Skip to main content

Why do dogs chase cars? There’s a reason why they can’t help themselves

Dogs can be so smart sometimes, but other times? Not so much. Chasing their tail is one thing, but running at cars, for example, often leaves pet owners confused. Why would an animal do something so dangerous? Why do dogs chase cars?

As illogical as it sounds to a human, running after a car, bike, or scooter is irresistible to some canines. In this article, we’ll discuss why this is, in addition to what you can do about it. It may seem like a difficult behavior to reverse, but with enough time and effort, you can teach your furry friend nearly anything. So don’t fret, pet parents – PawTracks has everything you need to know to keep your pup safe and well-mannered around cars.

Two dogs run and hop over a field of grass
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why do dogs chase cars?

Though your dog’s specific thoughts and choices can come about in a number of ways, one thing is for sure: reacting to a moving vehicle is pure instinct. You may see the same instinct if your pup chases people on bikes or rollerblades, and even joggers – though none of these behaviors are as dangerous as darting after a moving car.

Recommended Videos

You can thank your dog’s prey drive as the reason for chasing cars. The canine professionals at Hills Pet note that the act of chasing itself is deeply embedded in instinct, though something about the movement of the cars is what triggers their desire to chase in the first place.

Sometimes the breed of your dog can play a role in their car-chasing habits too. According to the American Kennel Club, sighthounds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Borzois – were bred specifically to run after prey. It’s no surprise that these breeds, as well as many herding dogs, are known for chasing anything that moves. Why? Following this instinct can help them feel fulfilled, happy, or even thrilled – chasing does release a rush of adrenaline.

For dogs who may be acting territorially, or out of fear, chasing a car can feel like keeping their home and family safe, according to Adrienne Farricelli, CPDT-KA. As the car drives past, or away from where your pup is, your dog will likely interpret their chase as a job well done. It’s easy to see how this self-rewarding behavior can get reinforced.

A dog runs through a field of tall grass
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do I get my dog to stop chasing cars?

Instinctual behaviors like chasing may be more difficult to control with training because they’re such deeply embedded habits, but don’t give up. With enough patience and the right kind of practice, any dog can learn to control their impulses around moving vehicles.

If you have the chance to work on impulse control before your dog develops any strong desires, it may be easier to steer them away from this behavior. If not, no worries – just remember not to try training while your dog is in pursuit of a car or other target, according to the American Kennel Club. Odds are, they will see your training attempts as play, which will further reinforce the behavior.

Instead, try desensitization alongside obedience practice. The idea of this technique is to keep your dog focused on you, even in the presence of exciting triggers such as cars. Of course, you won’t be able to jump right in, so start with your dog on a leash (and plenty of treats in your pocket) in a space where their trigger isn’t present.

Whether you choose to teach your pup “stay” or “focus” is up to you. Either way, the goal is to have your dog practice focusing on you, so begin by giving their command and rewarding them the moment they stay or make eye contact with you. Gradually, you’ll want to increase the duration of the command before rewarding your furry friend. Once they’ve mastered this step, notes Hills Pet, you can start practicing the same behavior in a location where distractions will be present.

You’ll want to make sure that the reward you use for training – whether toys, treats, or affection – is more enticing than the passing cars or bikes. Until your dog masters the commands both with and without distractions, these rewards will be vital. Remember to keep your dog leashed during training for everyone’s safety.

Consult a trainer

It may take some time, and it will definitely take some practice, but you can absolutely teach your dog not to lunge at or chase cars. When in doubt, a professional dog trainer will be able to offer further ideas and techniques if you’re feeling stuck. You never know what might do the trick! Before you know it, your well-behaved buddy won’t even think twice about the car coming down the street.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
56 incredible white dog names that suit every personality
Peruse this list for a little extra inspiration
A white dog getting a belly rub in a chair

When you first see a new dog, you probably ask, "What's his name?" Giving pets fun names is part of the joy of bringing a new buddy home. That's even more true if your pup has a striking characteristic that makes naming them even more enjoyable because you get to play with it a little. A bright white dog represents a really good opportunity to stretch your creative muscle and come up with something well suited to your beastie. Need a little help finding the perfect moniker? Here are 56 dog names for white dogs.
How to pick the right name for your dog

There are a few rules when it comes to selecting the perfect name for your pup. We do recommend something easy to say, relatively short, and unique enough that your dog won't constantly think you're calling them when you're actually trying to talk to your smart device.

Read more
What you need to know about dogs with blue eyes
Blue eyes are a rarity that may come with some health risks
Upside down brown dog with blue eyes

Blue-eyed dogs are striking, both because of their vivid irises and because of how rare they are. After all, even though most puppies are born with blue eyes (their irises haven't developed melanin yet), most of them experience eye color changes around 1 month old. And while there’s almost nothing sweeter than staring into the brown eyes of an adoring pet, those dog breeds with blue eyes are, well, a sight to behold.

Whether you're lucky enough to have a blue-eyed dog or are just curious about these gorgeous dogs, read on to discover what causes this beautiful abnormality. We’ll share which dog breeds naturally have blue eyes, why that occurs, and if blue-eyed dogs are at risk for health problems as a result.
What dog breeds have blue eyes?

Read more
This is where dogs like to be pet: The spots they can’t resist
These are the top places to pet your dog (and the ones to avoid)
A woman pets her dog in a field

One of the best parts of owning a dog is providing pats, scritches, and belly rubs. Our buds seem to love this as much as we do, and research says that petting a pooch gives a mood boost to both humans and animals. Even though we know that pups love pats, we should still respect their boundaries and only touch them in the areas they like. While every fur baby has personal preferences, we'll cover the common areas where dogs like to be pet.
Why dogs like to be pet

About 20,000 years ago, dogs decided they preferred hanging out with humans for nourishment rather than hunting their own food. Along the way, we became more than just a meal ticket to them, and now most dogs are solely companions (of course, many still work demanding jobs as service animals or alongside police officers).

Read more