Prey Drive
Prey drive in dogs is the natural desire to chase small animals. The movement of small animals, objects, cars., etc., trigger dogs to run after them. This behaviour is a reflexive, natural behaviour in most dogs, and it is the main reason that dogs chase cats.
This instinct originates from when wolves needed to find, chase, and capture their own prey in order to survive. Even though our dogs live in our homes and eat delicious meals in a special bowl two to three times a day, this instinctual behaviour can still manifest.
Prey drive in our dogs can manifest in completely innocent and normal ways, like chasing after a ball or stick. Sometimes, though, it can manifest in more harmful or problematic ways, like chasing bicyclists or chasing us when we run. Prey drive is an instinctual behaviour, so this is why many dogs naturally chase cats. It’s essential to train your dog and teach him how to live peacefully in your home with your cat.
Breed
Some breeds, like working, hunting, or herding breeds, have a stronger prey drive than other breeds. These types of breeds have been selectively bred for the act of finding small objects, grabbing them, and bringing them back to their owners. Similarly, Terriers have been bred to find and attack small animals. This is why these breeds make good companions for active and hunting families.
Play
Dogs and puppies are playful by nature, and many dogs play by chasing after each other. When your dog sees your cat, he could start chasing him simply as a means to start a game of fun. Your cat likely doesn’t appreciate being chased, though. Your cat may even resort to hiding just so that he can get some peace and quiet and not be bothered by your dog. If your dog is constantly chasing your cat, it’s important to intervene to stop that behaviour.
Territorial Aggression
Some dogs are very territorial. These territorial behaviours date back to the early days of wolves. These behaviours were natural survival instincts. Guarding and hoarding resources like food were a means to survive and not have the resources taken away.
How to Stop a Dog From Chasing a Cat
It’s important that this behaviour is stopped immediately. The longer a dog keeps chasing a cat, the more that the behaviour becomes ingrained in the dog. This means it will be more difficult to stop. Cats are known to get stressed out easily, so it’s important that they are able to live peacefully in the home and not have to worry about being chased constantly.
Use a leash
Training your dog not to chase your cat can be a lengthy process since it’s such a natural instinct. While you’re working on training, the fast and easiest way to prevent this from happening is by keeping your dog on a leash. This will allow your cat the space to roam freely in the home, and it will teach your dog to coexist in the same area as your cat without feeling the need to chase him.
Exercise the dog
When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they often act out. This could turn into your dog chasing the cat simply because he’s bored and has pent-up energy. Make sure that your dog is getting adequate.
Redirect the behaviour
When you notice your dog is starting to get excited and he looks like he may want to chase the cat, it’s important to intervene immediately and give your dog something else to focus on, like a chew toy.
Anytime your dog looks as though he is about to begin chasing the cat, it’s important that you get your dog’s attention immediately and reward him for coming to you. You should continue rewarding him for remaining calm and quiet next to you instead of chasing the cat.
Eventually, this will help your dog learn to be calm and quiet around your cat naturally instead of being tempted to chase him. Before you know it, your dog and cat may even be snuggled up together on the couch!
Conclusion
It’s an instinctual behaviour for dogs to chase cats, primarily due to prey drive. While this can be a difficult behaviour to stop, it is possible with training. With this behaviour, it’s important to pay close attention to your dog and intervene immediately.
Make sure to redirect your dog to you anytime he looks like he may be tempted to chase the cat. Once you’ve gotten his attention, you can keep him focused on you or on a chew toy. Cats get stressed out easily, so it’s essential to make sure that your cat has a safe space to retreat to where he doesn’t have to worry about your dog chasing him.
