How to Train a Puppy to Not Chase Other People & Go to Their Houses

No one wants a dog to chase them, no matter if the dog wants to bite them or lick them. It is best to train a dog to stay in his yard -- or, best to contain him, rather than pay the consequences when a dog becomes a neighborhood nuisance. This is best implemented when the dog is young, but it can be developed at any stage of a dog's life.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Ball
  • Chew toys
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Instructions

  1. Teaching Your Dog not to Chase

    • 1

      Study your breed to learn about the dog and to understand its behaviors. According to an article written by Jonathan Cheong on the website dogbreedz.com, some breeds will continue chasing longer in life. This is particularly true of hunting and herding dogs. Some breeds can be particularly aggressive, such as Rottweilers or Doberman Pinschers, and they might chase a person to attack. Other dogs are playful, and merely want to play with the person it is following.

    • 2

      Make sure your dog's home is enjoyable, so he doesn't try to go to others. A dog is more likely to check out other homes if he isn't happy with his own. An article on The Complete Guide to Responsible Dog Ownership website states that the owner should provide comfortable, dry bedding, with stimulating toys and exercise (such as trips to the dog park), and bonding through games of fetch.

    • 3

      Train your dog to stay in a safe, controlled area, such as a fenced-in yard before he is subject to this temptation. Keong states on the Dog Breedz website that it is best to train your dog indoors in your home, to put him on a leash and stand on the opposite end of a hallway, and wave a tennis ball at him. Do not allow him to touch it. Roll to the opposite end of the hallway and command "off," telling the dog not to chase the ball. If he chases, give a firm tug on the leash, and when he doesn't, reward him with a special treat. Move to other rooms and repeat the exercise, and after he masters this you can work with him without the leash in your home or fenced-in yard.

    • 4

      Keep the dog in your yard. When outside, if you have a fenced-in yard, make sure the fence is tall enough to keep her in if off the leash, and ensure there aren't any places to dig her way out. If you catch her escaping, startle her in the act with a spray of the hose, or fill an aluminum can with coins and shake it loudly. Bring him back to your yard when he does get out, teaching him to stay in the yard.

    • 5

      Control the area outside your yard to the best of your capability, the Complete Guide to Responsible Dog Ownership website states. "If your dog chases after the postman every time he places a letter in your mailbox, would it be possible to put the mailbox out of sight?" the website asks.