How to stop dogs from chasing people?

In the streets and communities where we live, we often see such a heart-wrenching and tense scene: a dog is like a wild horse running wildly chasing pedestrians on the road, and the pedestrians are panicking, while the dog is immersed in this "chasing game" and shows no sign of stopping. Such a scene not only makes the chased people fall into fear, but also makes the dog's owner extremely anxious. So, how can we stop dogs from chasing people and return our lives to peace and harmony? ​

There are complex and diverse reasons behind the behavior of dogs chasing people. Dogs are born with the instinct to chase, which comes from their ancestors - wolves. When surviving in the wild, chasing prey is a key skill to obtain food and maintain survival. Even after a long period of domestication, this instinct is still deeply imprinted in the genes of dogs. Once they see a moving object, especially a fast-moving person, this chasing instinct may be instantly stimulated. Imagine a dog playing in the park, and suddenly seeing a runner passing by, its eyes may light up instantly, the command of "chasing prey" in its mind begins to flash wildly, and then it rushes up desperately. ​

In addition to instinct, the curiosity of dogs is also an important factor that causes them to chase people. Dogs are full of desire to explore the world around them, and every new face and new action may attract their attention. When a stranger appears in their field of vision and makes some actions that seem interesting or strange to dogs, dogs can't help but want to get closer to find out.

In another case, dogs may chase people out of fear or defensive psychology. If a dog has had an unpleasant experience with people, such as being beaten and scolded, it may become very vigilant when facing other people. When someone approaches it or passes by it, it will feel threatened, and in order to protect itself, it will chase or even attack. In this case, the dog's pursuit of people is actually a manifestation of self-protection, and they try to scare off potential "enemies" in this way. ​

After understanding the reasons why dogs chase people, we should discuss how to stop this behavior. First of all, the most important thing is to conduct early socialization training for dogs. When dogs are young, they should be exposed to a variety of people and environments, so that they can gradually become familiar with different faces, sounds, smells and scenes. Take dogs to parks, pet stores, pet gatherings and other places to give them the opportunity to interact with different people and different dogs. In this process, the owner should always pay attention to the dog's emotions and behaviors. Once the dog is found to be nervous or afraid, it should be comforted and encouraged in time. Through such socialization training, dogs can gradually build trust in people and the environment, and reduce the behavior of chasing people out of fear or curiosity. ​

In daily life, the owner should also conduct basic obedience training for the dog. Teach the dog some simple and important commands, such as "stop", "come back", "sit down", etc. When the dog starts to chase people, the owner should immediately issue the "stop" command in a firm and clear tone. If the dog obeys the command, it should be rewarded in time, such as giving it some snacks or gently stroking it. Through repeated training and reinforcement, the dog will gradually understand the owner's instructions and be able to stop in time when the chasing behavior occurs.​

In addition, it is also necessary to put a leash on your dog when you go out. The leash can not only control the dog's range of movement and prevent them from chasing passers-by at will, but also allow the owner to stop them in time with the leash when the dog shows chasing behavior. At the same time, it is also important to choose a suitable collar or chest harness to ensure that they are comfortable to wear and will not cause harm to the dog.

If the dog has developed the habit of chasing people, you may need to seek the help of a professional pet trainer. Professional trainers have rich experience and scientific training methods, and can develop personalized training plans according to the specific situation of the dog. They can help dogs get rid of the bad habit of chasing people through methods such as behavioral correction. ​

When we see the phenomenon of dogs chasing people, complex emotions always surge in our hearts. We worry about the fear of the chased, and we feel helpless and anxious about the dog's behavior. But at the same time, we should also understand that these behaviors of dogs are not their original intentions, they are just out of instinct, curiosity or fear. As dog owners, we have an unshirkable responsibility to help dogs learn how to live in harmony with humans through scientific training and correct guidance.​

In this world we live in, dogs are our loyal companions, and they bring us endless joy and companionship. What we hope to see is dogs and humans interacting in a friendly manner on the streets, rather than the tense and chaotic scenes when dogs chase people. Let us use patience and love to stop dogs from chasing people, and create a safer, harmonious and beautiful living environment for dogs and humans.