How do I get my dog to stop chasing runners? Have you ever been out walking your dog, and then a runner or jogger comes along? It gets quite frustrating or embarrassing if your dog starts running after them. I know I’d had to exchange a couple of apologies to joggers who were frightened by my dog while they were running. It took me a while, but it is possible to train your dog to stop this behavior.
How do we get our dogs to stop chasing runners? The first thing to do is to keep the dog on a leash. Train them the verbal command “leave it,” this should make the dog sit down and let the runner pass by. The best way to encourage and cultivate this behavior is through using rewards and treats.
I’ve written below how to successfully train your dog to stop running after joggers.
Read on to learn how to train your dog to do the same.
Why are Dogs Attracted to Runners?
Let’s get this out of the way first. Why do dogs chase after runners anyway?
A runner’s body heat and the sound of their footsteps may be what attracts some dogs. Other dogs might just enjoy the company of runners because they feel like they’re being petted while running. Dogs are attracted to runners for many reasons. Some dogs are trained to sniff out drugs, so they find runners because they think the runner has drugs.
What Are Some Reasons Why Dogs Chase Runners
Dogs chasing runners is a problem that has been around for years, and it doesn’t seem like it will end anytime soon. Many people have tried to find out why this happens and the solution, but there are many reasons why dogs chase runners, and they can’t all be fixed. Some dogs might be territorial, thinking that the runner invades their territory. Dogs might be trying to play with the runner or get their attention. The runner might have food on them, attracting the dog’s attention. The dog might just want to eat the runner’s snacks or drink their water.
What Causes Dogs to Chase After People on the Street?
Ever wondered why your dog always chases after people on the street? The answer is simple. Dogs are naturally curious, and they can smell the sweat and food on a person’s clothes. When they see a person, they think that they will give them attention and play with them. This is why dogs chase after people on the street!
The Different Kinds of Runners & Why Your Dog May Chase Them
There are many different types of runners, and it is important to understand why your dog may be attracted to one or more of them. Some runners may be wearing a fragrance that dogs are attracted to, some may have a dog-friendly diet, while others may have a particular attractive movement.
There are many types of runners, and it is important to know why your dog may be drawn to one over the other. A runner could be wearing a kind of fragrance that attracts dogs, or they may have certain physical features that make them more eye-catching.
It also depends on your dog’s behavior and psychology, but here are some points to consider.
- Your dog may chase fast runners because they are excited and want to play.
- Your dog may chase slow runners because they are afraid and want to protect you.
- Your dog may chase big runners because they are worried and want to protect you.
- Your dog may chase small runners because they are excited and want to play.
Teaching Your Dog Not to Chase After People on the Street
In the United States, there are about 70 million pet dogs. In general, dog owners have been informed and educated to train their dogs not to chase people on the street.
Teaching your dog not to chase after people on the street is a difficult task. It can be done by following these steps:
- Keep your dog on a leash and teach them not to pull it
- Teach your dog that they need to sit when they see a person coming towards them
- Teach them that when you say “leave it,” they should stop what they are doing and come back to you
- Reward them with treats for good behavior.
The first rule of handling your dog is always keeping them on a leash. This will ensure that your dog is safe and cannot wander off. Teaching your dog to sit when it sees someone coming is also an important lesson.
Lastly, teaching your dog the words “leave it” will help keep them from eating things they are not supposed to or chasing other animals.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chasing Runners?
To stop your dog from chasing runners, you need to teach them that the runner is not a toy.
You can do this by giving them a toy when you see a runner coming.
#1: When your dog sees a runner approaching, give him a toy and say “Leave It” in an authoritative voice.
Dogs are natural hunters and will instinctively chase a runner running away. If you want to avoid a dog attack, distract them by giving them a toy and telling them “Leave it” in an authoritative voice.
#2: When the runner is gone, give your dog the toy back and praise him for being so good.
Dogs are often trained with the help of toys. When using a toy to train your dog, you can gradually teach what behaviors are acceptable by giving the toy back when your dog does something desirable. When you find that your pup has learned the desired behavior, you can give the toy back without praising your dog. This decreases the need for praise and ensures that your puppy learns faster.
#3: Repeat this process every time you see a runner approaching.
Other things you can do to help your dog with this behavior are the following:
- Start training your dog at a young age. This will help create good habits carried on as your dog gets older.
- Make sure to always have your dog on a leash when walking or running. This will help to keep your dog close by and under control.
- If your dog does start to run after a runner, try to calmly call them back and give them a treat as a reward.
- If your dog continues to run after runners, you may need to seek the help of a professional trainer. They can help correct the behavior and create a training plan for your dog.
Dogs that chase runners can be a serious safety concern. They can cause injuries to the runner and endanger the dog if they are not under control.
The best way to stop a dog from chasing a runner is to train them from an early age not to do so. You must have patience and persistence with this process, as it does take time for the dog to learn.
It is also important for runners to be aware of their surroundings, as dogs may not always be on leashes or in fenced areas.
Tips for Training Your Dog to Stop Chasing Runners
Dogs are natural hunters, so it’s not surprising that they might want to chase runners. A runner is a moving target, and it’s probably the most exciting thing your dog will see all day. It’s important to train your dog not to chase runners because it could lead to injury for both the runner and the dog.
One way you can stop your dog from chasing runners is by teaching them “leave it.” When you see a runner coming, make sure that you have treats in one hand and something in the other hand that your dog really wants, like a toy or ball. As soon as they start running after them, say “leave it!” and give them what is in your other hand instead of letting them get follow their natural instinct,
If running people often stimulate your dog, you will need to train them to stop this behavior.
The first step is to stop rewarding your dog for chasing people. If your dog is rewarded with attention, petting, or treats when they pursue people, they will continue to do it. Instead, when your dog starts to chase someone, immediately turn and walk away from them.
Ignore your dog until it calms down and stop chasing people. If your dog follows you, repeat this process until they stay put. It may take some time, but eventually, your dog will learn that chasing people leads to nothing but negative consequences.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Chasing Runners?
Dogs that chase runners can be a real nuisance. They can cause accidents and injuries to the runner, as well as to themselves. The first step is to ensure that your dog has plenty of exercise and other activities. This will help release some of their pent-up energy, so they won’t feel the need to run after runners.
Leashes may not work for stopping dogs from running because they may become tangled up in them and get injured. It is best to use a long line instead, which should be attached to your dog’s collar or harness and then secured around a stationary object or pole.
There is no foolproof way to prevent your dog from chasing runners, but there are some things you can do to minimize the chances.
1. Make sure your dog is properly trained and knows basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
2. If your dog starts to chase a runner, make a loud noise or say “NO!” to distract them.
3. Keep your dog on a leash when around other people or animals.
4. If your dog is particularly excitable or prone to chasing runners, consider keeping them in a fenced-in area when outside.
Conclusion
We learned that it’s a dog’s natural instinct as hunters to chase after something, but we also learned that it is a behavior that can be curbed through training. Other members of our community have successfully trained their dogs with this behavior. We know you can do it too.
Source:
“Why Is My Dog Chasing Everything?” American Kennel Club (AKC), Accessed April 26, 2022
Working as a medical technologist, and I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I really like to take care of my dog Snow. A crazy japanese Spitz, but as they say like owner like pet.
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