How to Train a Dog Not to Chase Cars

Some dogs just don't have street smarts. Perhaps you're like me and you want to let your dog roam free in an open area, but at the same time you don't want them to get hit by the passing Hummer that your peppy pup seems to think is the hottest new dog toy. Or, perhaps your dog, which is usually on a leash, simply runs off and won't come when you call. I've got two tips here that will ensure that your dog stays safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A long clothes line (you can probably get one from the dollar store).
• If this doesn't work, you'll want to get a shock collar (I hate the idea as well, but I'd rather my pet be alive than comfortable. Plus, it's only for a week)

1. You'll want to get a long clothes line rope. This is good because it's not heavy. You'll tie one end of the rope to your dogs collar and hang on to the other end. You want the rope to be long so that the dog thinks that they're not on a leash.

2. This takes patience. You let your dog roam outside for a few minutes and then you call them. If they don't look up when called,or if they look up at you and then go about their business, yank on the rope to get their attention. You'll do this every time you take your dog out for about five to seven days. They should hopefully get the piture. When they do come, give them lots of praise, but not a treat (see tips). If not, see below.

3. I got this tip from a very caring but practicle vet. If the above step does not work, you'll need to use the shock collar. Follow the same steps as above, only this time you will put the shock collar around the dogs neck and then use a remote to buzz them every time they don't come when you call. Again, when they do come, give them a lot of praise.

4. 
    

   If the above steps do not work, then you should probably keep your dog confined to a leash or a yard, which is not ideal because, just like us, dogs like to have freedom to!

Tips & Warnings

• I know tempting your dog with treats may seem like a quick way to get them to do what you want them to do, but this is faux training and a quick fix. Dogs are a bit like children, they need dicipline. If you provide dicipline, you gain their respect.

[paulusgrandis]

on 12/11/2009 Great tips that I will definitely share with my family who owns an (out of control) black lab that chases cars all of the time!! 5*

[roseanne09]

on 11/23/2009 Excellent tips to training a dog not to chase cars. Thanks for sharing. 5*

[judasasparagus]

on 11/20/2009 I wonder if I applied these techniques to myself, that I would stop chasing cars too?

[evgnspaces]

on 11/18/2009 Cars definitely kill dogs so training them is important.