If your dog lunges at cars that roll through the neighborhood, you may be looking for ways to change its behavior.There are several short-term fixes, such as blocking your dog's view of the things it lunges at, and redirecting your attention away from those things back to you.It's a good idea to train your dog to turn and sit when there is a distraction.A few simple techniques will teach your dog not to lunge at people.
Step 1: Stay calm, stay calm.
Dogs that lunge at cars and people are reacting to a fear or aggression it associates with the object or person.The dog is more likely to freak out if you are tense up.Don't scream or yell, speak to your dog in a regular voice.It shows your dog there is nothing to fear if you act happy or excited.
Step 2: Your dog should be on a leash.
If your dog lunges at people or cars, you shouldn't use a retractable leash or long line.Make sure the leash is no more than 4 feet long and made of a sturdy material like leather or nylon.If your dog wants to lunge at things, you may want to consider a head halter or a front-clip harness.
Step 3: Don't discipline your dog when they lunge.
Disciplining your dog for being reactive reinforces their behavior because it teaches the dog to associate objects.Your actions have negative consequences.The chances of a dog lunging again the next time are very high, because the dog thinks the car or bicyclist causes bad things to happen.Don't reward your pet with treats, simply ignore naughty behavior.You could say no in a stern voice but not hit your dog.
Step 4: Don't allow your dog to lunge at things.
If you see a jogger approaching or a car heading your way while you are out walking your pet, avoid these temptations for your dog to lunge.If you cross the street or turn the corner, you won't see them.If your dog has been trained to react calmly to these things, avoiding them is often the easiest solution.It is possible to walk your dog at night or another time when there is less commotion and traffic.
Step 5: Your dog's view should be blocked.
One way to keep your dog from lunging is to not let it see the person or something it lunges at.If possible, block the dog's view so that it can't see the car or jogger.Even if the dog isn't in its direct line of sight, it will still be able to smell and sense the person or object.If you see the mailman coming, you can either put a fence around your property or duck behind a hedge.
Step 6: Take your dog's attention away from you.
Don't let your dog's attention be diverted from an oncoming car or pedestrian.Call the dog's name when you see something or someone lunge at them.When the dog looks at you, give it a toy or treat.This will teach your dog to associate the person or car with attention or treats from you, which will prevent the dog from lunging.To make yourself, the treat, or the toy more interesting is the goal.
Step 7: Don't give your dog treats.
Establish a treat path for your dog to follow to get away from trouble.The smellier the treat, the better for your dog.Drop a treat in front of your dog when you see something that he would lunge at.Drop another one if the dog finds it, then another if it's eaten.Drop the treats along the path you want them to follow.A high-value toy can distract your dog.
Step 8: Make your dog turn to you when it hears its name.
If you call your dog's name and reward it with a small treat when it turns to you, you can get it to turn and sit.You can do this in many different locations.When no joggers or cars are present, you should practice this technique.If you can't get the dog to turn to you when you say its name, use a clicker or squeaker toy.When you say its name, your dog will immediately turn to you.
Step 9: Your dog should be trained to sit on command.
When your dog turns to you when their name is called, move on to getting them to sit.To get your dog to sit, hold a treat above its nose, and move it to the back of its head.When the dog sits, give it a treat.Again, this is something you should practice multiple times.
Step 10: Both commands should be practiced together.
Call your dog's name, then say sit and reward it for complying when they turn to you.When you call your dog's name, they will associate it with the command to sit.
Step 11: You can test your dog's obedientness with these commands.
While practicing this technique, ask a friend to drive or walk past you and your dog.You can have them start 30 feet away from you.When you notice your friend's car, turn and sit with your dog.If your dog can't follow your commands in their presence, ask them to move farther away.While practicing this technique, keep your dog on a leash.Provide small treats to the dog.
Step 12: Slowly have your friend move closer to you.
Once your dog is obeying the commands to turn and sit, ask them to move closer to your friend.Once the father distance is mastered, practice the technique at 20 feet.Continue until your dog obeys, even if your friend is next to you.
Step 13: This technique can be used when out and about.
cue the dog to turn and sit when you see somethingTreat your pet when it obeys.Eventually, people and cars should be able to pass by the 2 of you and your dog will learn to turn and sit when they see the person or car coming.
Step 14: If necessary, get a professional dog trainer.
If you want to make sure you are doing it right, or if you would like extra support, contact a professional dog trainer.Do an Internet search to find trainers in your area, or ask your doctor for a referral.A professional dog trainer can help you with this technique as well as provide additional tips and tricks to keep your dog from lunging at cars and people.
Step 15: The dog should be in a separate room.
Put your dog in a separate room if you know people are coming over and he will react badly to them.The dog will be less anxious and will not lung at your family or friends.Provide treats and entertainment for your pet, such as a stuffed Kong ball, while your guests are present.
Step 16: Your dog should associate treats with people.
If you don't want your dog locked up when guests are over, teach him to associate treats with them.When the doorbell is rung, give your dog a small treat, and another when the door is opened.While the guests are in your dog's sight, keep giving treats.When the guests are no longer visible to your pet, you can either lead the dog to another room or have them move to a different space.To train your dog to sit when people enter your home, you can use treats and toys.
Step 17: Use other calming tools.
Dog appeasing pheromones may be helpful in calming your dog.If you want to help calm your pet, you can get a diffuser.You can put your dog in a tight t-shirt, or Anxiety Wrap.When things make your dog anxious, these can help.