How to Stop Dogs From Chasing Traffic

Dogs are predatory animals, which means they love to chase anything that moves. Unfortunately, this chase instinct can include moving cars, a habit which can easily get your pet killed. A combination of training and confinement will go a long way to stop your dog from chasing traffic, and will give you a happier pet that will be part of the family for years.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence
  • Leash
  • Dog halter
  • Ball
  • Frisbee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Confine your dog. Fence your yard and make sure the fence is escape-proof. Many large dogs and smaller hunting dogs like beagles can easily leap over or climb a standard four-foot-high chain-link fence, so choose a fence that your dog cannot easily navigate. An underground fence is a good, less expensive choice for large yards or properties out in the country. If your dog is prevented from leaving the safety of your yard, your dog cannot chase cars.

    • 2

      Exercise your dog. Increase the length and time of your dog's daily walks. Teach your dog new tricks -- learning something new will mentally wear your pet out. If you are worried about your dog breaking away from you on a walk, add a dog halter, which attaches a second leash to your dog's regular collar and leash. Two leashes and a head-controlling collar are harder to break away from. If your dog is adequately physically exercised and mentally stimulated, it will be too tired to chase anything, including cars.

    • 3

      Take your pet along for the ride. Organize your errands so your dog can come along with you in the car. Use the bank's drive-through window and drop your mail in a curbside mailbox instead of going into the post office. Giving your pet a chance to see and bark at the other cars can satisfy the need to chase them away later.

    • 4

      Redirect the chase drive. Teach your dog to fetch a ball or a frisbee. Take your pet to the local dog park and let your dog play with and chase other dogs. Sign up for a dog agility course and let your dog chase you around fun, easy obstacles. After a while, cars will become boring.