How can I stop my gundog from chasing cats?

Last night, she jumped a row of fences in pursuit of a cat and wouldn’t come back. I’m getting fed up. What do you advise?

GUNDOG TRAINING
Jackie Drakeford
This is no fun for the owner but terrific amusement for the dog. You need a higher fence with a good overhang so that she can’t jump out.

If you are limited by local regulations in the height of fencing you can erect, then a dog-proof inner pen around the back door is a good compromise.

There are some specialist companies that make cat-proof fencing so that cats can’t get in, and it doesn’t have to be particularly high.

Ultrasonic cat deterrents work fairly well, too, but you need a lot of them and they have to be carefully sited.

All the while cats stray into the garden, they will be disturbing your dog — and your sleep — so it is worth it in the long-term to keep them out.

Forgive your dog — she is only being a normal dog doing what she thinks is her job, and she has no concept of how irritating this is for you.