Man's best friend retains some of the behaviors inherited from his ancestors. The rapid movement of a bicycle can trigger instinctive behavior, which causes some dogs to observe, chase the cyclist, or even try to catch them.
Some dogs, selected for work or hunting, are naturally more sensitive to this type of stimulation. Excitement builds quickly and each pursuit provides strong satisfaction. The more the animal repeats this behavior, the more likely it is to become permanently anchored!
Age, lack of suitable activities or poor management of outings can also contribute to this bad habit. A dog who finds no other way to express his physical and mental needs will easily seek out a moving target.
What are the risks?
Chasing cyclists is not a simple game. Over time, this behavior can become compulsive and your faithful companion may end up reacting to the slightest moving object, whether it is a bicycle, a scooter, a jogger or even a car.
This vicious circle, which can lead to a real behavioral disorder, pushes your dog to remain constantly alert. He struggles to control himself and can develop a form of obsessive behavior.
In addition, we must not forget the risk of accidents. By suddenly crossing a cycle path or a road, your furball can be knocked over. The cyclist can also lose his balance while trying to avoid it and sometimes suffer serious consequences.
A dog chasing a bike also risks moving away from you without taking into account its surroundings. A simple outing can then turn into a runaway or a dangerous situation.
Woopets' advice: how to teach your dog not to chase cyclists?
The first instinct is to prevent your canine from repeating this behavior. Each successful pursuit reinforces his desire to do it again. When walking in areas frequented by cyclists, keep him on a leash until the problem is resolved.
Then work on recall and attention in a calm environment before gradually getting closer to the bicycle crossings. As soon as a cyclist appears, reward your dog when he chooses to stay attentive to you rather than chasing him. This method makes it possible to associate the presence of bicycles with a positive experience.
As a reminder, it is also essential to meet your daily needs with appropriate activities. Games, chewing, educational exercises and varied walks use more of his brain than simply chasing a moving object.
If your pooch is already systematically chasing bikes or seems unable to resist the urge, don't wait until the situation gets worse. Do not hesitate to contact a dog trainer using positive methods, who will help you understand your dog and find a solution.