My new dog keeps chasing the cat. What should I do first?

If the answer is no, keep them apart. A closed door or secure gate gives the cat a room with food, water, litter and a resting place the dog cannot enter. Check that the barrier really works for both animals, many cats can climb or slip through a gap. Give the cat places to get up and away. Don't leave them together while you're out or distracted.

Look for the moment before a chase

Watch your dog's body, not only the barking. Stiffening, staring or ignoring your call can mean the cat is too close for a safe practice session. Don't wait for the cat to run and then try to teach a cue. Step back and put the barrier between them. A dog who can calmly glance at the cat and then look away can be rewarded for that choice, but only from a distance where both animals remain comfortable.

For some pairs, even seeing each other through a gate is too much at first. Close the door and slow down. A careful introduction can take longer than you hoped, and some dogs may never be safe sharing space with a cat. No article can promise otherwise. If there has been an attack, injury or persistent intense fixation, keep them separated and get help from a qualified behavior professional and your vet. If either animal was hurt, seek veterinary care promptly.

Tonight's step

Set up the cat's dog-free room before another chase can happen. Keep the animals apart and note what the dog does from a safe distance: loose body and easy disengagement, or stiff focus and attempts to rush. Don't stage a meeting to find out.

The AI trainer can help you sort out the next small step, but a bite or chase that puts the cat at risk needs an individual safety plan, not another test. For a longer plan around shared space, see the dog-and-cat household guide. Keep the barrier and the cat's dog-free room in place while safety is uncertain.

Sources: Best Friends on introducing dogs and cats. Best Friends on preventing chasing.