domestic canines…
Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.