How to Stop a Dog From Chasing Cars

Dogs are creatures of instinct, and as such, some will resort to barking and chasing cars, giving in to their predatory instincts. Unfortunately, this can also lead to their death under the wheels of an automobile. Here are a few techniques to keep Rover in his yard.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Train your dog by recruiting a friend to drive around your block while you hold your pooch on a long leash. When he begins to run after the car, give the leash a sharp tug, startling and stopping him. Don’t jerk him so hard you hurt him. Employ this method once a day for 15 minutes to give him the message.

2. Soak him down. Not with the hose--with water balloons. Once again, you’ll need the help of a friend. Choose one with a car your dog won’t recognize. As your dog nears the car, slow down and begin throwing water balloons on the ground just in front of him. Repeat this technique every day.

3. Sound off. If your aim with water balloons is poor, consider using an air horn or a device intended to generate loud noises to startle your dog when he chases cars. Hide in the backseat as your friend drives by, and when your dog nears the car, stick the device out and give him a dose of ear-splitting sound. Repeat until he discovers chasing cars is very unpleasant.

4. Exercise your dog to release some of his pent-up energy. Some dogs chase cars out of boredom. Grab a ball and toss it to your pooch to encourage him to get his exercise in a more productive manner.

5. Fence him in. Unfortunately, some dogs will chase cars despite your best efforts to stop them. Avoid an accident by keeping him in a fence.

Tips & Warnings

• Notify the neighbors of your impending dog training so they won't call the police when someone drives by every day and throws water balloons at your dog or repeatedly blasts an air horn.
• Don’t keep a dog on a leash. They can become tangled and strangle themselves.
• A dog that chases cars may cause a motorist to swerve and crash. You may be liable for the trouble your dog causes.

Resources

• Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
• The Art of Raising a Puppy
• The Dog Whisperer: Beginning and Intermediate Dog Training

[akchrist]

on 6/7/2008 Great info but its so fun chasing after them:>)

[jennifer1981]

on 3/5/2008 I forgot to say that he is a Jack Russell and he is 3 years old

[jennifer1981]

on 3/5/2008 I would love to be able to put my dog in a fanced yard but i don't have one and I try to walk him and he barks at the cars that past and he also tries to chase them do you know what I can do to stop that. So we can go for better walks :)
Thanks for your time

Jenn