How To Train Your Dog Not To Chase People

Dogs are predatory animals by nature, with chasing being a healthy outlet and exercise for them. However chasing could becomes a frustrating and dangerous practice when your pet dog chases people that are jogging, going on a bicycle or a mailman; he needs to be trained not to chase people.

Here are a few points worth considering:

1) It is important to train your pet dog when young and non-threatening not to chase people; as some breeds of dogs grow really big and threatening, with others being aggressive. Many people respond to the chasing by a large dog with great fear, making it vital to train them before they become of a threatening size.

2) Chasing could be the predatory instinct of most dogs; however it is found that some breeds, especially those used for hunting and herding chase more than others and would require more time to be trained.  

3) Most breeds of dogs are trained to not chase, however it is best for the owner to not let the dog off the leash until he has been fully trained and his tendency to chase has been curbed; allowing an untrained dog off the leash is not only irresponsible and dangerous, but also illegal.

4) It is best to not expose your pet dog to situations where he would chase until he has been fully trained; ensure you train your pet dog in a controlled area like a fenced in yard where your pet is able to focus and concentrate on what behavior you expect of him and the behavior you would not tolerate. Your pet should be given the opportunity to repeat the behavior that is expected of him in the controlled setting.

5) You, as an owner could start the training to not chase people indoors; the pet could be put on leash and both the owner and the pet could stand at one end of the hallway. Then the owner could wave a tennis ball in front of the dog and not allow him to touch it. The pet dog should be given the command, “Stop” when he chases the tennis ball to the other end of the hallway; indicating to your pet  to stop chasing the ball. In case the pet persists on chasing the “Stop” command should be given again with a firm tug at the leash. Reward your pet a special treat for following the command. The dog will take some time before he is fully trained.

6) Lastly to test if your pet dog is fully trained, ask one of your friends to pose as a jogger and jog a couple of times when you do the “Stop” command; make sure the pet does not recognize the person. In case he chases, tug at the leash; reward or praise him if he doesn’t.  

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