Question: How do I stop my dog from chasing people on bikes?
My problem is not when my dog is on the leash or when people on bikes travel speeds equal to a person walking or runnning. It does become a problem when I go to a OFF-leash dog park and for some reason find these special people want go for a high speed joy rides through this OFF-leash dog park. My dog thinks they are playing and starts to chase them and being a 10 month old puppy wants to pounce on them and some times nip at them(Being a doberman this scary for people). I find these "special" people about once a month and have a hard time finding a way to condition my dog to these rare events. Looking for suggestions.
Relation Questions:
Answer:
Teach the dog your the boss and lay with him more
If it is indeed a "dog park" the people riding their bikes thru it should know that it is such and that by riding thru it they are likely to be chased by a dog or two. On the other hand, you need to get your dog properly trained before you let him/her off of the leash.
I would say to keep him on his leash, and take him to an area where there are bike riders...Make him sit and stay adn reward him when he listens
You have 2 options:
1) You tell these "special" people to stop being stupid and riding through a dog park
2) Make sure your dog see you as the alpha male. Make him submit to you when he is trying to do it(watch the dog whisper for more detail on that)
No dog should be allowed off-leash in a public area until it is 100% under voice control. This means your dog listens to you, regardless of any distractions, and will respond instantly to your 'come' command, even with bikes whizzing by. Your dog obviously is not there yet, so keep it leashed untl it is, and sign up for obedience classes if you need help teaching your dog to respond with distractions.
Keep him ON leash until you have him properly trained to come when he's called.
A shock collar for a ten months old dog? He has every right to be still a little bit silly, and I'm surprised that any "trainer" would think otherwise. It's unreasonable to expect that a puppy (large and "scary", but still just a puppy) would be perfectly obedient. But it's a perfect time to learn.
In my area no bikers are allowed in dog parks (I'm assuming we're talking about designated, fenced, off-leash areas) and sincerely I can hardly imagine somebody wanting to do that.
Anyway, having your dog under voice control is important and you shouldn't skip this part of training.
Try to make your dog thinking that it's always worth to come to you. Reward him for coming (this can be a tasty treat, something special, like a small piece of hot-dog or cheese, not just boring kibble ;-), or maybe just tossing a ball if he likes playing fetch). Don't go after him, he'll most like it take is as an invitation to a chase game. Go a bit down, use a friendly voice. Make the dog choose you over whatever he is doing - this is really easier than you may think!
I was given these tips when I adopted my dog almost one year ago and it worked like a charm, my dog comes when called even if he is chasing a cat or squirrel. But I also realize that this level of recall is not always possible, some dogs are just more strong-headed than mine. Even many trainers I personally adore claim that there is sometimes too much of a temptation for a dog ;-)
Coming back to your dog park: these are meant to be a place for dogs to run and play safely, so the people on bikes have a problem, not necessary your dog (but of course this wouldn't help if somebody sues you). Check your park regulations and maybe talk to a constable about this issue (the ones who check on the dog park we visit were always most helpful).
First, people riding bikes at high speed THROUGH an off leash dog park are asking for it.... but nonetheless you don't want to get sued...
Try working on commands off lead with your dog. Start in a place that is contained like a parking lot or somewhere that he can't really take off. Have a friend ride a bike by and if the dog ignores it, he gets praise and/or treats. As the friend increases speed, and the dog reacts, shout NO and reward him when he stops. If he does actually chase the bike have your friend stop and not react to the dog. You retrieve the dog and have him do some basic sit commands. Repeat until your dog learns to ignore any bike.
Hello,
As a trainer I recommend you do anything in your power to stop this unwanted behavior before it really gets you both into trouble.
Go to PetSmart or Petco and buy a remote collar (aka electric collar). You may be against this idea, but it will help you maintain control when your dog is off leash in the park.
The last thing you want is for your dog to bite. The collar will have a range of 1-5 power level or 1-10 level. Every dog has their own working level. You don't want the dog to cry out, but the level has to be high enough for the dog to listen and obey. When you are at home try the middle level and see how the dog reacts. If it is too high or low make an adjustment and try again. Keep trying until you can find the lowest setting with the most effectiveness for your dog. When you are at the park be sure your dog is wearing it.
Good Luck