[owl2010]

We're currently training our dog to ignore the cat whenever the cat comes in the room. When Dixie attempts to lunge after the cat, we don't know what to do.

"No" isn't working, and the pennies in a coke can method doesn't bother her. We were thinking of doing a spray bottle, but I didn't know if that would be a bad thing.

Clapping our hands, or any loud noises tend not to work either, it's like she's been completely desensitized to stuff like that.

Thanks in advance.

 

[juliemule]

There is no magic sound. She has learned to ignore what you are using because nothing follows. Either use a command she knows, such as here, reward when she responds. Or you can use a word such as no, and reinforce it with removing her if she persists.

Any sound that is used she may become desensitized to it. That's the problem with no, for instance. No, no , no, but the dog ignores it so it means nothing. You can try a whistle, but again, unless there is a reinforcement, it to will become mute.

 

[Pawzk9]

I teach the dog a solid "leave it" cue, and then, starting across the room from cat (on long line), allow dog to glance at cat "leave it" click & treat, gradually allow the dog to be closer to the cat, and continue. This is NOT something I would recommend for a dog who was seriously predatory towards cats, but it works well if the dog is just sort of thinking the cat looks like fun.

 

[luvmyfurballs]

I have three dogs and five cats. The 10 month old is a german shepherd and the leave it command works well with her. She has her moments when she wants to play and they cuddle up and sleep with her at night, so it all works out good