Why are dogs reactive to skateboards?
Fleta O'Hara
2025-08-03 05:34:49
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Sometimes it can be excitement and wanting to play, other times it is guarding behaviour, or even a form of fear aggression. The dog barks at the person/skateboard/bike etc., and the person keeps moving away. The dog thinks it has chased the person away, even though the postie or skateboard was always going to move away. This reinforces the behaviour for the dog, and it builds on that experience. We need to start off by working out why the dog is reacting the way it does. It may be the dog reacting to skate boards, bikes, other dogs, people coming to the house, or the postie.
Leda Kessler
2025-07-25 15:18:52
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I’m guessing that her reaction stems from fear, and whenever a dog is fearful, it’s wise to avoid attempts at punishment altogether, since punishment may only elicit more fear. My guess is that if we make her feel less scared of skateboards, the barking will subside on its own. It’s most likely the underlying emotions (in this case, fear) causing the barking to begin with. If we can eliminate the fear, we can probably eliminate the barking altogether. At the moment, skateboards only appear at unpredictable intervals, which may contribute to the fear. Help them become less novel by finding a recording of the sound of a skateboard online, and playing it at a low volume periodically—ideally during her mealtimes. Also, get a skateboard and keep it out in your living room, its mere presence in a familiar place will help it become a less scary object.
Otto Bogisich
2025-07-13 11:01:46
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: 18
The unique sound of a skateboard, especially on rough surfaces, can be grating. Imagine your dog’s acute sense of hearing amplifying this. It’s like a sudden, sharp noise to them, often leading to distress. Skateboards move rapidly and often unpredictably. In the animal kingdom, sudden motions translate to threats or prey. Our domesticated pals still carry these instincts, making a speeding skateboard a potential “threat.” Ground vibrations created by skateboards might seem negligible to us, but dogs, with their heightened senses, can feel them more vividly. This can add to their discomfort. An unfamiliar object with wheels and sometimes flashy designs can seem alien to a dog. What seems cool to us might be intimidating for them. A previous unfortunate encounter with a skateboard can leave a lasting impression on a dog. If they’ve been scared or hurt before, they’re more likely to be wary the next time. Some dogs might perceive the skateboard as a potential danger to their beloved human or themselves, evoking a protective response.
Kacey Hermann
2025-07-13 09:37:44
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Sometimes that behavior seems silly, but other times it can be dangerous and turns into something we need to change. One of these common behaviors is barking or chasing skateboarders. Maybe it's the rumble of the wheels as the skateboarders approach, or it could be the speed at which they rush by. Maybe your dog feels like he needs to herd them at the skatepark. Many herding dogs and dogs with a chase instinct naturally want to bark at something strange moving. If your dog has never seen a skateboarder, he might bark out of fear or alarm. Another reason he might bark is directly related to your reaction. If you get tense or are surprised by a skateboarder, he might read your tension as a sign of danger. He may bark to protect you.
Anabelle Smith
2025-07-13 09:15:22
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It is so common for dogs to react to skateboarders, and it’s my theory that it is because they are fast-moving. The wheels sound like growling. There is the possibly confusing appearance of a human who is both standing still and simultaneously moving fast. This is something fairly unique to skateboard riders. Your dog is probably feeling aroused, excited, frustrated, and maybe scared.
Jordane Beer
2025-07-13 05:41:25
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Many dogs go wild — barking, lunging, pulling on their leash — at the sound or sight of a skateboarder. Quickly moving bicyclists, skaters, and runners can trigger a natural chase response in dogs. Skateboards not only move quickly, but they also make loud noises. Your dog could be alarmed, and their response is their way of keeping the noisy, scary thing away.
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