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Dog Obsessive Behavior - Chasing Dog - Chasing Anything!
by Rena Murray
I am confronted with obsessive dog behavior problems almost every day. One of the most serious obsessions a dog can develop is the Chasing Dog Syndrome. Although it is a dog instinctive behavior, a dog who has instincts which are allowed to control him is an accident waiting to happen. Think for a moment. Dog chasing car is killed.
If that thought is not enough to convince you, ask yourself this question. What if your barking chasing dog got you hurt by his refusal to listen? An animal out of control affects the safety of all those around him. Your dog may chase in play, but he must know that you granted him permission.
Another way your dog could be injured from random chasing is if he corners a wild animal. What if he chased a raccoon? I personally have seen how nasty those small creatures can be. My Uncle's young puppy was killed by one.
If your dog wants to chase other dogs or wildlife, is an obnoxious barking chasing dog, or dangerously a dog chasing cars, you have cause for concern. Maybe he chases everything. He may even herd things. This may be dog instinctive behavior to chase prey, run off predators, or herd a flock, but unless your dog is working on a farm doing these things as a real job, or at least under control and not acting at random, this could develop into a habit, then a pattern, then an obsession.
It could reach the point where your dog has a sudden, uncontrollable urge to dash off without notice, putting you and or himself in danger. In such circumstance, you need to take corrective action. Do not wait for things to get worse and for the behavior to become more ingrained.
What to do about a chasing dog? If there is something of any kind that you do not wish your dog to chase, here is how to stop a dog from chasing.
I will call the dog Chaps. (Chasing Chaps- right?) Prepare Chaps for the exercise by putting his leash on at the highest part of the neck, the way it is done in dog shows. This will give you a lot more control over him, which makes a huge difference.
The other thing I recommend is working with Chaps on the heel command on leash before bringing in distractions. Always make training a step by step process. It is much more fun that way, and the whole process will move faster with less stress.
After that, you and Chaps are prepared for you to take him straight to a place where you are sure to find a distraction that will to trigger the negative reaction. After all, how are you supposed to correct a behavior if it is not happening?
Once there, let's say another dog triggers Chaps' chasing instinct. The first thing to do is to make Chaps lie down. Then have a friend bring his dog forward. When Chaps shows too much interest, pull UP on the leash to snap him out of it. Never pull harshly or to the side.
Every time he makes a move, put Chaps back in the down position in the same spot. Eventually, the stimulus that previously instigated a chase response will cause a relaxed response. The dog comes into balance. For example, he will obviously be aware of another dog's approach, but instead of chasing, he will look at you for permission before any other action.
Oh, you cannot tell when Chaps is saying in dog body language that he is ready to react? Let me help you... Always remember that a dog reacts in this order: nose, ears, eyes. The nose sniffs across the air ever so slightly, then the head is directed forward as ears perk and come forward ... in a split second ... Pay close attention. Dogs do not wait, but react swiftly. Try as hard as you can to catch Chaps at level one and not to let things escalate.
Repeat this exercise until Chaps is exactly as calm as you want him to be. Each time you practice, it will take Chaps less time to respond. Soon, not only will you no longer need the leash, but you will silence the fear in your heart - the fear that your beloved pet may die through a tragic accident.
Need help with Obsessive Compulsive Dog Behavior? Ask Dog Behaviorist – Dog Obedience Trainer, Rena Murray, at PawPersuasion.com for a PRIVATE COACHING SESSION. Rena blends extensive Dog Behavior Modification experience with the best of the Dog Whisper Behavior and other methods for individualized solutions to each unique situation. See Rena's no-nonsense ARTICLES and Free "Best Ezines" NEWSLETTER at http://www.pawpersuasion.com . If you suspect allergy or other medical causation, or just want a healthier pet, consult an expert in both traditional and holistic VETERINARY MEDICINE, Dr. Andrew Jones. Get his manual for complete pet treatment at home through Veterinary Secrets.
Contact the author, Rena Murray
, at rena@pawpersuasion.com
.
