Having a dog that reacts calmly to the passage of bicycles is essential for urban life and can greatly improve the quality of your walks and outings. Dogs can often react to bikes with fear or aggression because they are mobile and fast, which can trigger their pursuit instincts. So how do you teach your dog to manage bike crossings calmly?

Steps to teach your dog to manage bicycle crossings

1. Get him used to bikes

Start by showing Médor a stationary bike and let him sniff and analyze it Reward him with treats or praise every time he approaches the bike calmly.

Then, gradually, increase your dog's exposure to moving bikes. Start in a controlled environment, like your courtyard/garden or a quiet park. A place that allows you to control the speed and proximity of the bike.
You can ask a friend to help you by riding the bike slowly at a safe distance from your dog. Every time the bike goes by and your dog stays calm, reward him.

2. Work on the reminder and the “rest”

Two important commands to master in this situation are reminder and “rest.” These commands can help control your dog's behavior when a bike passes by.

Learn more.

3. Train your dog to focus on you

Teaching your dog to focus on you instead of on the bike can be a useful skill. Start by practicing in a quiet environment. Call your dog's name and reward him when he looks at you. Gradually, add more distractions, until your dog is able to keep his attention on you even when a bike is passing by.

5. Practice!

Once your dog has learned these skills in a controlled environment, it's time to practice in more realistic environments. Start in places with few bikes and gradually increase the level of bike traffic. Make sure you continue to reinforce your dog's good behavior positively.

It is important to note that each dog is unique and will progress at their own pace. Some dogs may be more anxious or excitable than others when it comes to bikes. In these cases, it may be beneficial to work with a canine education professional.

Additional tips

1. Patience and consistency: Teaching a dog to manage bike crossings can take time, so be patient and consistent. Remember to always reward good behavior and avoid punishing bad behavior, as this could reinforce fear or aggression.

2. Socialization: If possible, expose your puppy to bikes at an early age. This can help prevent fears and phobias later on.

3. Distraction: If your dog is particularly anxious or excited about bikes, try distracting him with a favorite toy or treat.

4. Safety above all: Make sure your dog is always safe during training. This may mean keeping him on a leash in areas with high bike traffic until he is comfortable using bike crossings.