How can I train my dog not to run after strangers outside?
Those instances when your dog runs after certain people or certain dogs are his ‘triggers’. When he chases them he is overthreshold and cannot listen to you because the part of his brain needed to focus on anything but the trigger isn’t able to work at that time. Teaching him some self-control and calm, focused behavior will help a lot. He cannot learn when he is over-aroused by his triggers. This will mean teaching him control and focus in low distraction/no trigger environments until he is ready for more stimulating situations. It also means keeping him on a long lead when he plays (you can drop it, just be sure you are close enough to step on it should he start to chase). It also means being more vigilant for his potential triggers so you can get his attention before he goes overthreshold. Leslie McDevitt’s book Control Unleashed is written to help create a focused, confident dog (your dog is not confident when he chases – he is anxious). It’s my favorite training book. Good luck!
