My Dog Training Plan Samples: Car Chasing Day 2

On Day 1 of our free basic dog training tips to stop Tucker's car chasing behavior, we used a few tricks to literally shock him so that he would grasp quickly that chasing cars and cyclists was no longer acceptable. Remember, his life is at stake here, so there's no holding back.

Day 2 is basically a repeat of yesterday's dog behavior experiments, minus the backyard acclimatization. Make sure you praise Tucker enthusiastically when he ignores bicycles and cars. He must have no doubt in his mind that his behavior is pleasing you, and more importantly what in particular he is doing that has a positive effect on you.

Every time a cyclist or car goes by and Tucker does not react, praise him profusely. You might say something like "Good leave it, Tucker, GOOD leave it!", or whatever expression you use to get him to leave your possessions alone.

On the other hand, if he has yet to learn his lesson, make sure you let him get started with his charge before you grab the line. What you want to avoid above all is to start a game of 'catch me if you can'. Do that once, and you're back to square one again.

The slightest infraction means a full correction: sharp tug on the line, quick pull till he's at your feet, abrupt shake lifting his front legs off the ground, face him squarely, shoulders back, angry expression on your face, loud few words to express your discontent. Then bring him back in, away from temptation.

Day 3: More Free Basic Dog Training Tips

We've now come to a turning point. As far as car and bicycle chasing is concerned, it's time for Tucker to make the leap to displaying good behavior even when you are not around. You must also get him to associate your displeasure with car displeasure.

Today, you'll need a little help from a friend or neighbor to drive their car around the block a few times. A few accessories will be used to represent discontent coming from the car. A few tin cans tied with a string, an empty soda can with pennies inside, and a water balloon or two should do the trick.

Let him roam around the front yard while you go in and watch from a vantage point. If he charges the car, he will have to deal with the shock of a noisy, 'angry' tin coming out of the car window, tied in with your own displeasure as you run out, grab the line and repeat the same exercise as on Day 2.

At this point, a breakthrough should be happening. Tucker should be getting the message. If he has given up chasing cars and cyclists, come out and praise him loudly. Don't leave even an aborted chase go unpunished. Canines live by the rule of black and white; they don't deal well with grey areas. Make no mistake about it: Tucker's surrender has to be unconditional, otherwise you've accomplished nothing at all.

Dog Behavior Experiments for the Canny Canine: Day 4

This is Day 4 of our experiment, and time to see if our free basic dog training tips are working: it's final exam time, and with a bit of luck, Tucker should be graduating from obnoxious street behavior with flying colors - yesss!!! Forgive me if I get carried away, but I do love diplomas ...

On this all important day, Tucker gets his line cut in half, and a family member lets him out into the front yard. Now that pooch had better have his ducks in a row so to speak, because we're going to trick him. While this is happening, you are getting in the back seat of your neighbor's car, out of sight.

Make as many passes in front of your home to convince yourself that Tucker regards cars or any other means of transportation for that matter with complete, utter disgust. He is reformed, and proud of it!

Or maybe not. In that case, he is in for the shock of his life because, as the car stops, you emerge from the car, grab the line, and give him the harshest piece of your mind ever.

Now that one he didn't expect. Lay it thick and make it count. Then banish him back to his backyard.

For those of you who know me & my background, you might be surprised that I encourage what might appear as harsh behavior correction methods. But remember, your dog's life is at stake. Weakness and complacency are much less forgiving: they may cost your dog his life, or maybe even paralysis or unbearable pain throughout the rest of his life.

If you have landed with a particularly stubborn dog, remember that you will have constant problems until he recognizes you as the alpha dog. Most times, all that is needed is persistence. If you feel it is beyond you, you may consider hiring a trainer (well-vetted) who will work with you to help persuade him who is the boss.

Whatever you do, it is imperative that you take action now before it's too late, and that you develop a plan for dog training that will change your dog's behavior. Now that you have clear instructions, what are you waiting for? You can choose to procrastinate, but don't fool yourself. You're only delaying the inevitable: someone gets bitten, your dog causes an accident, or he gets hurt and maybe even ends up dead. So get off your butt and get started now!

Amber, Dog Training Star


Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

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