How to Stop your Dog from Chasing

Small white dog running with a wooden stick in his mouth.

If your dog chases cars, bikes, joggers, other people’s ball, the cat, the bird, etc., then you know what a nuisance this can be.  It also puts your dog and others at risk. Chasing things out into the street or chasing other animals can put your dog in harm’s way.  This behavior also eliminates the opportunity to have a casual, uneventful walk. A dog that won’t stop chasing is a dog out of control. You’ll need to gain control over your pooch or risk dire consequences.

Basic Tips for Training

If you have a dog with chasing problems then the best thing to do is to institute basic dog training. This will fill in gaps in the dog’s earlier training or will provide good training the dog never had. Pay particular attention to asserting firm, loving authority over the dog. Beyond that, remember the following basics.

Demand your Dog Focus on You

In a pack every dog must pay attention to the leader. It’s no different with you and your pooch. Be in charge. Expect the dog’s attention.  This will keep the dog from looking for things to chase in the back yard or at the park.

Use the Leash to Curb Chasing

Take your furry chaser for frequent walks and use them to train the dog not to pull. You don’t need a choke chain or spiked collar – these often incite aggression. Just a firm hand and word will suffice. Don’t let the dog pull you around. Demand that it walk at your pace and in time you’ll both enjoy a vigorous, enjoyable walk.

Use an invisible fence by Petsafe or a cheap dog fence system.

Have a Toy Ready

If you’re at the park and the potential for chasing is at a peak, get the dog interested in a toy.  Some instructors suggest you teach a dog to fetch a ball to give it an outlet for its chasing desire. This will also let it burn off plenty of energy. A restless dog with pent-up energy will chase far more than a dog that has run off some steam.

Teach your Dog Cost Benefit Analysis

Really?  Yes!  Here’s how it works.  Keep your dog leashed and standing by the sidewalk.  Have the neighbor ride by on his bike, with promises of a pack of t-bone steaks or a case of something cold. When your pooch starts chasing haul him in with the leash and spray him in the face with the hose or a spray bottle. Do that in a few settings and your smart pup will soon learn that the benefit is not worth the cost. This kind of association is at the heart of effective training.

Don’t Get Extreme

This means that electric fences, choke chains, shock collars and that sort of thing are unneeded. If you take the time, care, encouragement and praise to do your job well your canine companion will respond beautifully. If your furry friend is particularly stubborn seek the help of a professional trainer. They will help you help your dog without resorting to cruel and unusual methods.


When it comes to stopping your dog from chasing, incorporating invisible fence batteries r21 can be a valuable tool in your training arsenal. These batteries power the invisible fence system, which establishes boundaries and prevents your dog from chasing after stimuli.

A dog that chases will create a number of problems for itself and others. Joggers, kids, or people on bikes who are being chased may fall or run into danger. Your dog will be at risk in many ways. Cut the chasing habit quickly and save you, your dog and others a world of trouble.