How to train a dog not to chase?

The best way to stop your dog from chasing other animals is through training. Train your dog to “leave”. This command will often tell your pet not to pick up something, but it can also tell your dog not to run off. Make sure you say “leave” as soon as your dog spots something to chase. Then, reward your dog for giving their attention to you instead. Teach your dog recall. Training your dog to come back to you when you call is suitable for their safety. If your dog chases something, recall instructs them to come back to you. When they return, reward your dog with something they love, like a treat or a toy. Consistent training. Continue with positive, reward-based training throughout your dog’s life, not just when they’re a puppy. Distract your dog. Stay alert during walks so you can spot things your dog might want to chase before they do, then distract your pooch from the animal. Keep them on a lead. During walks, please keep your dog on a lead so you have more control over them. Muzzle train your dog. Wearing a muzzle will prevent your pooch from hurting other animals. Help them associate wearing the muzzle with positive experiences through muzzle training. Secure your garden. Ensure fences and gates are secure to help keep your dog safe and protect wildlife or other pets.

Hunting and herding breeds in particular have been bred over centuries to have a strong chase instinct. However almost every dog has a natural tendency toward some chase, or predatory behaviour, and this can be triggered by something they see, smell or hear. In the wrong situation, chasing or predatory behaviour can be dangerous. However, dogs that do not have an outlet for this behaviour can become frustrated, and often find other potentially harmful ways of expressing it, so the key is to try and provide your dog with alternative ways to chase, but in an appropriate and safe way. For dogs who already have a high prey drive, there are a number of toys and activities which can help redirect this behaviour in a safe and fun way. You could use a flirt pole which mimics the movement of a prey animal. Long chaser-type tug toys can come on a bungee cord or a material line with a fluffy toy on the end. Teaching your dog to fetch a toy can be a good way to encourage running after the toy, grabbing a moving item and then crucially, coming back to you. As well as letting our dogs get their desire to chase out of their system in a safe way, we can also manage situations where they might come across sights, sounds and smells that could trigger the behaviour. Start working on building up your dog’s focus and recall, but in less distracting environments first. Keep your dog on a harness and long-line lead while working on their recall and teaching them to focus on you around possible chase distractions.

In just 1 hour I can show you how to cure a dog’s chasing habits for life. Conventional methods often can’t work when training a dog not to chase sheep. The crime is often committed a long way from the owner, meaning that when it is caught there is no association in the animal’s mind between the offence and the reprimand. Punishing the dog in this situation is not a positive action and results in distress for the pet and increasing desperation on the part of the owner. I have my own flock of sheep and a dedicated paddock for teaching, always with the owner present. You may need to call to discuss your dog and the problems you are facing so that I recommend the best course of action.