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Dogs - all types My dog is a chaser
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Author | Topic: My dog is a chaser |
TinaK12 Member Posts: 15 |
posted 06-10-2003 09:43 PM
I have a 4-year-old mixed breed. She is a Border Collie and a Springer Spaniel (very good looking dog). I live in a community where I must walk her on a leash. The biggest problem I have with her is her desire to chase cars, bikes, trucks, scooters, and basically anything with wheels. I've tried to distract her when the bikes are near by. I have her sit and rub her throat. This keeps her calm until the bikes get closer. If a bike is within a few feet, she starts to jump and bark, to the point where she is intimidating to the rider. Not to mention, that this is embarrassing to me. I command her to sit, to stay, but she refuses, as if I am not there. I believe her Border Collie (herding dog) compells her to chase, but I need to find out how to get it to stop. I would like to train her using positive reinforcement, but even considered those awful choker collars (which I sooo don't want to do!!). Any suggestions? IP: Logged |
ilovemypets Member Posts: 401 |
posted 06-10-2003 10:08 PM
Hmm, just an idea...Why not keep a few treats handy, and when you see a car/etc say stay and give her a treat and lots of praise. Maybe your dog will find its better to stay and get food and love than chase things lol.. IP: Logged |
TinaK12 Member Posts: 15 |
posted 06-10-2003 10:10 PM
Thanks for your suggestion, but I have tried the treats. Maybe I should up the reward...like pieces of hot dogs or something?! IP: Logged |
goob Member Posts: 552 |
posted 06-11-2003 01:16 AM
One of our dogs had this problem... she's got a lot of prey drive, and to her, those things were just something else to chase down. Here are the two ways I dealt with this (there are more ways, so if you don't like these, I'm sure you can find something that works for you). -The first way was by distracting her by something else when a car came. For our dog, she LOVES tug, so everytime I saw something I thought would set her off (she's also dog aggressive), I'd pull out the tug and get her started on a rowdy game. She'd get so engrossed in the game that we could make our way past whatever it was. After a while of this, she got to the point where when she'd see something she wanted to chase, she'd turn to me and wait for me to pull out the tug. Now, I rarely have a tug on me when we encounter these things, but I can just say "ready?" (the word I'd use as I got the tug out), and she'll become completely focused on me. Once we're past whatever it was we needed to pass, I praise and pet her for a minute or two, and we're on our way. I'll still bring the tug with us sometimes, just too keep her eager, but she relies mostly on my praise as her reward now. So, you would find something your dog LOVES, a toy, a treat, anything, and use that to get their attention on YOU instead of whatever else is happening. The second way is to start at a distance from the distraction, work on basic obedience, attention exercises, etc, and when the dog is comfortable and attentive at that distance, move a little closer to the distraction. As the dog becomes comfortable and responsive at that distance, move closer. You don't ever want to be so close that the dog can't focus on you, if you are, you need to move away from the distraction. Eventually you should be able to work at a pretty close distance without any problems. [This message has been edited by goob (edited 06-11-2003).] IP: Logged |
Maisey Member Posts: 1387 |
posted 06-11-2003 01:34 PM
Goob...you always seem to give great advice! I read your posts with interest, because there is always something to be gained. Thanks, Maisey PS I have a friend and flyball team mate who also uses a tug to keep her Malinois focussed, the dog is not interested in treats at all, but would do anything for a toy. This dog was also a rescue, had been beaten so many times it makes me sick, interestingly the owner does obedience, flyball and french ring with her, she is very well trained now and slowly, ever so slowly starting to trust people just a little again. Beating a dog doesn't ever get you what you want in results, just more issues. I am happy to hear advice given that makes for possitive training experiences. IP: Logged |
TinaK12 Member Posts: 15 |
posted 06-11-2003 07:20 PM
Thank you for the great advice. I especially appreciate the point you made about starting from a distance and working closer to the car/bike. That might be where I am going wrong with the treats. I will certainly give it a try, as I am a strong supporter of positive reinforcement too. I'll have to check back with you in a few months to let you know how we are doing! Thanks again!! IP: Logged |
Jas Moderator Posts: 536 |
posted 06-11-2003 09:43 PM
along with the good advice, you could also set your dog up. I know people who have sucessfully arranged to have someone drive by while they were out walking the dog and if the dog lunged at the car the passenger would squirt the dog with a super soaker. Seemed to help. Some dogs/breeds naturally have a high prey drive, so it can make training a challenge, but if you can keep their focus it definitely helps good luck! IP: Logged |
TinaK12 Member Posts: 15 |
posted 06-12-2003 06:58 PM
Jas....You won't believe this, but my dog actually LOVES the Super Squiter! She barks and chases us when we have the squirt gun to get us to play with her. When we squirt her, she tries to catch or bite the water (I've heard Spinger Spaniels are water dogs....I'm starting to believe it!) I think I need to get it on video and send it in to that TV Show! IP: Logged |
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