An off-leash puppy may chase after squirrels, birds or even joggers or screaming children. Before you trust your puppy off leash, socialize her to a range of situations. Some puppies, particularly herding breeds, may chase out of dominance or possessive aggression. If your puppy engages in other aggressive play behaviors and enjoys chasing, address aggression and dominance issues by working with a behavioral trainer. Otherwise, a pup with a herding instinct and dominance issues may decide to herd other peoples kids or pets, which could lead to trouble. If your pup has these issues, you may opt not to play chase games since they may send a confusing message.
You might not be in the mood to run with your puppy, but you can allow her to chase a favorite toy to burn off extra energy. Let her chase balled-up socks, balls or squeaky toys. Throw the item and watch her chase after it, or create a backyard “hide and seek” by hiding her favorite toys in the yard and watching her run after them. You can even hide and have her chase after you.
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Puppies may naturally try to initiate chase with you by running away from you. Its OK to play chase your puppy and it can become a fun game between the two of you. Take care not to chase your puppy off leash unless you are in a fenced-in area. Puppies are still learning, and she may think that not coming when called is just part of the game.
While it may seem like a silly game to you, chase can teach young pups valuable lessons about appropriate play behavior with people and dogs. For some pups, these games reinforce aggression issues that pose a bite risk. However, most puppy-owner chase and puppy-puppy chase games are perfectly acceptable.
Of course, Stetson thought this was a great game and continued to play keep away from all the Walmart employees. It was quite a fiasco with people sliding into displays, running into each other, and Stetson being the agile puppy (hmmm…it’s 2017 now and I’m surprised I ever described Stetson as an “agile” puppy) narrowly escaping everyone’s grasp. Quite simply it was like watching the three stooges.
Did you learn a lesson from my dream? The moral of the story was do not chase your dog! Why? because he thinks it’s a game. If you chase, he runs away. I’m sorry to say that most likely he’s quicker than you. I’ve seen it many times at the park or on residential streets…people frantically chasing their dogs while the dog simply moves gracefully and speedily out of the grasp of their owners. So, what should you do to get your dog to come to you? Don’t chase them like the picture below!
I’ve learned a lot about puppies, dogs, and training over the last few years and one thing that has really stuck out in my head is never chase your dog!
This bit of advice has stuck out in my head so much I’ve been having dreams about it. Last week I dreamt (is that a word?) about my guide dog puppy in training, Stetson, Walmart, and Walmart employees. For some reason Stetson was running around the store, loose and off his leash. All of the Walmart employees were chasing him trying to corral him.
On a second note. Archer has learned how fun the chase game is to play (Linus taught him the game in our backyard) and anytime we let him into the backyard he tries to initiate the chase game (he likes to be chased) which I hate to say has really hurt his recall.
When playing chase with your pup, never chase after him or allow him to chase you. This can encourage aggressive behaviors toward you, which you want to avoid. It also can lead to your pup thinking you are playing a game with him whenever you run after him. Should he escape your yard or home and you chase after him, your excited pooch will run away from you, creating a potentially dangerous situation for him if he runs into traffic. You also want to discourage your pup from chasing after either children or animals by teaching him the “leave it” command to stop him during a chase, recommends VeterinaryPartner.com.
Chasing is a natural behavior of puppies, one that they engage in with their siblings as young pups. Its also a productive way to exercise your pup, but only when played with strict rules to prevent problem behaviors from developing later in life. When done correctly, this game shouldnt encourage your pups prey drive toward animals and children or cause him to run away from you.
Only play chase in a fully fenced area or dog park, even if your little pooch knows basic recall commands. If you are unsure how secure an area is, keep your pup on a drag line for the pups safety and to control any bad behavior such as inappropriate chasing of animals or people, recommends Wayne L. Hunthausen, DVM of the Westwood Animal Hospital. Observe your pups behavior during chase games and if you see any signs of aggression like snapping, biting of the toy, growling or staring, stop the game immediately. This will discourage aggressive behaviors later in life, recommends the Hartz website. If these signs continue, stop playing chase and switch to another game like fetch.
When playing chase, use a toy on a string as the “prey” for your puppy to chase. Allow your pup to chase the toy for a few minutes before he is allowed to catch it. Once he does, command him to “drop it”; only when he does should you allow the game to continue, recommends Vetstreet. If Fido refuses to drop the toy, immediately stop the game. Soon your pooch will learn that catching and guarding the toy will only result in a stop in play, keeping you in control of the game. Periodically, during the game, stop the chase and have your pup perform another behavior, like sitting or performing a trick to prevent him from becoming overly excited during play.
Only allow your pup to chase toys, balls or flying discs and never people, who may get hurt by an overzealous pups bite, especially as he grows bigger, warns the Partnership for Animal Welfare. Pups also can chase other dogs in a dog park, which is a natural part of normal canine play, recommends Cesars Way. Remember to ask the owner of the other dog before allowing such games between the two pups. Always start the game yourself, first asking for a behavior like “sit” from your young pooch, then allowing him to chase an inanimate object. Stop the game when you desire as well, so your pup knows that you make the rules of play.
Will playing TAG / CHASE affect your dogs behavior or dog training?
Do you like to run? Well, we know that your pup does! If being chased is one of your dogs favorite games, they are not alone. Lots of dogs love to be chased and can play this way for hours. However, maybe you are tired of simply running and following your dog around and are looking for something else to keep them entertained. Look no further! We have some great activities here for dogs who like being chased. Utilize this knowledge to your benefit and prevent your pup from using their love of the pursuit in unsafe ways, such as bolting into the street or turning around to chase others.
One of the best places to bring a dog who likes to be chased is to the dog park. Not only will your pup be able to run free in a nice open space but they can also play chase with other dog friends! After all, chase is probably the most common game being played at the dog park. Having other dogs around who also want to play will give you a little break from chasing around that pup too. Youll be able to sit back and relax while your dog gets to do what they love best – run around! Step 1 Location is key Find a dog park in your area where you can go with your dog. It doesnt have to be a big dog park, just one that preferably is fenced in completely so you do not need to worry about your pup escaping. Drive, walk or run over to the dog park with your pup and get ready to chase! Step 2 Initiate the fun Let your dog off their leash (make sure they have a collar or tags on!) and let them run! If your dog is hesitant to start running around or doesnt immediately want to play, give them a little help by initiating a game of chase. Run toward your pup, then away and watch as your dog and other dogs in the park start to follow your lead. Step 3 Play all day Let your dog play chase as long as they would like. You can choose to be involved the whole time, or let your dog have fun with the other dogs in the park. Chase is such a natural dog game that all of the pups should instinctively want to play! Monitor the activity and step in if the game gets on the rambunctious side though, or if your dog starts to look as though they have had enough of the activity.
If you have ever watched a dog race or even just heard about dog races, you know that dogs are trained to chase mechanical rabbits around tracks. While this specific skill is taught to the racing dogs, chasing a rabbit is pretty instinctual. Why not give your pup a similar toy? There are many automated toys which can wheel around for your dog to chase. Try a remote car or mechanical animal toy for your dog to chase. Not only will their predatory nature come about but they will be so happy chasing something moving! Sit back and watch as your dog runs around chasing their new toy. You can also try having the remote toy pursue your dog – but if they seem skittish at all about the idea, let them continue the chase rather than be chased. Step 1 The perfect chaser Look for a toy with wheels that you think your dog will like. Does your pup like chasing squirrels? Then get a remote controlled squirrel. Would you dog enjoy chasing a kids car? Then find a cheap motorized toy car for your dog to chase around. (You can even control the remote from the couch!) Step 2 In or out Decide if you would like to play inside the house or outside – either will do! Head to your destination with your pups new toy. Let your dog sniff the toy and show them that it is exciting, fun and a toy just for them! Place the toy on the ground and get ready! Be aware of safety; the area in which you are playing in, if outside, should be safely enclosed. Despite your pups best intentions, they may get distracted and run the opposite way of the chase. Step 3 Chase and catch Start the wheely toy by remote or any other mechanism that will make it go, go, go! Watch as your dog runs after the new toy and (most likely) catches it! Take the toy away from your dog and make it move all over the ground again. Your pup will be in chase heaven!
Most of the things that dogs chase are eventually caught. Throw a toy for your pup to chase and they will obviously grab it and have the tangible item that they were after. Having your dog chase a laser beam is a game that never ends as your dog will never be able to catch it! You may have heard of playing with lasers for cats before but they are also great for dogs. You can easily find a laser toy for a few dollars and it is something that will keep your active pup busy for hours! A win for everyone! Step 1 Buy a laser Buy a laser toy that suits your needs. The most basic laser will do – all you need is one red dot! However, there are a wide variety of lasers which create different shapes, flash differently and have different ergonomic handles for you. The choice is yours but remember that simple can be best! Step 2 Lets play Get your dog ready to play by calling them into the room with you. Get them excited by talking about playing and show the pup the laser toy. Before turning it on, make sure there is nothing in your dogs way as they will most likely want to run immediately, and you dont want that pooch to trip! Step 3 Youll never catch it… Shine the laser light on the floor near your dog and wiggle it back and forth. Watch as your dog chases the light and becomes very perplexed when they cannot catch it! Wave the light all over the room for your dog to chase – watch out for furniture and breakables as your dog will be trying desperately to catch that light at all costs!
There is nothing quite as good for a dog who likes to chase than a quick game of ball. Fetch, catch, chase…whatever you call it, dogs love it!
Going for a run with your dog who likes to chase is good for you and them. Your dog will get out some energy while you are also able to get a good work out in!
Head for the nearest hilly area and have a race with your companion to see who makes it to the top first. We can guarantee that you will be chasing your pal up the hill over and over.