How to stop a dog from charging people?

When a dog on a leash suddenly pounces on a passerby like an arrow from a string, the owner's hand holding the leash is suddenly pulled and hurts. Seeing the panicked expression of the passerby, the guilt and anxiety in his heart surge instantly. The behavior of a dog charging people is like a reef hidden in a peaceful life. If you don't pay attention, it will cause a series of problems. Finding the root cause and correcting it scientifically is the only way to protect the safety of dogs and others. ​

The occurrence of dog charging behavior is not caused by a single reason, but the result of the interweaving of physiological, psychological and environmental factors. From a biological point of view, the ancestors of dogs are group hunting animals, and the instinct to chase moving targets is deeply rooted in their genes. When passers-by walk quickly, ride by on a bicycle, or children run and laugh, these dynamic scenes can easily trigger the dog's chasing instinct. Just like hunters who see prey, they will subconsciously want to run and chase. On the psychological level, fear, anxiety, and excessive excitement may become the fuse of charging behavior. Some dogs have been treated roughly by strangers or have experienced trauma from being attacked by other dogs. Since then, they have become wary and fearful of humans. When they feel a threat approaching, they will rush at people and bark to try to protect themselves. Some dogs are too lively and get too excited to control themselves when they see people. They think that rushing over is a way to greet people enthusiastically, but they don’t know that they have frightened others. ​

Environmental factors should also not be ignored. Dogs that have lived in a small space for a long time and lack social interaction and exercise have nowhere to release their pent-up energy. Once they go out, they are like beasts that have been locked up for a long time. They find it difficult to control themselves when they see new things. In addition, the complex sounds, smells and flow of people in the city may be a continuous source of stimulation for sensitive dogs, putting them in a highly nervous state, which in turn triggers rushing behavior. ​

When facing the situation of dogs rushing at people, the owner must first adjust his mentality. Many owners will subconsciously pull the leash hard and yell loudly when their dogs behave inappropriately. This method not only fails to solve the problem, but makes the dog more nervous and anxious. Dogs are like a mirror, and they will keenly capture the emotional changes of their owners. When you are anxious and angry, your dog will also become uneasy, and even turn this emotion into a stronger rushing behavior. Therefore, it is very important to keep a calm and peaceful state of mind. Only when the owner stabilizes his emotions can he guide the dog better. ​

Establishing correct traction control is the basis for correcting rushing behavior. Choosing appropriate traction tools, such as chest harnesses and P chains, can better control the dog's movements and reduce damage to the dog's neck. In the daily dog ​​walking process, let the dog get used to walking with a loose leash. When the dog wants to rush, don't pull it suddenly, but gently tighten the leash and remind it with gentle and firm force. At the same time, divert the dog's attention by changing the walking direction, stopping, etc., so that it understands that rushing is not allowed. ​

Positive training is an effective way to change dog behavior. When the dog can remain calm when facing passers-by and does not rush, give rewards in time, such as delicious snacks, enthusiastic caressing and praise. Dogs are naturally eager to be recognized by their owners. These rewards are like a beacon that illuminates their behavioral world, making them gradually understand that keeping quiet and not rushing is the right way. You can start training from a distance from passers-by, and gradually shorten the distance with passers-by as the dog progresses. ​

Socialization training is also an indispensable part. Let the dog be exposed to people of different ages, genders, and clothing, as well as various environments and sounds from an early age, to help it establish a correct understanding of the outside world. You can take the dog to parks, pet-friendly shopping malls and other places, so that it can slowly adapt to getting along with people in a safe and controllable environment. During the social process, pay attention to the dog's emotional changes. Once it shows signs of nervousness and anxiety, take it away in time to avoid leaving a negative impression. ​

If the dog's rushing behavior is more serious, and there is no improvement after a long period of training, or it is accompanied by aggressive behavior, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or pet behavior expert. They can develop personalized training plans through more in-depth observation and evaluation to solve the dog's deep-seated behavioral problems. ​

Every dog ​​is a unique individual, and correcting the rushing behavior requires the owner's patience and persistence. This process may be long, but when you see the dog can quietly interact with passers-by in a friendly manner, wagging its tail to accept the kind touch of strangers, all the efforts will turn into warm rewards. During your journey with your dog, guiding it with love and scientific methods can make it a good companion that everyone loves, and you can enjoy a wonderful life together.