Trying To Chase Cars

[Simply Grand]

Hi everyone,

Over the last week or so Saxon seems to have decided that cars driving past are very exciting and tries to run after them. He's always on leash (unless we're in an enclosed area) so he can't get to them, but I'm worried just in case he slips his collar or the leash breaks or something. I don't want him to hurt himself pulling on the leash either.

I've been walking him along footpaths next to roads for months so I don't know why this has suddenly started (he's 8 months old). Anyway, what do you think is the best way to manage it?

Thanks

[bedazzledx2]

Ooooh you have a teenage boy!!!!!! You said it in your last sentance.....manage it Don't ever let him practice this behaviour as it will become self rewarding and you will have no end of trouble with an ingrained problem Best to distract him and ask for his attention when you are out walking. I wouldn't allow him unsupervised in a yard where he can see cars going past until he is past this stage. Good luck

Hi everyone,

Over the last week or so Saxon seems to have decided that cars driving past are very exciting and tries to run after them. He's always on leash (unless we're in an enclosed area) so he can't get to them, but I'm worried just in case he slips his collar or the leash breaks or something. I don't want him to hurt himself pulling on the leash either.

I've been walking him along footpaths next to roads for months so I don't know why this has suddenly started (he's 8 months old). Anyway, what do you think is the best way to manage it?

Thanks

[Tassie]

As bedazzledx2 says - it is a management problem IMO. I deal with it in my BC bitch - now 8 - by trying to classically condition her - hear/see a car - look at me for a treat. Needless to say, she's on lead anywhere near a road. It works about 99% of the time - so much so that if she hears the wind in the trees sometimes, she'll look at me, trying to persuade me it's a car coming. BUT - I can never take it for granted - just today, it was the added dimension of the sound of 4WS tyres on a wet road that triggered her to attempt to chase - thank goodness she was on the lead.

For the most part, my boy is not a serious car chaser - though every now and again he'll think it's OK to lunge after a truck - so I use the same management strategy with him.

[Jetty]

I have this problem too which has only just started. I have tried the distracting and it sometimes works. I will be looking at this thread with interest

[Tilly]

Thankfully my boys have never had the urge to chase cars but with my older boy did get over excited when he saw other dogs. I found loosening off the leash (remove the tension) and jog away from the distraction and use an excited voice and bouncy excited body language to get his attention and focus ... and treat like crazy with lots of attention and praise when he turned his attention back to me.

The real trick is to get their attention before the distraction gets their attention...

[Simply Grand]

Heheh, bedazzled, so teenage boy dogs get interested in cars just like teenage boy humans!

Thanks for the advice everyone. Seems like distraction is the way to go. He's very responsive to me (and to treats!) so I will work on keeping his attention when cars pass. Like you say Tilly, I guess I have to make continuing to walk with me more exciting than the cars. And Tassie I think you're right about never taking it for granted, I think I will always keep him on leash around roads, no matter how well trained he seems to be.

Any more advice very welcome!

[Prydenjoy]

I deal with it in my BC bitch - now 8 - by trying to classically condition her - hear/see a car - look at me for a treat.

Great idea, start practicing at a distance from the cars so that the urge to chase isn't too overwhelming, and gradually get closer. Eventually seeing a car will be a cue to go to you, as opposed to chasing it.