Why do dogs chase cats? Anything squirmy or quick-moving can trigger your dog’s natural instinct to chase: cats, squirrels, birds, rabbits, even leaves blowing across the street.

It can feel overwhelming, and often embarrassing, when every walk turns into a tug-of-war. If your dog bolts forward the moment they see a cat, or nearly lifts off the ground with excitement at the sight of a squirrel, you’re not alone.

Chasing is one of the most common behavior issues dog owners struggle with, and fortunately, there are proven training techniques that can significantly reduce—or even stop—this behavior.

Why Dogs Chase Cats and Squirrels

Understanding the root causes of chasing behavior will make your training more effective. Dogs chase for several natural and instinctive reasons:

1. Prey Drive
Many dog breeds—especially terriers, herding dogs, and sporting breeds—are genetically predisposed to chasing moving prey.

2. Excitement and Energy
A bored dog with excess energy, or one unfamiliar with small animals, may chase simply because it is exciting and rewarding.

3. Curiosity or Playfulness
Some dogs are not motivated by harm. Instead, they want to explore, herd, or play.

4. Lack of Training or Recall Skills
A dog with weak recall or poor impulse control is more likely to dash after anything they consider fun, even if they mean no harm.

5. Fear or Uncertainty
A fearful or reactive dog may chase to increase distance between themselves and the cat or squirrel.

The good news is that no matter the cause, the solutions rely on training, structure, and consistency.

Step One: Start With Management and Safety

Before you teach your dog not to chase cats or squirrels, you must prevent them from rehearsing the behavior. Every time your dog chases, the habit becomes stronger and harder to break.

Use a Secure Leash
Dogs who chase should not be allowed off-leash in open or unfenced areas. Regular leashes or long training lines are ideal for outdoor walks.

Avoid High-Trigger Zones Early in Training
If your area is full of squirrels, begin training in a lower-distraction environment so your dog can practice being successful before facing bigger challenges.

Keep Indoor Cats Safe
When training indoors, use baby gates, crates, or tethers to stop direct chasing while you work on controlled exposure.

Reward Calm Behavior Immediately
If your dog sees a cat or squirrel and does not react, mark the moment with praise and reward.

Management doesn’t replace training, but it keeps everyone safe and prevents setbacks.

Step Two: Build Strong Focus Skills

If your dog cannot focus on you, they can’t learn to ignore other distractions. Developing focus skills will make all future training easier.

Teach a Solid “Watch Me”
Ask your dog to look at your face on cue. Start indoors, reward frequently, and gradually practice outside.

Practice Name Recognition
When you say your dog’s name, they should instantly turn toward you. This is critical during unexpected encounters.

Use High-Value Treats
For impulse control or reactivity training outdoors, kibble is usually not motivating enough. Use small pieces of chicken, turkey, cheese, or high-value training treats.

Once your dog can reliably shift their attention to you, you’re ready for the next step.

Step Three: Desensitization and Counterconditioning

These two behavior-modification techniques are often used together for dogs who react strongly to triggers like cats or squirrels.

What Is Desensitization?
Desensitization involves exposing your dog to the trigger at a distance where they can see it but remain calm. This teaches the dog that the trigger doesn’t need a big reaction.

What Is Counterconditioning?
Counterconditioning pairs the sight of the trigger with something positive, such as treats or praise.

Example:
Your dog notices a cat from 50 feet away and stays relaxed. You reward them. With repetition, your dog learns that seeing a cat means good things happen.

How to Begin

• Start at a distance where your dog is aware of the cat or squirrel but not reacting.

• The moment your dog acknowledges the animal, reward them.

• If they show increased interest or agitation, move farther away.

• Gradually reduce the distance over multiple sessions.

This takes time and patience but is one of the most effective methods for reactive or high-prey-drive dogs.

Step Four: Teach Impulse Control

Dogs who chase often have poor impulse control—they act first and think later. Teaching self-control helps prevent sudden bursts of chasing.

Key Impulse Control Exercises

1. “Leave It”
Teach your dog to disengage from something on cue. Start with non-moving objects, then progress to more exciting distractions.

2. “Stay” and “Wait”
These commands teach patience and stillness around stimulating situations.

3. Controlled Door Exits
Ask your dog to sit and wait before going through any door. This builds discipline and sets the tone for calmer behavior outdoors.

Practice in Low-Distraction Environments First
Before training outside near cats or squirrels, ensure your dog can control themselves indoors.

Step Five: Strengthen Recall Training

A reliable recall is essential. Even if your dog spots a squirrel, they should return to you when called.

Tips for Better Recall

• Never call your dog for something unpleasant (like ending fun time).

• Use a cheerful, encouraging tone.

• Reward generously when they come.

• Practice daily in easy settings before harder ones.

Use a Long Line for Training
A 10- to 20-meter long line gives your dog space to explore while keeping them safely under control.

Make Coming to You More Rewarding Than Chasing
If your dog learns that returning to you always results in play, praise, affection, or great treats, they will choose you more often than the distraction.

Step Six: Teach the “Emergency U-Turn”

This technique is extremely useful when you spot a cat or squirrel before your dog does.

How It Works

• Say your dog’s name.

• Turn your body 180 degrees and walk away.

• Encourage your dog to follow.

• Reward generously when they turn with you.

Practice this often in a calm environment so your dog reacts automatically when needed.

Indoor Training for Dogs Who Chase Cats at Home

If you share your home with both dogs and cats, structured training is essential for safety and harmony.

Use Barriers
Baby gates allow safe visual exposure without direct contact.

Reward Calmness
Whenever your dog looks at the cat and stays relaxed, reward them.

Let the Cat Control the Situation
The cat should be able to move freely or hide. Never force interaction.

Supervise All Interactions
Never leave your dog and cat together unsupervised until your dog has a long, consistent history of calm behavior.

Extra Tips for Success

Provide Ample Exercise
A well-exercised dog is less likely to engage in unwanted chasing. Include walks, play sessions, training, and mental stimulation.

Try Scent Games or Puzzle Toys
These redirect your dog’s natural instincts into safe, enriching activities.

Avoid Punishment
Punishing a dog for reacting to a trigger often increases stress and can make chasing worse. Stick to positive reinforcement.

Be Patient and Consistent
Chasing is highly rewarding for dogs, so replacing it with calmer choices takes time. Short, daily training sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s chasing is intense, aggressive, or unmanageable, working with a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist can be extremely helpful. A professional can guide you through customized behavior-modification steps and help keep everyone safe.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog not to chase cats or squirrels requires patience, consistency, and a thoughtful approach. Through a combination of management, focus training, desensitization, impulse control exercises, and a reliable recall, most dogs can learn to remain calm around high-energy triggers. Every dog learns at their own pace, and small, consistent improvements lead to long-lasting progress.

With the right training, your dog can enjoy peaceful walks, safer interactions with other animals, and a more confident, relaxed connection to the world around them.