Dogs Best Friend

Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Blog/Tips

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13.02.2021
Dogs with a fixation on cats -You can use a deep guttural “Bah!” and clap of your hands (if able) as soon as you see your dogs behaviour modify, to when their body stiffens and their pupils dilate (go 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 here by undertaking a series of obedience tasks - sit, shake hands, down etc.Also work on your ‘Leave’ and ‘Stay’ commands.The super useful ‘Leave’-This can be used for stopping your dog picking up objects as well as around cats… really anything you want your dog to move away from (Trev, one of our dogs, is always using his nose and not always finding the most acceptable things for us humans).‘The Leave’Keep hold of an especially favorable treat (or super interesting toy that you could be squeaking!!) in your hand and wait for your dog to lose interest - which they will eventually. The instant your dog has turned to go away, exclaim “Leave!” and offer the object.Repeat at least ten times.Some other tips around dog’s relating to cats -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. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog at www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz #Learntherightsignals #SpeakDog
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