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2/20/2009 @ 5:06:25 am by goldenbuddies.com

Tip for February 20: Does Your Dog Chase Cars?

Well, not literally but figuratively speaking, is your dog fascinated by moving objects that appear outside? Rollerbladers, skateboarders, and bicyclists are just a few of the moving items that may get your dog into an uproar with an irresistible urge to chase them. That's your dog's prey instinct showing itself. He sees these moving "things" as something he should chase and catch.

Years ago, I lived on a rural unpaved country road. My dog, a dalmation named Mr. Bojangles,  loved to chase motorcyclists who would go by slowly because of the road condition. I had a long, terrible, frustrating time teaching him to let the motorcycles alone. My biggest difficulty was that he was deaf so, unless he was looking in my direction, he didn't know I was calling him. Other ideas had to come into play to stop this addiction of his before he or a rider got injured.

If you can, get the item your dog wants desperately to chase and just put it in your house, unmoving. (We borrowed a motorcycle and kept it in our garage). Hopefully, your dog will begin to treat the item as just another part of the house with no special meaning. Then ask a friend (a good friend!) to ride the toy slowly past the house. Let your dog watch from the house, then from the yard while on a leash. Eventually allow him (while on lead) to go to the person to get a treat.

Depending upon the strength of your dog's prey instinct, this may take some time but it will work. Spending 10-15 minutes (no more!) almost every day will do the trick.
 

Tags: Dog News, ...

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Photobucket Photobucket Gracie walking the pond
Gracie at pond's edge