Why Dogs Chase Cars

Dog Breeds

Even though the dog has been domesticated for thousands of years, dogs still have many traits and characteristics that are inherent in wild canines. The chase of prey is one of these traits, and some dogs that still have the urge to run down wild prey may chase cars. In these cases, a car has taken the place of wild animal that the dog wants to chase.

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Introduction

Car chasing dogs have been a problem ever since the invention of the automobile. The desire to run down a car can occur due to wild urges, boredom, and territory protection.

Why Dogs Chase Cars

Even though the dog has been domesticated for thousands of years, dogs still have many traits and characteristics that are inherent in wild canines. The chase of prey is one of these traits, and some dogs that still have the urge to run down wild prey may chase cars. In these cases, a car has taken the place of wild animal that the dog wants to chase.

Dogs that are terribly bored may also chase cars in an effort to break up the tediousness of the day. For many outside dogs that have no other form of entertainment, car chasing may be the highlight of their day. Of course some dogs that have many other activities may still choose to chase a car simply because it is a game that they thoroughly enjoy.

Car chasing behavior may also occur if a dog is protecting its territory. While the street, and even down the road, may not seem like the dog’s territory to people, in a dog’s mind the range of territory often extends beyond the home. Much like a person ringing the doorbell or coming up to the front door, a car can be seen as an invasion of territory. In this case, once the dog has chased the car out of its territory it often immediately returns home.

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