dogs and bikers

[tlw]

Hi-
I have a dog that has started lunging when bikers ride by. She recently picked up this 'habit' for some reason and it is embarassing and dangerous. How can I get her to realize that there is nothing to get worked up about? If we are in the car and she sees a biker - no problem. If we are walking and the biker is across the street, sometimes a problem, sometimes not. When she doesn't bark or lunge I praise her. If I see a biker coming down the street I will make her sit and watch the biker and treat, treat, treat. Sometimes we can do okay with 2 out of 3 bikers so I'm wondering if the speed of the biker is a factor. The other day she lunged after a guy on a motorcycle - joy! I have taken her out with me on the bike and her running alongside thinking that may help her and it didn't seem to. Help.

[LetsPlay]

Hi there,

you will need to desensitize her to bikes. Get the help of a friend and practice walking down the street with your dog and have the friend ride past on a bike.
If she starts lunging at the bike, say "no" and keep her close to you.
Your friend should stop and say "no" as well.

A lot of dogs love chasing bikes, because they always "win". The biker always flees from them, which is like a victory, so make sure you friend stops.

Practice, practice, practice.

Make her sit when you can see a bike coming, praise her.

It will take a while, but she will eventually understand that lunging at bikes is off limits and calm behavior gets her a treat.
Let us know how you get on.
John