Chasing

Start with the bigger picture

What to do today

1. Name the actual situation

Write down what your dog chases, where it happens, how close the trigger is, and what your dog’s body looks like before the chase starts.

2. Prevent the next unsafe rehearsal

Check fences, doors, gates, leash handling, and household separation. Management protects everyone and keeps the dog from practicing the full chase while you teach a safer response.

3. Find the distance where your dog can still respond

Begin far enough away that your dog can notice the trigger and still eat, move with you, or respond to a familiar cue. If your dog is staring hard, leaning forward, ignoring everything, or lunging, give them a break until you can create more distance.

4. Reinforce noticing and turning back

When your dog sees the trigger, mark the moment they look back, soften their body, or move with you. Reward that choice, and leave while your dog is still successful. You’re building a new pattern, not waiting for a chase so you can correct it.

5. Teach escape skills away from the trigger

Practice a fast U-turn, hand target, cheerful recall, and moving with you in easy places. These skills need a strong history before you can expect to rely on them when something triggers your dog to chase.

6. Add DIFFICULTY gradually

Use controlled setups with plenty of distance. Do not use an unprotected cat, wildlife, livestock, or moving vehicle as a training prop.

7. Give YOUR dog safe ways to move and search

Sniffing, food searches, tug, fetch, flirt pole games, and other species-appropriate activities can give many dogs constructive outlets. Choose activities that fit your dog’s health and interests.

Troubleshooting

My dog chases squirrels or birds on walks

Scan ahead and create distance before the animal is close. Reward your dog for noticing and reconnecting, then move away or change direction. Practice recalls and U-turns somewhere easier so you’re not asking for brand new skills in the hardest moment.

My dog chases a cat in our home

Make sure your cat has dog-free space to decompress, elevated escape routes in every room, and resources your dog cannot access. Use physical separation when you cannot supervise. Work at a distance where your dog can disengage, and get professional help if you see stalking, intense fixation, lunging, or any contact that could harm the cat.

My dog chases or lunges at cars, bikes, or runners

Move training away from the road or path and create much more distance. Use secure equipment and a route with an escape option. Because one mistake can have serious consequences, this is a strong reason to arrange hands-on professional help if you’re feeling unsure.

My dog will not take food when the trigger appears

Your dog may be too close or too aroused to learn. Try moving farther away or using a visual barrier to block their view. End the training session for now if your dog is totally unable to take food that they usually love. A different reward may help later, but first make the setup easier.

Recall works until an animal runs

Build recall through carefully controlled levels of difficulty, and reward generously when your dog turns away from movement. Keep them on leash or in an enclosure where you can easily catch them while you’re working on this, and don’t call them unless you’re very confident they will successfully come. Do not skip from easy practice to an uncontrolled chase.