I've been taking my new Papillon with me on relative-visiting trips this holiday season. My father, whom we're visiting right now, has 2 very large cats - one big brave one (probably a Maine Coon, he was rescue) and one big scaredy-cat (a pound cat). I think my dog just wants to "play" with them, but regardless of his intentions his first instinct is to jump at them excitedly.
After reading lots of the threads and websites referenced here, I had a few tricks up my sleeve (along with the leftover turkey skin) for some anti-chase training. My dog is smart and easy to please, and the cats are only aggressive if they feel in immediate danger.
Today I went on a hike around the property here with my dog, my father, and the big Maine Coon cat (he likes going for walks, too! Just not on leashes). With a lot of distraction/treats/praise on my part and bravery/stoicism on the cat's part, the three of us had a lovely walk. By this evening, the dog was walking very calmly and on a loose leash past the cat, without even trying to hassle him!
I'm so happy and proud of them
The little dog is still on leash inside the house so he doesn't have "accidents" or decide to go on a cat-chasing adventure, but for only having been here 2 days, things are going very well! Thank goodness for the doggy forums