Stop the Chase! (For Your Dog's Safety and Yours)

No matter the breed or size, all dogs are born with a keen instinct that urges them to chase or hunt. Even the best-trained dogs can turn into predatory canines when stimulated to give chase. Whether it's a squirrel, car, bicycle or your neighbor's toddler, the desire to chase must be prevented - your dog's life may depend on it one day.

You can never really take the chase out of the dog, but there is a two-fold approach to resolving the problem, says Dawn Watson, professional trainer at Best Friends in Berlin and Cinnaminson, NJ.

First, divert the dog's attention away from the stimulus and command him to do something. "Get the dog to pay attention to you before he starts to chase," says Watson. "You have to redirect his focus and give him something else to do. When he complies with your command, offer plenty of praise."

Watson suggests planning ahead. "If you are walking your dog and anticipate he may want to run after the car coming down the road, you must be prepared to redirect his focus and maintain control," says Watson, "You'll feel much better about your walk, and so will your dog."

Teach a recall command
The second step to assuring your dog's safety is teaching a "recall" command. Professional trainers say that this is the most important command your dog will learn, both for his safety and for yours.

The recall command is designed to stop the chase (or the running away) and have the dog return to you because he thinks something more exciting will happen with you.

Choose a word that the dog will associate only with the exercise. Do not use the "come" command, since you use it for more general purposes. "Here" is a one possible option, or you might choose a word meaning "come" in another language. The important thing is to select a word that you will use only for this purpose.

Practice the command with the dog on a leash. Command him to sit and stay, then show him a favorite toy or treat and walk backwards away from him. After a safe distance, give the command in a loud, positive voice: ""<Dog's Name>, Here!" When the dog approaches you, have him sit, then reward him generously with praise and his toy or favorite treat.

If he doesn't come immediately, use the leash to pull him to you. Do not punish him; just show him what to do and begin the exercise over again, rewarding when he follows the command. As the dog learns the behavior, gradually add distractions when you practice. Be sure to always make this exercise fun for your dog to reinforce the fact that it will always be worth leaving a chase to return to you when he hears that magic word.

More tips to prevent chasing
Dogs that receive plenty of exercise are less likely to chase, so be sure he gets a chance to burn off some energy every day. Retrieving games are a great way to channel his "chase" instinct into a safe activity.

Additionally, give him plenty of opportunities to socialize. Dogs that are familiar with the other dogs in their neighborhoods and are accustomed to viewing various objects and people will not need to chase them.

A final word of caution: dogs who like to run or chase should never be off leash and should be supervised around children.

For more information on training, visit or call the Best Friends center nearest you.