How to Train a Dog Not to Chase Cats and Wildlife

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Many dogs have strong chase instincts. Squirrels, rabbits, birds and cats trigger them, and the results can be tragic. Training and management can reduce risk.

Understand prey drive

Prey drive is the instinctive sequence of searching, stalking, chasing and sometimes catching. It is stronger in some breeds, such as terriers, hounds and sighthounds, but it varies among individuals. See how to train a hound and how to train a terrier.

Safety rules

• Keep your dog on a leash in places with wildlife.
• Use a long line in open areas. See how to use a long line for training.
• Secure your garden with fencing, and check for gaps.
• Never trust a dog with strong prey drive around small animals.
• Supervise any contact with cats, rabbits or other pets.

Step 1: Teach leave it and recall

Both are essential. See how to teach leave it and recall training guide. Practice with high-value rewards and in increasingly exciting settings.

Step 2: Practice at distance

Find a safe place where wildlife is visible at a distance. Keep your dog on leash. When your dog notices an animal and stays calm, mark and reward. Reward looking at it, then back at you. Gradually decrease the distance.

Step 3: Build impulse control

Teach your dog to wait and settle. See how to train a dog with impulse control. Reward calm behavior in exciting situations.

Step 4: Give outlets

Provide appropriate chase games such as fetch or flirt pole games, with rules. Add scent games. See how to teach a dog to find it.

Introducing a dog to a cat

1. Keep them separate at first, with scent swapping using blankets.
2. Let them see each other through a baby gate or screen, rewarding calm.
3. Use a leash on the dog, and give the cat escape routes and high spots.
4. Keep early meetings short, calm and supervised.
5. Never leave them alone until you are confident, which may take weeks or months.

If the dog stalks, fixes a hard stare or lunges, slow down. Some dogs cannot safely live with cats.

Garden wildlife

Keep your dog from chasing in the garden by using supervision, leashes or fenced areas. Remove food sources that attract wildlife, such as bird feeders on the ground. If your dog digs at holes, consider whether pest animals are present. See how to stop a dog digging.

Common mistakes

• Off-leash too soon. Prevent rehearsal.
• Punishing the dog for staring. Reward calm.
• Assuming a dog is safe. Supervise.
• Skipping management. Training takes time.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog drags toward squirrels. Increase distance and reward.
• Your dog ignores recall near wildlife. Use a long line and practice more.
• Your dog fixates on the cat. Separate and seek help.
• Your cat is stressed. Give high perches and hiding spaces.

When to get help

Seek a qualified trainer or behaviorist if your dog has attacked or injured an animal, or if you worry about safety. See how to choose a dog trainer.

Living with wildlife and small pets

In homes with small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or birds, keep them in secure enclosures out of reach, and never rely on training alone. Many dogs can live peacefully with other animals, but only careful management prevents tragedy. If your dog shows intense focus on small animals, plan for lifelong separation.

The takeaway

Manage the environment, teach control and respect your dog's instincts. Safety for animals depends on you.