QUESTION:

My dog has recently begun chasing cars. Is there a way of breaking this habit?

ANSWER:

Your concern is certainly justified since dogs that chase cars often have short life spans. This can be a very difficult habit to break. It is instinctive for dogs to chase objects that move away from them. In the wild, this behavior is the key to catching prey required for survival. The domesticated dog exhibits this instinct by chasing sticks, balls, cats and moving vehicles.

The best way to stop this habit is to create an unpleasant experience which the animal associates with chasing cars. Throwing water filled balloons or spraying water from a slow moving car may be successful. Some have added a small amount of ammonia to the water and have used a water gun to spray the animal. This method is fine if successful, but care should be taken with the amount of ammonia used.

Shock collars have also been recommended by some trainers. Shock collars properly used may work. Anyone using such collars should be willing to test the collar on themselves first to be sure the sensation felt is not unnecessarily severe. The use of such a collar is open to some disagreement among animal experts as to effectiveness and as to whether or not they are humane.

Do not try to slightly hit your dog with your car to teach him a lesson. The results could be disastrous. This warning might sound silly; however, veterinarians will tell you it does happen.