Cars/Vehicles And Your Dog
24.10.25
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs Chasing Things.
'Dog's Chasing ...' Dog's chasing can become quite the obsession (particularly as the act encourages adrenaline production) think of dog's chasing cats, cars (these too can ‘run away’ swiftly allowing the perfect chance for a good fast chase for your dog!) Even fixation on torch lights etc. can create a chase. Your dog can become more interested in chasing than in actually catching the object. It becomes quite the game, BUT in the process, your dog can accidentally cause harm to themselves, property, or the poor bystander caught in the middle as they are on their mission!So where possible, in front of the ‘arousing stimulus’ get your dog to undertake some distracting tasks, that they can also be rewarded for (if your dog wont take the normally tasty reward or even think of performing these commands - you must move further away from the animal/object). These commands could be a mini recall, into a ‘Hand touch’, then a ‘Leave'/back' etc.. You can build on these over time too.With this training we are now making a positive association with the situation also.If an intense chase drive is not channelled into acceptable play with toys, including short stints of Fetch for example (remembering that this activity does work a dogs brain up with adrenaline production) and as I have mentioned before, your dog loves play that includes you best of all, as well as sufficient exercise in general (including mental exercise/stimulation) and a good walk produces the calming chemical serotonin - to burn off pent up energy, behavioural issues can develop, interestingly tail chasing among the list … Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
26.04.25
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Dogs jumping up on cars
Dogs jumping up on cars -Firstly, you could calmly and firmly ask your dog for the 'Sit' (you could even keep a few treats in the car and reward initially every time and then move to a random schedule when your dog really does Sit here). If someone is on the outside of the car, perhaps they could manage your dog by not letting them greet you until they are 'relatively calm' (certainly this may need to be on a lead). If your dog is not listening to the Sit, make sure you're keeping the situation boring - no eye contact, no talking to them and be consistent with this. Only give your dog attention once they have calmed (any time this does not occur will keep the problem reoccurring). You may instead, want to train a place command like 'Mat' (or a bed) to send your dog off away from the vehicle traffic area. Send your dog here and have them 'Stay' until you release them (with say an 'Ok, 'Come') Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
Selina McIntyre, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.
18.09.2021
Dog Training. Dogs chasing bikes
*Firstly, if you’re having an issue with this, I would keep your dog on the lead as you cannot predict when a cyclist is going to come along.Then ensure you have a great recall on the lead as well as a ‘Watch' type command. With this, get your dog’s attention with the ‘Watch,’ then call them back to you. You can then look to distract your dog by getting them to do a series of obedience tasks on lead, facing you, while a cyclist goes by. These could be the sit, shake hands and down. Be as ready as you can be for cyclists, staying alert but acting calm. Practice, practice, practice your tricks so your dog ‘could do them in their sleep.’ Undertake your trick training in busy as well as quiet areas also.Once you have your recall one hundred percent you could have your dog off lead. Ideally, use this process before a cyclist get’s too close/your dog has a chance to react. With this, once your dog is by you, reward them for focusing on you until the cyclist bikes past, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. Going forward, why not head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
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Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.