Training your dog not to chase people, bicycles, joggers, etc.
Dogs by nature are predatory animals, and all predatory animals
share the motivation to chase fleeing objects. While this may be
a natural instinct, it is not appropriate when those fleeing
objects are joggers, bicyclists or the mailman.
Training the dog not to chase people and bicycles is an
important thing to do, and it is best to start that training as
early as possible. Starting when the dog is still small and
non-threatening is important, particularly with breeds that grow
very large, or with breeds that have a reputation for being very
aggressive. Many people respond to being chased by a dog,
especially a large dog, with understandable fear, and it is best
for yourself and your dog that he be trained not to chase before
he reaches a threatening size.
Some dogs are easier to train away from chasing than others.
Breeds that have been used for hunting or herding often retain
much more of their chasing instincts than other types of dogs,
for instance.
No matter what breed of dog you are working with, however, it is
important to not allow him off the leash until his chasing
behavior has been curbed. Allowing an untrained dog off the
leash is dangerous, irresponsible and illegal.
Before you expose your dog to a situation where he will want to
chase someone or something, be sure to train him in a safe,
controlled area like a fenced in yard. It is important for the
dog to be able to focus and concentrate on you, and for him to
understand what behavior you want. The dog must be given the
opportunity to repeatedly perform the behavior you want while in
this controlled setting.
The training session should be started indoors in the dog's
home. The dog should be put on a leash and the owner and the dog
should stand at one end of a hallway or a room. The owner then
waves a tennis ball in front of the dog but does not allow him
to touch it. After that,
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the tennis ball is rolled to the other
end of the hallway or the room, and the command "Off" is used to
tell the dog not to chase the ball. If the dog starts out after
the ball, use the command "Off" once again and give a firm tug
on the leash.
When doing this type of training, it is vital that the dog not
be allowed to touch the ball. If he actually reaches the ball,
he may think that "Off" means to get the ball. This exercise
should be repeated several times, until the dog has learned the
meaning of the "Off" command. When the dog responds correctly by
not chasing the ball, he should be rewarded with a special treat.
After the dog seems to understand his new game, move to another
room and try the same thing. Repeat the exercise in several
rooms of the house, in the garage, etc. After the dog has
seemingly mastered the game and learned the meaning of the "Off"
command, you can work with him without the leash, but still only
in a safe area like your own home or a fenced in yard. It may
take some time for the dog to fully master control of his
chasing instinct, and it is important not to rush the process,
or to leave the dog off leash until you are sure he is fully
trained.
To test the training in the real world, enlist the assistance of
a friend to pose as a jogger. It is important that the dog does
not see and recognize this person; he has to assume that it is a
stranger in order for the test to be valid. Stand with the dog
on his leash and have your friend jog by a couple of times while
you do the "Off" exercise. If the dog does as he is asked, be
sure to provide lots of praise and treats. If he starts after
the "jogger", give a firm reminder by tugging on the leash.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His
website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights
into the life of our canine friends.
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