When dogs see something they are not familiar with, their reaction isn’t always what we expect. For skateboards, they generally don’t get along together really well.
Thus, your companion might bark every time someone is riding one near him. Now you are probably wondering why he hates skateboards so much?
The sounds and the unpredictable movements of skateboards are unpleasant for dogs. With their keen sense of hearing, it’s normal for them to bark at or be scared of noisy wheels. They may also have difficulty controlling their high prey drive when they see a stranger riding on his board. But all dogs don’t necessarily hate skateboards!
Whatever reason your buddy doesn’t like this means of transport, you should solve that problem somehow. In this article, I will share everything I know to help you understand why he hates skateboards. I’ve also some advice for you to stop him from barking at, chasing, being scared of them!
Why Do Dogs Hate Skateboards?
There are several reasons for your four-legged companion to not get along with riders. He may hate skateboards because of the unpleasant noise made by the wheels rolling on hard surfaces.
They make inconsistent and loud sounds that your dog probably doesn’t like. Even if it’s not disagreeable for you, he has an acute hearing that makes him more sensitive to this type of discomfort.
Skateboards are also very likely to move suddenly in an unpredictable direction. Thus, this could definitely scare your buddy or make him want to chase the board.
Another reason why dogs generally don’t like skateboards is that they have never been properly introduced to them. Just as with any other new equipment, your companion must get used to these boards with wheels. Otherwise, he’s very likely to not feel good and safe with them!
Your Dog Is Maybe Scared Of Skateboards.
New things are very entertaining, but they can also be a source of fear. Skateboards make unfamiliar sounds and move so fast that they can easily scare dogs. Furthermore, they could also have bad experiences with this type of equipment in the past.
Thus, you might mistakenly think your companion hates skateboards when he’s just frightened by them. With an appropriate introduction, you could probably change his perception. However, he will definitely not react as you want to if you don’t accustom him to this type of board!
Why Is Your Dog Barking At Skateboarders?
There are many reasons why your buddy might be barking at riders passing by. First of all, anything that’s moving can easily catch his attention. Then, he could also want to protect his territory.
If your dog is not used to skateboards or scared of them, barking might be his only way to defend himself. But even if he barks at people riding on their boards, it doesn’t mean he hates them.
How To Make Your Dog Get Along With Skateboards?
To get started, you should figure out what is the main reason why your companion is worried about skateboards. Then, it will be able to find how to solve this issue more easily.
I’ve found many ways to help your dog control himself and feel safe around skaters. From a proper introduction to avoidance, there’s certainly something that can help him improve his behavior. If you think he doesn’t like skateboards, here are some potential solutions.
Proper Socialization.
The younger you introduce your dog to new things, the better his reaction should be. If he has never seen a skateboard in his childhood, it’s totally normal for him to worry when he sees one. To avoid any unexpected behavior, socialization is essential.
Your puppy should be exposed to unfamiliar objects and environments when he’s still in his discovery/development phase (up to 16-18 weeks of age). Once he’s grown up, his curiosity for the unknown is generally replaced by mistrust.
Teach Your Dog Self Control.
Without training, it’s normal for dogs to bark at skateboards and people who ride them. Their protective instinct or prey drive can be problematic if you don’t help them control their impulses.
That’s why teaching basic commands such as “Leave It” might be the best way to prevent your companion from losing his mind in front of skateboards.
Dogs Don’t Instinctively Behave As We Want!
To help your dog understand how he should react when he’s around skateboards, you need to work on that with him. The most popular and efficient technique to ensure he can control his impulses is with basic training.
Thus, you could teach him to “Sit”, “Look At The Skateboard”, and “Let It Go”. Very similar to “Leave It” this sequence of commands will help your dog not worry, get excited, or bark around skateboarders.
Introduction To Skateboards.
Even if dogs can control their instincts, sometimes the temptation is simply too strong. In this case, introducing your buddy to skateboards could seriously reduce his fear and obsession for them.
How To Introduce Your Dog To Skateboards?
First, you have to find a skateboard. Then, you have to put it somewhere your companion can see, walk around, and sniff it.
To help him associate this new item with something positive, I also highly recommend you to feed him with his favorite treats while he’s exploring the board.
Once your dog is comfortable with the skateboard, you can start to get him used to the noise and movements it makes. Thus, you can ask someone to ride it around him while you are playing together with his favorite toys. He will hear the sounds and see the board but should not give it too much attention.
Our pets learn new things by doing them repeatedly. Therefore, you should regularly train your companion to have skateboards around him while keeping his attention on something else. He’s more likely to ignore them if he’s conditioned to do so.
Here’s an excellent video to help your dog stay calm around skateboards!
Make Skateboards Fun & Rewarding.
Another great way to change your dog’s reaction in the presence of skateboards is to teach him how amusing they can be. With some training and practice, you might even help him to enjoy riding it.
On the other hand, you can also be the reward associated with the skateboard. If the board always comes with someone your companion loves, there’s no reason for him to hate it!
Protect Your Dog From Skateboarders If Needed.
Sometimes, it’s true that young riders don’t really care about scaring your furry friend. Thus, you might have to ask them kindly if they could keep their distance or be more attentive to his presence.
Avoid Skateboards If Your Dog Really Hates Them.
The final solution is to try as much as possible to avoid skateboards when you are with your companion. If any other of my recommendations have worked, this might be the ultimate option.
Of course, you should not encounter skateboarders on purpose, but avoidance should only be your last resort.
- Choose places and times that aren’t too busy to exercise your dog.
- Don’t go walk together near skateparks.
- Put privacy fencing to prevent your dog from seeing riders
- Etc.
Not All Dogs Hate Skateboards!
Some breeds such as English Bulldogs are well known to enjoy skateboarding. The only difference between them and your buddy is the feelings they associate with this sport.
Yes, Bulldogs can really skateboard! (I’ve an article on this topic!)
Contrary to what you might think, most dogs don’t actually hate skateboards. They are just not introduced to them properly.
That’s why you should seriously try all the methods to make your buddy less obsessed with this type of equipment. Otherwise, he will never stop barking or worrying every time someone rides his board near him!
Last Thoughts About Why Your Dog Might Hate Skateboards!
Whether it’s because of the loud noise they make or their unpredictable movements, your buddy might not feel good around skateboards.
He could instinctively be scared or want to chase people that are riding them. With proper socialization, training, and introduction, his perception could be totally different.
Finally, I hope my article has helped you to understand why your dog doesn’t like skateboards and how to change that. Now it’s time to go out to help him improve his behavior with these unfamiliar items!