rescue standard poodle versus our cat

Question
he is very good except for chasing our poor, now terrified, cat. what can we do

Answer
Hello Janet,
One thing you need to do is to dominate this dog.  When he does something that you don't want him to do, hold him down on his side and make him submit to you.  Let him up only when you say its ok.  Keep doing this until he realizes that you are his boss.  When the cat is in the house, keep a leash on him and make him submit when he starts after the cat.  While one of you hold him down, bring the cat in and set it down around him.  Make him stay down and not move.  He needs to stay down even though the cat is right there.  

You can also do the Daily Dog Exam on him.  This will help you estabolish that you are boss in a non threatening way.  You start by having your dog lay down in your lap with his head up by your stomach.  Massage the dog until he will relax.  Next, start by going over his head, ears, eyes, and mouth.  Praise him when he will lay still for this.  Next go over his body and legs.  
This helps develop the bond with you, and shows him that you are boss over him because your head is over his.  

You might also give your cat some safe rooms by putting up a baby gate that the cat can either go over or under to get away from the dog when you can't get to him, if he chases the cat.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim