How to STOP Cat Reactivity

Because chasing cats is instinct — but instincts still need rules.

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Let’s clear this up first:

Yes, chasing cats is instinctual for many dogs.

Prey drive, movement sensitivity, and curiosity are hardwired — especially in working breeds and high-drive dogs.

The problem isn’t that the instinct exists.

The problem is when the instinct is never addressed, shaped, or controlled.

At Elite K9 Service, cat reactivity is handled in one of two ways:

1. Early exposure and structure as a puppy, or

2. Clear correction for reacting, paired with rewards for calm behavior

Here’s how it actually works.

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1. Puppies Learn Neutrality — Not Permission

Dogs raised around cats from a young age often do better — but only when boundaries are enforced.

A puppy that is allowed to chase “because it’s cute” grows into an adult that chases because it’s rehearsed.

From the start:

• Chasing = corrected

• Calm curiosity = allowed

• Ignoring the cat = rewarded

This teaches the dog that the cat is part of the environment, not prey.

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2. Adult Dogs Need Clear Consequences

If the dog wasn’t raised with cats, instinct is already established — So neutrality must be trained, not just exposed and hoped for.

That means:

• Big correcting the moment the dog reacts

• Redirecting when the dog is about to react

• Immediately rewarding calm behavior

You either interrupt it clearly or it keeps happening.

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3. Use the “No” Command for All Reactivity

You don’t need a special command for cats.

Anything you don’t want the dog to do — staring, stalking, lunging, chasing — is where “No” applies.

Correct early, not at full explosion:

• Eyes lock → “No”

• Body tightens → correction

• Calm return → reward

This teaches the dog exactly where the line is.

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4. Reward Calm Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Dogs must learn that calm around cats is more rewarding than reacting.

Reward:

• Looking away

• Relaxed posture

• Staying in Heel, Place, or just being around you instead of the cat.

• Choosing neutrality

This is how instinct gets overridden — not erased, but controlled.

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5. Management Prevents Rehearsal

Every successful chase strengthens the instinct.

Until reliability is built:

• Leash the dog indoors if needed

• Use Place when cats are active

• Block visual fixation through windows or doors (This prevents unnoticed reaction going untreated)

Management isn’t weakness — it’s how you stop practicing bad habits.

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6. Not All Dogs Need to “Like” Cats

The goal is neutrality.

A successful outcome is:

• No chasing

• No fixation

• No tension

• No interest

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Key Takeaway

Chasing cats is instinctual.

Leaving it unaddressed is the mistake.

You stop cat reactivity by:

• Teaching boundaries early, or

• Correcting reactions clearly and consistently

• Rewarding calm neutrality every time

At Elite K9 Service, we don’t deny instinct — we put structure around it so it doesn’t run the dog.