Why Do Dogs Bark and Chase People?
Perhaps you have a dog that barks at the mailman or seems to want to chase cars every time you take him for a walk. Or perhaps you're a cyclist who's been the recipient of a game of "chase." While dogs do not always intend such behaviors to be aggressive, they are often annoying. Discover why your or your neighbor's pooch seems to constantly want to interrupt your morning jog or why your dog always seems to bark at strangers and how you should respond.
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Barking
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According to Ray Coppinger, James Serpell and Stephen Budiansky, on the Kalikion website, barking releases a "happy" chemical into a dog's brain called dopamine. Border collies have especially high amounts of dopamine in their brains, say the authors. "For each dog barking and so frightening an intruder there are thousands that bark all day at every innocent that moves, and then sleeps through a burglary," comments Budiansky.
Chasing
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According to PetPlace.com, well-adjusted dogs express their prey drive as a game of tag. The object of the game, however, isn't to catch the person he's chasing; it's just to run playfully. While dogs may "mouth" each other during this game, this behavior often carries to joggers, drivers and cyclists, as well. To avoid injury, stay calm around a dog, says the Petpeoplesplace.com, even if she's on a leash. If you're riding a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates, stand still until the dog finds something more interesting than you. Never try to outrun a dog.
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Training
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Barking dogs may want to alert you to an oncoming mail carrier, according to PetEducation.com. They keep doing it because the mail carrier drops the mail off and proceeds to the next house. Consequently, the dog thinks her barking made him go away. Never reward this type of barking with treats or food. Instead, knock on the door to try to get your dog to bark. After two barks, cease the knocking and get him to focus attention on you. If he stops barking, say "Enough," and praise him. If he doesn't, hold the treat in front of him and say the "Enough" command when he stops barking. Then give him the treat. Eventually he'll learn to associate the command with silence.
Considerations
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Some dogs bark at strangers simply because they're afraid of them, says PetEducation.com. Over the next few weeks, ask people you know to approach your dog slowly, one at a time. Give him a treat when he relaxes. Then, ask the approaching person to give the dog a treat as well, so he'll soon associate people with pleasant experiences. Train your dog in a quiet environment to avoid overwhelming your pet.
Warning
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A dog's hunting instincts can be dangerous to people. Sporting, herding, hound and terrier dogs all have the potential to search, stalk, chase, catch, bite, kill and eat their prey, says PetPlace.com. Such behavior is called predatory aggression, and it's triggered by human (or animal) movement. If you have a dog with this type of prey drive, make sure she's under your control at all times.
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References
- Photo Credit barking brown dog image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
