How to Stop Dog Chasing

Stop Dog Chasing

Chasing is a normal behavior for dogs which means that it can be very difficult to stop. If you have one of the hound breeds, in particular, such as a Greyhound, you may have a real problem teaching your dog not to chase small animals.  Dogs can also chase bicyclists, joggers and even cars so this can be a very dangerous behavior.  Here are some suggestions to help you stop dog chasing.

Leash Your Dog

The single most effective way to stop your dog from undesirable chasing behavior is to keep him leashed.  Although this may be inconvenient for you and your dog, it is effective.  As long as you have control of your dog on a leash he can’t chase anyone or anything.  Of course, it’s always possible that your dog may get away from you or escape from your yard.  In that case, try some of these other suggestions.

Teach Your Dog To Come

One of the most important lessons you can teach your dog is to come when called.  If your dog knows the come command then he should leave off chasing things when you call him.  It is easy to teach a dog to come but it can take weeks and months to perfect it so your dog comes to you each and every time you call him, both on and off the leash.

Refocus Your Dog’s Attention

When you see that your dog is about to give chase to something, learn to refocus his attention on you.  If your dog goes ballistic when the neighbor’s cat appears, haul out the peanut butter treats.  Say your dog’s name and, as soon as he looks at you, praise him and give him one of the treats that he loves.  Keep him focused on you until the chase object is forgotten.  This may take some effort since your dog can become obsessed with chasing something.

Use Deterrents

Have a friend help you.  If your dog is prone to chasing bike riders, have your friend ride by with a squirt bottle and squirt your dog when he approaches and say, “No.”  Have a friend jog by.  When your dog approaches have him squirt your dog and say, “No.”  Teach your dog that when they chase things there can be unpleasant results.

Teaching Your Dog The Off Command

You can also teach your dog the Off command so he won’t chase things.  To do this you should practice with your dog in a small, enclosed area.  Have your dog on his leash or on a long line.  Use a toy or ball that your dog really likes.  With your dog standing at one end of the room, wave the toy in front of him but don’t let him get close to it.  Then throw it across the room and give him the “Off” command.  If he starts to go after it, tell him “Off” again and pull on his leash firmly.  You want him to understand that “off” means that he’s not supposed to chase after something.

Once your dog catches on you can start practicing in other rooms and then outside in enclosed areas.  Then you can try it while your dog is wearing his leash but without holding it.  This way you can grab it quickly if you need to.

Finally, you can practice your “Off” command with your friend acting as a jogger.  Make sure that your dog has learned this lesson perfectly on leash before you think of trying it off-leash.