How to Control Dogs that Run After Wildlife

He may be your best friend, but without proper training your dog can quickly become public enemy Number 1 in areas where wild animals roam. Many parks and wilderness sites have banned dogs as a result of damage done to the natural world and its denizens. Overwhelmed by unusual scents and sights, even the most placid dog can feel moved to chase wildlife. Every year, countless wild animals fall victim to predation by dogs, resulting in death or injury. By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy both the wilderness and the company of your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-foot leash
  • 20-foot line
  • dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prevent your dog from running loose, especially in areas where wildlife abounds. Confine your dog to the house and yard. Leash your dog when walking in wilderness areas -- even in off-leash spaces.

    • 2

      Plan your walk for daylight hours, when wildlife encounters are less likely. Avoid dusk and dawn, when wildlife tends to be more active and visible.

    • 3

      Do not walk multiple dogs or allow your dog to join a group of dogs running free on a trail. According to the ASPCA, dogs quickly respond to the stimulus of other dogs and instinctively adapt a pack mentality, which can quickly turn a merry chase into a deadly pursuit.

    • 4

      Begin training your dog as a puppy not to chase wildlife. By the time your dog is an adult, the urge to chase may be too strongly entrenched to be easily undone. Do this by attaching a six-foot leash to your puppy. Expose it to other animals, such as squirrels or rabbits and birds. When it begins to chase, run in the opposite direction, calling its name. Reward your dog with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Make a game of it by repeating the same technique a few times over the course of a few days until the puppy realizes that it's more fun to chase you than the squirrel.

    • 5

      When walking in wilderness areas, attach a long line -- 20 feet to 40- eet in length -- to your puppy. Let the line run along the ground, giving your puppy the sense that it is free from restraint. Position yourself so that you can easily grab the line if the puppy shows an interest in pursuing a wild animal. Never jerk the line or allow the dog to run out the line at full tilt, as this may result in injury. All of your training methods must be conducted in a gentle but affirmative manner.

    • 6

      Teach your dog to come when it is called. Treats are invaluable when teaching recall. Use them to reward your dog whenever it comes to you, whether called or not. Your dog will associate being with you as the ultimate pleasurable experience. Run in the opposite direction when calling your dog. Dogs are more inclined to come when there is a chase involved, according to the ASPCA. This is especially true when you are facing an emergency situation. Restrict your verbal interactions with your dog when out walking. It will be more inclined to pay attention when you call his name.

    • 7

      Always use positive reinforcement when training a puppy or an adult dog. Never use force. Do not punish your dog physically or psychologically.

    • 8

      Call in help from a trained professional if your dog continues to chase wildlife despite your best efforts. Make sure you consult with a certified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist.