It Is Dangerous To Have a Dog That Chases - Learn How to Make Them Stop and Keep Them Safe

Dogs are natural chasers.  It is in their blood to run fast and chase after the things that catch their attention.  This is why many dogs really enjoy playing fetch with their owners.  While this is a natural instinct, especially in breeds that are known for being herding dogs, it is not safe for them if you live in an area that has car traffic and bicycle traffic.  For a child, adult, or family that is out enjoying the weather on their bikes, having a dog running swiftly towards them can be a frightening experience.

It can be just as frightening if you are driving and a dog darts out at your vehicle.  This is scary for the person driving the vehicle and also for the owner of the dog.  The driver does not want to hurt or kill a dog with their car and the owner does not want to see something terrible happen to their beloved pet.  It is best to teach your dog to refrain from chasing unless you are playing with them and it is in the appropriate location.

Anytime you take your dog out in public you should have them on a leash unless you are sure that you have trained them to refrain from chasing after bikes, cars, or other animals.  You can train them effectively while they are on the leash until you are comfortable with them being off of it.  You want to avoid any danger that comes when a dog is released from the leash but runs away from the owner.

You have to begin teaching them in an environment that is controlled.  You can do it in your own home.  You must put the dog on a leash, even though you are indoors, and teach them the phrase that is intended to get them to stop.  This may take some time and you should practice as often as you can so that the lesson is learned and the idea behind the control is put in place.

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When you begin your training indoors, you are providing them a stimulant free area so that they can put their entire focus on what you are teaching them.  The dog has, more than likely, only been exposed to the improper behavior to this point so you need to have their full attention to get them to comply.

To start your indoors training, put the dog on a leash and stand at one end of a room with them.  You should wave a ball in front of them so they know that it is there.  When you roll it or toss it across the room, the dog's natural instinct will come in and they will immediately want to chase it.  This is when you must pull the leash tight and say "Off!" This key phrase has been used to train many dogs not to chase.

It is important to use the phrase before they get away from you at all.  You want them to learn to stay right beside you, even when they are tempted to run away.  If you allow the dog to reach the ball then you are sending the signal that the key phrase is said when you want him or her to chase it.  This will work just the opposite from what you had intended.

You should complete this exercise with your dog several times a day until they eventually begin to grasp the meaning behind the word.  When you get to the point that they do not attempt to chase the ball at all, be sure to give them a lot of praise and give them a great treat.  Once the dog has mastered the direction in a particular room, switch it up and go to another room in the house.  He will get a feeling that this phrase means the same thing, no matter where you are.

Once you are sure that the dog understands, place the leash on the ground and do not hold onto it.  Toss it again and be sure to use the key word "Off" if they begin to lunge for the ball.  While you do not have a hold of the leash, you should keep it on the ground so you can quickly pick it up or step on it if they forget that they should stay still.

Once you feel that the dog has mastered this, do the same thing but with no leash on them at all.  This will allow them to learn that it doesn't matter if they are leashed or not, they should still obey.  When they are rewarded for doing so well they will be more willing to make you happy by obeying.  You should continue the off leash practice in your home or in your back yard until you are comfortable taking them out into the public.

Once you feel the dog is ready, begin to introduce some of the temptations that had made them chase in the past.  Ask a friend to come over and to jog down the sidewalk near you and your dog.  When they notice the jogger they will perk up but be sure to use the key phrase so they know that it is not alright to chase the jogger.  Asking a friend to do this will be less worrisome if the dog should forget the key word and then charge him or her.  They will know what to expect, unlike a stranger that is simply out to enjoy a jog.  You should keep your dog on the leash so you have some control until you are sure that they understand the meaning of "Off".

The same technique applies if your dog has been known to chase cars.  Have someone you know and trust drive their vehicle down the street near the dog.  Keep them on the leash and use your command so they know that it is not alright to chase.  If you incorporate these training techniques for your dog, you are sure to find that they are much less likely to chase people on bikes or cars that are driving nearby.  

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