Human chasing a wrong goal is like dogs chasing motorbikes and cars; there will be no achievement in both the cases… only frustration. - Manoor Sachdev
“C.S” was asked this before and was asked again yesterday - Why do dogs chase cars and motorbikes and how to deal with it as it is dangerous for both Human and the Dog?
The Explanation - Dogs chase and bark behind cars, bikes because they see them as unstable, fast moving things... (One will always see them focusing on the tyres). They still haven't got used to it and might never as dogs don't like anything Human or his material world which is unstable. They would do anything for the environment that is calm and under control.
Why it happens - When a human sees a dog chasing his vehicle the following happens;
- Some mostly speed up further – Result - Only nurturing the dog behavior by exhibiting their unstable ways, which dogs see as a prey and chase till a certain point then give up. They don’t give up only because it has gone out of their territory, but because the “grapes were sour”;
- Some, try slowing down and zigzagging their vehicle to shoo them or hurt them – Result - Again nurturing the dog behavior by exhibiting their unstable ways but with a fight. During these chases you will see the dog not giving up so easily and continue barking for some more time once the vehicle speeds away;
- Some panic and start shouting using their expressive body language (nervousness, agitation and anger etc) while trying to get away – Result - Again nurturing the dog behavior for a fight but by being a prey. This ends up in a bite to a human or the dog being beaten, thus bringing an end to the situation for that moment but with loss suffered by both the parties.
The Solution - In today’s scenario and challenging lifestyle humans are deprived of one thing, which is “Time”. I know, it is very easy for us to explain a path to achieve the opposite of any negative behavior of a dog which is always going to be time consuming, but what has one achieved in life till date that happened in a click of a moment. We need to remember, work very hard on the fact that we are humans and nothing is impossible for us.
I went off track in the above paragraph so that you can look at things differently; now let’s get back to the solutions;
- Remember what ever situation one is in with the dog be it a stray or a pet, only if you are calm and assertive there will be no incidents which will make life difficult for the dogs, who is a part of nature. We cannot ignore them as we are humans, only we can think and find solutions;
- If one is in the car and notices a dog chasing, please stop your car, roll your window down and tell the dog “NO” only twice in 10seconds. The dog should stop barking and retreat , but if he doesn’t (chances are too low) turn off your engine and say “NO” again but only twice in 10seconds… by this time the dog will disappear;
- The ones on the bike and bicycles should follow the same procedure but get off your 2wheeler on the opposite side of the where the dog is and stand tall when saying “NO”, don’t be nervous or intimidated. Remember you are a human and can control any situation and your 2wheeler is supporting you in the cause.
Solutions for dog owners - Dog owners have to be extra cautious if their dogs are chasing the vehicles on the road and can come under huge liabilities if they are not able to control the behavior. Given below are some tips to follow and reverse your dogs chasing behavior;
- First and foremost every dog should have a collar around them all the time if they are not well behaved in any department. This gives you easy hold to control them in troubled areas in the house (avoid using choke chains or any such collars because they give you less chance of controlling them);
- Second most important is before going for a walk, forget everything your dog has done in the past and begin a new day. Never get nervous, angry, frustrated etc during the entire walk;
- Always walk your dog on the leash when out for the walks and never let them loose near the road;
- First & last 15minutes of the walk should be your way, in between you can give your dog 15minutes to relieve themselves, socialize and sniffing around;
- Always be aware of what is your dog up to when walking, so that you can react before they lunge or want to chase a vehicle. Few signs which will tell you that your dog is going to react are;
- The dog will get away from sniffing and focus on the oncoming vehicle or object;
- The head of the dog will push forward and go in the level of their shoulder or below;
- The dog might crouch, getting in the position to attack;
- The speed of the walk will become slower due to which they will be left back and you will require to pull;
- The dog will stop sniffing in the air for the thing he is focusing on.
- Always walk the dog;
- On a tight leash, right next to your thigh when in heavy traffic areas;
- On your right side and always walk towards the oncoming traffic, which will keep you aware of the vehicles crossing by very close to you and will give you more control when your dog is away from the passing vehicle; (this has lot many benefits for women too, tell me your guesses)
- If your dog does lunge or try to chase a vehicle never pull them backwards instead tug them on the inside towards your knees;
- Once in control make the dog to sit and stay for minimum 30seconds and face the situation, they should only move when you do, if the dog gets up before, repeat the process (while sitting make sure your dog is not focusing on anything in particular and should look back at you in small intervals);
- At the end of your walk, spend 10to15minutes standing at a point where the vehicles are not very close but visible, your dog should ideally be in sit or down position the entire time, but due to different types some might even stay in standing position but you should encourage them to sit;
- While on the walk never talk to your dog else than commands or give any affection when the dog listens to you. Keep that for once you reach home.
All of the above instructions are tried and tested with real dog owners under professional supervision. We would request each reader to begin trying these exercises at places where there is less traffic. At "C.S" we are committed to bring balance into our four legged friends lives, which will help you experience the most wonderful and beneficial relationship of all.
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Please feel free to write to us with your queries at Canine.Manoor@gmail.com and join us on FaceBook by searching for Canine Solutions in your search window for regular updates.
At Canine Solutions we do not differentiate between the pure breed and the strays dogs. We are open to provide our services to all Pet Owners, Animal NGO’s, Shelters, Volunteers, Co-operative Housing Societies to rehabilitate the toughest dog behaviors and give them a chance to find a loving home. Our aim is to provide a loving home to the dogs and a peaceful, balanced relationship with the dog for the pet owners because we believe a human family is never complete without a pet dog.
Manoor Sachdev - Canine Solutions
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