Chasing is a normal behavior when considering the predator that is tearing apart your pet. Dogs are equipped with very acute senses and the quick movements of their prey. You will likely find your dog quietly sitting and watching. At the approach of a strange cat, the dog’s ears will pick up some high frequency sounds which will set off a frantic search to get at your suddenly perceived danger. The dog’s eyes will generally go from medium to dark and then to a wide stare. This is the look of a predator and quite often it is very effective in descriptions of a angry or dangerous dog.
I recently participated in a potty training for a dog that had a habit of running around the flower beds any chance he got. This was done for another client, but the problem still reared its ugly head at times. When walking the dog, his owner decided that the best way to deal with the situation was to keep him on a short leash. Unfortunately, the dog’s wandering wasn’t deterred because he found a rabbit to chase!
The basic rule to keep in mind when working with your dog to stop or reduce chasing is not to let him see you chase the object of his desire. For example, if you let him chase a rabbit then you will be praising him for teaching him how to chase. He will likely give chase again when he sees a rabbit. Always keep a happy and distracting toy available.
So why do dogs chase?
Mostly they chase for fun. It is built in into their genes.
Female dogs are more likely to chase than male dogs because they are traditionally hunting in packs and have more opportunity to get tasty brightly colored birds as they chase their target.
Dogs will chase for a number of reasons:
· Because they are chasing anything that moves
· Because they are trying to play and have fun
· Because they want to please you and are interested
· Because they are seeking escape
· Because they want to play and be with you
· Because they are protecting their territory
It is also important to note that if your dog is chasing for fun, he probably shouldn’t be chasing at the times of the day that he is most excited.
Stopping a dog from chasing will take a number of persistent techniques that are not easy to do.
If your dog’s chasing problem is purely from boredom, it will be important to establish some interactive toys for him. You may want to think about buying your dog some toys that are with a treat inside them. Keeping a dog entertained with toys that contain a treat can keep him very busy for some days.
Likewise, you will need to keep a Quite leash on your dog when outdoors. This will help you have some control over what your dog chooses to chase and eat.
Chasing Habits
If your dog is exhibiting habits similar to that of a chase, then it is likely that he has a chasing problem.
· Chasing his tail
· Chasing his ball
· Chasing his Lucky charm
· Chasing his master
· Chasing other animals
All of these habits have one thing in common, they are learned from chasing US cultural icons. Cats that roam outdoors, birds that soar in the air, and various squirrels that come out of their holes. The habits are the result of exposure to theseeful elements.
If you have yet to catch your dog chasing anything of interest, then it is time to evaluate his mannerism.
· Do you have a dog that chases his tail?
· Do you have a dog that chases his ball?
· Do you have a dog that chases his Lucky charm?
Any dog that chases its tail consistently is undesirable. Tail chasing is a serious behavior and should not be allowed. It may even be cute, but that depends on the tail being involved. A dog that is fascinated with its own tail or one that keeps its tail in its mouth or one that is fond of its own tail is likely dealing with a difficult to control problem.The tail is the most significant part of the body for a dog and taking the time to work with his tail and body will result in a less disturbed life for the dog and its surroundings.
· Chasing his tail in the back yard
· In the company of other dogs
· Out for walks
· Age permitting chasing tails
If your dogs chasing Problem is with the back yard, then your only option may be to raze your dog’s tail and then start over with the training process from the beginning. Take your timid dog or one that is fearful to get physical contact. You are going to penetrate the conditioning through your dog’s skin and learn what is required to stop the chasing, so it is your job to help your pet do it.<|endog behavior adjustment.
