Dog charges at cats

Question
Is there anything I can to stop my dog, who I just got from shelter to stop charging at my cats? I do not dare to let him loose in house because of this. Hee has to stay in crate. I would like to keep him. So obedient in every other way. I am afraid he will kill them, which I cannot live with. He is a Bassett Hound and Blue Heeler mix,

Answer
Hi Lenora,

Until you can trust your dog not to charge at your cat, have your dog wear his leash in the house. It helps if you tie the leash to your belt loop, depending on how quickly these attacks take place.

As soon as your dog looks as though he's even thinking about taking off after your cat, give the leash a sharp tug, and sternly tell your dog "NO!". Praise your dog when he's just sitting calmly near you, so he becomes aware of what the proper behavior is.

Putting up a child gate or two can help keep some rooms off limits to your dog, so your cat can feel as though there's a place to escape.

Of course, when you're not at home to supervise (or any time you're home and can't supervise) your dog should either be crated, or in a contained in a secure space. Your dog should not have the run of your home.

In time, your dog will learn not to take off after the cat, though they may never become pals.

Hope that helps!

Patti