One key to successfully training dogs
One key to successfully training dogs not to chase is to teach them to curb their chasing impulse before it starts. But if your dog is already chasing
something, don’t chase after them. It will only encourage your dog to think you are playing – and that will likely prolong the chase.
Leashes and treats are your friends when trying to train your dog not to chase. Even if you have a well-fenced backyard, if you have a dog who is prone to taking off after birds or squirrels, it will help to practice being on-leash. Bring a handful of high-value treats and treat your dog whenever they look at you. Then, start to add in the verbal “watch” cue. Treat any opportunity you take your dog outside, even for a quick potty break, as an opportunity to train. Keep your dog leashed, have lots of treats, and offer big praise for any attention your dog gives you, even if it’s a quick glance.
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If your dog is very toy-motivated, bring a toy into the yard, and you can reward them with the opportunity to play with that. The key is to make yourself more rewarding and exciting than whatever your dog wants to chase.
When your dog begins to focus on you while leashed, even with squirrels present, you can start to let the dog off-leash in your fenced yard. But keep treating anytime your dog looks at you or moves near you, verbally marking with a “yes” or clicking if you are clicker training. Be sure to put them back on-leash if birds or squirrels make an appearance.
Essentially, you’ll be working with your dog to build focus impulse control — teaching them to remain calm when exciting things happen and to wait until they are released for something they want. Reward your dog for staying near you and ignoring distractions. Then, you can practice in gradually more distracting environments as your dog gains more confidence and can focus around distractions.
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Respecting Wildlife
Even though chasing small animals and birds is fun for dogs, it’s important to teach your dog to be respectful. It’s never appropriate to allow dogs to harass wildlife when in parks. Follow leash laws and practice getting and keeping your dog’s attention when passing things that are tempting to chase. Not only is it disrespectful to allow dogs to harass wildlife, but it can also be dangerous to your dog. Animals like squirrels, raccoons, rats, and bats can carry diseases that can make your dog sick.
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