Hello
Hope you all had a good Christmas.

Just wanted to run something by you all. As you know I have 2 BC'S, Dolly has always wanted to chase bikes, but I'm pleased to say this is way under control now, unless we are really close to one, and she still barks at them.

One question though. When my Mum took Dolly and her sister Rosie out the other day she saw a boy on a bike coming along the path so she tightened their leads to keep them away from the boy/bike, anyway as she did this they both started barking and lunging towards the bike, almost because Mum had held them tighter.

Mum did say that they hadnt taken any notice of the bike before she did this. Could it be the same thing as when they pull on a lead whilst walking, if you pull them back they pull harder, as if it's a game of tug of war??

I must admit when I am walking them, if I see someone on a bike and dont say anything she doesnt make any fuss at all, and a few weeks ago I held onto her collar whilst a bike went passed and she went crazy.

Would we be better off just ignoring them when a bike goes passed??, obviously under control, she never really bothers when not on the lead, coz she has her ball and I have her full attention at all times.

Hope you can help and hope it made sense :)

xx

I'm no expert but the way I see it is by tightening the lead or holding her collar you are giving out the message there is something to be worried/frightened of therefore they react by barking.

by taking a tight hold you/your mum are alerting the dog to danger!!!!
they think "oh,mums got a tight hold of me,whats wrong?must be that bike" or along those lines :)

stay calm,ignore totally if possible or distract with a toy/food,keepp lead loose (so keep at a safe distance  ;) )