I have a 4 year old spayed retriever mix that I rescued from the animal shelter two years ago. She is a dominant, alpha female and the only dog in the family. When I walk her in my neighborhood she is constantly on the lookout for cats and will chase them. Unfortunately, I am attached to the other end of the leash when she lunges and am usually dragged across the landscape if I cannot stop her quickly enough. She has had some obedience training but I notice that she seems to mentally short circuit when there is a cat nearby. What can I possibly do to stop her aggressive behavior towards cats and what causes this behavior in the first place? Thanks for any advice.
- Lynda

Hi Lynda, I suggest more training, more training, more training - in that order. A prong collar also seems to get their attention back when they short-circuit. It also gives you more control, so you don't get dragged. As to the cause: not being socialized with cats while very young; and most cats will "give chase" - most dogs favorite game! Dogs think of cats as a game waiting to happen, or food! (I think) much like cats think of mice.

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