Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Check-in training is an inexpensive activity you can do with your dog to help with their prey drive. Though this activity is best conducted outside when the weather is warm and sunny, you can practice and train check-in activities in any conditions both inside and out. The check-in training activity requires a training treat for your dog and some stimulus, like playtime or scent hunting outdoors. The goal of the check-in activity is to train your dog to periodically check-in with you during a chase or during an activity. This activity training helps break your dog's locked on laser focus on its intended prey by making eye contact with you instead. Â
Knowing your dog's chase triggers is just as important as knowing your surrounding when you're out with your dog. Keep looking around for any creature or thing that might turn your dog into a chasing machine and redirect their attention by going another direction, giving them a treat, or squeaking a toy to distract them.
Long walks in nature or through the neighborhood will expose your dog to the many sights, sounds, and smells around them. Always make sure your dog is secured on their leash and keep talking to them while you walk.