There are various reasons why dogs chase cars, some driven by a strong hunting instinct that makes them chase anything that moves. Most dogs that chase cars don't really care about catching them; they're just in it for the chase. However, some dogs believe they have a good chance of catching a car and "killing" it, even though that notion seems quite absurd.
Certain dogs see cars as intruders invading their territory, hoping to ward off the metal behemoth from their sight by concentrating their barking attack and subsequent pursuit to make the roaring giant disappear. While no dog can outrun a car, in the dog's mind, it's a major victory. After all, the car has quickly "fled," which only escalates the dog's car-chasing behavior.
Some dogs with herding instincts might view cars as wayward sheep that need to be herded back to the flock. Don't assume that a Toyota and a fluffy lamb have nothing in common. In the mind of a herding dog, there's no distinction.
What Should We Do?
Your dog needs an outlet to expend excess energy and satisfy its chasing instincts. Start training your dog to chase more appropriate objects, like a ball. Take your dog to your backyard or a fenced-in dog park, throw a ball, and have it chase and retrieve until it's tired.
Teaching your dog to fetch is always a good way to channel its instincts. Encourage it to chase objects and bring them back, so you can throw them again. Chasing cars isn't as enjoyable, which means your dog will lose interest in it quickly.
Train your dog to come when called. This is another effective method to prevent your dog from chasing cars. If you see your dog chasing a moving vehicle and it has a strong recall response, you can redirect its attention from the car to you. Building this level of trust with your dog requires consistent practice, whether in a distracted environment or during highly excited moments, to ensure your dog responds when called. If your dog only listens when it's idle and not in the midst of fervently chasing cars, it's unlikely to heed your commands during such moments.
