Chase can be one of the most damaging relationship breaker between dogs and their owners. Chasing causes distress, noise, anxiety, embarrassment, and can result in a serious accident or injury. Read our tips to help you deal with it.
Mentally stimulate your dog
Mentally stimulate your dog as much as possible for the dog in a way that is right for them. A content dog is much less likely to get out there and chase! They are already stimulated and therefore happy to work with you rather than feel the need to go and chase!
Increase relationship
At the end of the day if the relationship is strong it can overcome ANYTHING! Chase included! Three of our favourite games are:
- Name game – say your dogs name and immediately feed them – pair their name with good things!
- Grab your dogs collar and feed them – teach them to LOVE having their collar grabbed!
- Teach middle – your dog between your legs, your dog can default to this whenever they find something difficult and it’s a behaviour close to your body so allows it to be a relationship bank account investment!
Try not to limit
Try not to limit your dogs to the same, safe walks, the same secure field, or confined to the limits of their lead. Think variety… road walks, fields, beaches, woodlands, tracks, home fitness sessions and more. Really mix it up!
Strengthen your recall
Play recalls everywhere, build it and add value at every stage! We play:
- the name game – say the name and value it every time!
- practice at any opportunity
- build recall in all habitats!
- never ever think you are done!
We play a game called Distract, Mark, Treat!
It’s a super cool and easy game and is pretty much what we say on the tin – distract your dog or let a treat, or a stimulus naturally take their attention, then mark it, and treat them for orienting back to you! This really is a super game for orientation and builds huge value and confidence in the relationship you have with your dog!
Check out more of our Thursday Training Tips HERE And see our Events calendar HERE. Visit our website for more info on ways we can help: www.devondogs.co.uk or email us HERE, if you have any questions.
Turn your struggle into strengths with a Stay & Train Holiday and make the most of our fantastic training facilities onsite? Choose your cottage today.
Featured image by Mel Taylor