How do I stop my dog from chasing ducks?

It's instinct, you can control it with training, but it will always be there, so to an extent it's a question of management. I'd always have dog on a lead in an area where I know there are nesting ground birds or where there is a lot of game around because he's only a dog, at the end of the day. You can control it with training, things like teaching the dog to not immediately run for a retrieve, for example, and by training a reliable stop command. And that I trained using reward based methods - my harshest punishment was a harsh tone of voice, rarely used, with the balance very much tilted to rewarding the good. It's worth pointing out that although dog does obviously have a chase drive he can be stopped mid-chase with a whistle blast.

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. 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. Consistent training is also necessary, continue with positive, reward-based training throughout your dog’s life, not just when they’re a puppy. They need to remember your commands and realise these are more rewarding than chasing an animal. Secure your garden, ensure fences and gates are secure to help keep your dog safe and protect wildlife or other pets.

Chasing is a natural behaviour for your dog. 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. We also want to make sure we manage situations where your dog’s chase behaviours might kick in, such as keeping them on a lead around wildlife. 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. For example, you could use a flirt pole which mimics the movement of a prey animal. You can whip it around on the floor and encourage your dog to run, chase and catch the toy. You ideally need an open space on soft grass where the dog can be off lead or on a short long-line lead. 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.