Why do dogs chase moving vehicles? A Complete Guide

by

Games for Dogs Who Chase Cars

One way to stop your dog from chasing cars is with fun games that give them the thrill of the chase without involving moving vehicles. A few options include:

Fetch. Spend time throwing toys and letting your dog bring them back to you in a friendly game of fetch.Â

Tug. Playing tug of war with your dog is a good way to help them get rid of excess energy and use their problem-solving abilities. You can boost training by incorporating a command for them to “drop” the rope in mid-play. This can help reinforce impulse control. Reward them for the right behavior with a treat. Â

Tag. Tag can be a fun way to bond with your pet while teaching them to follow your command. You can try this by encouraging your dog to chase after you in a safe area and rewarding them with a treat when they approach you. Keep things relaxed and praise your dog for coming to you when you call.Â

Lure Coursing and Fast Coursing Ability Tests.  These are both professionally organized sports for dogs that involve having dogs chase a mechanically operated lure. The lure moves quickly just above the ground, stimulating a real hunt. This gives dogs a chance to actively chase the “prey” in a fun and safe environment.

Chasing cars can sometimes be so ingrained in dogs that it can be hard to make them stop. After all, it’s a part of their natural instinct to want to run and hunt. In addition to trying different games, you can incorporate these ideas as well.

  • Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard to prevent them from chasing any distractions.Â
  • Don’t allow your dog off-leash whenever you go for a walk.Â
  • Train your dog to come to you when you call and practice training them in impulse control. If they do run, they’ll be more likely to come back to you.Â
  • Seek help from a dog behaviorist. Professionals trained in dog behavior can help you understand your pet and what motivates them to run after cars. They can also help to develop a game plan so you’ll know what to do when your dog attempts to run.Â

    • It’s Part Of Their Instinct

    Dogs love to chase things. They may be caused by what we call the prey drive. This refers to their desire to run after rabbits, hunt gazelles, and chase squirrels. After all, as domesticated as your dog might already be, deep inside, they are still predators.

    In the wild, a dog’s way to survive is to hunt. That’s why hunting dogs exist even among modern breeds of canines. Some of the dog breeds with a high level of prey drive include terriers, hounds, and sporting dogs. You’ll most likely see these dogs from these breeds to chase things such as cars.

    Dogs Are Playful

    Some dogs are extremely playful, and chasing cars is simply another game that they enjoy. Some dogs will chase after anything that moves, including animals that run through the yard and even dead leaves.

    Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about a playful dog besides building a tall fence. If your dog is still a puppy, there is a good chance it will grow out of the behavior, especially with proper training.

    Why do dogs CHASE or bark at moving cars and how to stop this dog behaviour.