How do you stop a dog chasing traffic?

Question

Every time a car or van etc goes past my GSD, she lunges an barks at them please help!

Answer 1

This behaviour is common among young dogs of herding breeds, and is difficult to extinguish. Some books recommend throwing buckets of water from moving cars, or other forms of punishment, but the chase instinct is so strong in many dogs that this may not be effective, and may make the problem worse. Punishment may convince the dog that cars are dangerous and out to get him, so should be chased, and will tend to make him tense when they approach, whereas you want him to be calm. Dogs that chase cars often fear them, cringing when they go past. Confident, calm dogs just walk along the pavement without flinching, and have worked out that cars don't attack them if they are beside their owner. Regular walks near traffic with sits by the kerb are an essential part of a pup's education, and help to prevent chasing.

Owners of dogs that are chasers need to anticipate trouble. Try to spot temptation before your dog does, and call him if he is off the lead, before he goes into a mad dash. Keep him on the lead if temptation is likely to be near. Try exposing him to as many triggers as possible when he is on the lead, and reward him for being still and paying attention to you. You can sit regularly with your dog near a cat that refuses to run away, for example, until he learns to focus on you and be calm in the presence of cats, at least ones sitting still! Or you can sit regularly for a few minutes by a busy road with your dog, until he gets used to traffic.

Some chasing is location or vehicle specific. Dogs may behave well by busy roads, but chase bicycles crossing playing fields, for example. Here, you could enlist help from friendly cyclists. Ask them to cycle past first at a distance, then when your dog can handle that and still focus on you, your ally can gradually get closer. Diesel cars and motor cycles often make dogs lunge towards traffic, as do cars on wet roads at night. Again, try to get your dog used to these stimuli. These sounds may trigger lunging because dogs find them overwhelming and horrible, not just because the dogs want to chase, but you can desensitise your dog with a little regular effort.

Answer 2

Having had personal experience of this with border collies, I know it is a difficult thing to stop. What worked in my case was getting an aware friend to drive past slowly, as soon as the dog made a move to chase, they banged loudly on the side of the car, sounded the horn, and, generally, scared to dog witless! It cured the chasing, and it didn't take the dog very long to get over the initial fright, but it obviously stayed in the memory!

Answer 3

Take him to a seat near the road but obviously far enough away for him and you to stay safe. Make him sit and just watch the traffic going past. Try for a few minutes at a time, distract him with a toy or treat so that he forgets about the cars. Also teach him the 'leave' command so that you can tell him to leave the vehicles alone. Plenty of praise when he is good.

Answer 4

We have the same problem with our American Eskimo only people are what she chases and not cars. My hubby has scared the every lovin daylights out of her so she doesn't play in the road. But that may not work with every dog. Our vet suggested that we get a shock collar for her to break the habit. It sounded HORRIBLE to me but he swears it's safe and only scares them, doesn't hurt them. Every time the dog heads out as if to chase, you shock them and they should respond by either yelping from fear and running back or stopping in their tracks. Also, if you want to keep the pet in the yard safe, an electric fence works well. Our dog has one in the back yard so she doesn't have to be tied up as that causes them to be extremely bored and they start digging holes and chewing up things.

Answer 5

Bloody Hell, all dogs are natural chasers--cars, people on bicycles, even people walking. Seriously, please put up even a partial fence in your back garden, only take your dog into unfenced parts on a leash, if you really care about her.
Otherwise, anyone care for mince canine on toast?
Worse, what if she were to bite a bicyclist, or cause an accident if she caused a car to swerve to miss her? I suspect you would be held liable.

Answer 6

Does this happen while you are walking them on a leash? If so, get one of those that has a "brake" on them. This way you can control how far out they go. My dog is starting to go after cars now for some odd reason (he is 7 years old now) and i'm having to use the "brake" a lot more, but it works. =) You can get these at grocery stores or at Petsmart.

Answer 7

does this happen while your walking her? or does she leave your yard? obviously she's not loose right?
when your walking her and she lunges, pull her back and make her sit with her back to the road. stand in front of her and keep telling her to sit / stay. this is called blocking. after she is completely calm, move forward with her at your SIDE. NEVER IN FRONT. in front shows she's dominant and in charge of you.
if you can't establish that you are in charge, she will not take you seriously. and you have to be in charge for everything all the time. watch CESAR MILAN, the DOG WHISPERER on the National Geographic channel. or look up his web site.

Answer 8

This is a VERY dangerous habit. you must consult an expert to stop her/train her out of doing this.

Answer 9

Keep her fenced in or outside only on aleash or you will soon have a dead dog.

Answer 10

Every time he pulls to chase throw a cup of water over him .he will not like this and learn very quickly . it does work .