Chasing other animals and objects is a great thrill for many dogs, especially sight hounds and herding breeds. These dogs were bred specifically to chase and are likely to be highly stimulated by cars, bicycles, moving animals, and joggers. Chasing is basically an extension of the dog’s prey drive. Although this behavior is normal and natural, it can lead to trouble in many ways. A dog who chases can become a neighborhood nuisance and, worse, can cause serious injury to herself, an other animal, or a person. If your dog has a habit of chasing, keep her on leash at all times when outdoors until you are confident that you have resolved the issue.
One of the most important aspects of preventing and resolving chasing issues is to teach your dog to come reliably when called (see page 174) and to hand target for attention (see page 191). When appropriate, it is also important to set up prac- tice sessions with whatever is stimulating your dog to chase. For example, if your dog chases people riding bicycles, invite a friend over to work on conditioning your dog to remain calm and under your control when your friend passes by on the bike.
Plan three- to five-minute sessions at times when your dog is hungry so that you have the best chance of attracting and keeping her focus, and be sure to keep her on leash. Always start at a distance far greater than what you think your dog can handle. Perhaps you need to have your friend pass by at twenty feet away in order for your dog to be able to focus on you.
Practice hand targeting, sit, down, stand, and any other skills you have taught your dog as a way of instructing her to focus on you and respond reliably to your requests. It is important to confirm that your dog responds reliably to requests in a stationary position before you can expect her to respond to you (and come back when called) when moving away from you at a distance.
Gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the bicycle (or whatever stimulus you are working with) when you feel that your dog can handle it. Because this closer range will be more challenging for your dog, be sure to increase the value and frequency of the rewards you give her.