Why do dogs chase cars?
You might wonder why your dog chases cars if he seems to like it.
They can’t outrun them and, even if they could, how would they gain from the final result? This behavior is quite strange, to put it mildly. But now you are curious. What is the reason a dog chases cars? Let’s look closer at the causes and what can be done to stop dogs from chasing cars.
Why do dogs chase cars?
Even though humans might not understand this, dogs’ instinct to chase may find moving vehicles annoying, thrilling, or something entirely different, but it sparks an instinct that a dog will run after prey and capture them.
Your dog may chase other vehicles than just four-wheeled cars and buses. Dogs might also be motivated to follow other wheels, such as scooters, mopeds, bikes, and scooters. You can even have your dog chase people in wheelchairs or Rollerblades!
Any dog breed can feel the urge to chase cars or other wheeled vehicles. The American Kennel Club reports that sighthounds of all sizes and other herding species may feel a strong urge to chase.
The Dangers of Chasing Vehicles
Remember that your dog might be hit if they chase a vehicle on or off-road. Your pet could be seriously injured if they collide with a moving vehicle. This could lead to a serious injury that could prove fatal. You should be concerned about your dog’s behavior when they chase other dogs or if they are displaying aggressive behavior. For example, a Rollerblade user passing your property could get hit by your dog.
How to stop a dog from chasing cars
You can train your dog not to chase cars and other types of transport. For some pets that are particularly driven to chase cars, this training can be difficult. According to the AKC, “The desire for chase is an inherent behavior in many dogs. It is highly rewarding and can be difficult to train dogs not to chase them.”
This doesn’t mean that you should lose heart. These tips will help you train your pet to control impulses.
- Training should be started before an impulse strikes. It is much more difficult to stop an impulse-driven behavior than working in calmer conditions.
- During training, keep your dog close to you and on a leash.
- Start by teaching your dog to “stay.”
- Once your dog can understand the command, you can introduce situations that will challenge their impulse control. For example, a family member on a skateboard or slowly backing away from the driveway while your dog remains seated or lies down still. This stage of training is the most difficult. This training phase will require you to increase speed and exposure while keeping safety in mind.
It is good to work directly with a local trainer for maximum results and safety.
Why do dogs chase cars? Natural evolution is the answer. Dogs have an instinct to chase cars, and a fast-moving car looks just like their prey. You can train your dog to be immobile and stay by your side so that they stop chasing cars.
