Dawg Unleashed # 5

Dawg on bikes

It's me again, the one and only Dawg: Lucky for you I was able to herd Barb aside and take over her blog this week. I am the only one who can give you the dog's eye view of the world. The only true way to look at the world and life too. I think I was a philosopher in another life!

Who doesn’t love bikes? I know I do and most of my dog friends do too. We love them because they move, fast! As they approach we want to stop them, which doesn’t always work out very well. Once they are past us, we want to control their movement chase them.

I guess people look at bikes, cars, trucks, shadows, running water, flying birds, etc., etc., etc. differently than we dogs do. To us, moving objects need to be controlled and the best way to do that is to stop their movement. Now the best way to do THAT is to get in front of them. Since they are moving, we have to catch up to them before we can stop them, this is known as the chase. :-D

Nothing brings out our desire to chase as much as something moving quickly away from us. This is INSTINCT and not a rational choice. Look at it as almost a reflex. When you start to fall down, how easy is it to NOT put your hands out to break your fall? Almost impossible (and not too smart either). That is how stopping movement is wired into our brains. It’s not a choice, it’s a compulsion!

So what to do? Depending on how much you like your dog, I suggest you train an alternate, non-chasing, behavior ASAP. Oh, and as much as I hate to suggest it, a leash or long line are probably advisable, at least until the replacement behavior is super solid. Safety first, as Shandler and Barb are fond of saying. And hey, I am not a big fan of pain myself.

Bikes can be lots of fun. I like to run beside Shandler’s and love to ride in the basket on the front of her bike but I no longer have the need to control her bike’s movement. When I feel that need, I try to find some sheep to work, which is a lot more interesting and satisfying. Trust me on that one.

I wrote this blog specifically for you handlers because telling other dogs to not chase bikes or other moving objects is just futile. They may understand the concept but they are still going to find chasing irresistible.

Your dog's safety is in your hands, train accordingly.

Once again I implore you to buy Barb's book and keep her (and me :) happy.

Get the book here!

Until next time, tell your mates about this blog and...

Grow the pack!

Come bye to learn more about herding!

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