Ask Alex: My Dog Chases Cars
Dear Alex,
I’ve just adopted a yellow lab, he’s great but I’m worried. He loves to chase cars, and I’m afraid he is going to get hurt! Also, when we’re out on walks, he wants to drag me along for the ride if one passed going slow enough for him to pursue. What can I do?
Concerned,
Waltham MA
Dear Concerned,
There are a couple reasons why dogs chase cars. One is similar to a letterIi answered about
Car chasing can also be informed by your dogs prey drive, which is triggered by noise and motion. Exercise will often help diminish these habits by encouraging a positive outlet for his drives.Further try to evaluate the pattern, does you friend like to chase certain cars, or certain makes? Is it cars over trucks, or maybe even a certain model? If you can establish a pattern a little behavioral modification may be in order. Find a friend with one of these cars and have them repeatedly drive around the block while you work with your dog. With a little patience and a lot of hard work, you should be able to break you new friend of this dangerous habit.
Alex