Yesterday as I drove down our road about a block from home I passed my husband walking our three dogs, Rebel, Rosie and Baxter. I stopped and rolled down the window to have a few words and then drove on into the driveway and parked the car in the garage. As soon as I got out of the car Baxter came running full speed into the garage dragging his leash. Alan had lost his grip when I pulled away which allowed Baxter to chase me all the way home!

I find it interesting that dogs love a good chase. We know that dogs descended from wolves and were required to chase and kill their food to stay alive. But they have been domesticated for hundreds of years now, and I can tell you that none of my dogs have ever had to chase prey to eat. They are all well loved and well fed, but still run after another dog, ball, cat, bird and sometimes their own tail with unbridled joy.

Humans don’t desire to physically run after cars, animals or their own tails.

So, for dogs, it must be instinctual and ingrained in their genetic history. Wild dogs and wolves are prey animals and used speed and brute force to put dinner on the table, but why do domesticated dogs chase animate objects? They must know that cars are not edible, nor are balls, or even their tails. I can only surmise that chasing is just a fun pass time for a dog, something to do to pass the day. After all, most of our domesticated dogs don’t have much to do really. They sleep, eat, play, are loved on and if lucky get to go on a walk or a ride in the car occasionally.

While I don’t believe we should break the chasing spirit in our dogs we do need to exercise caution. Chasing can be dangerous for the dog not to mention scary if you happen to be the innocent jogger he’s chasing! Please do not encourage this activity in your dog unless you are in a controlled environment. If your dog is out of control and chasing everything that moves you may want to consult a dog trainer.

My sister’s dogs like to chase the geese as they fly south across their field in the late afternoon. The geese began their flight somewhere far north and never touch down in the pasture, but the dogs wait for them every day all the same. You have to admire their focus and dedication.

If I could chase my dreams with the same dedication and focus as a dog, I might actually catch them.