Why Dogs Chase Cyclists And Cars

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Why dogs chase cyclists and cars

Anyone has witnessed more than once how dogs bark at passing cars and cyclists. Many of the animals violently throw themselves almost under the wheels of the vehicle. What is the reason for such a dislike for these objects and how to wean a pet from this, if he is one of the haters of moving objects.

Why dogs rush to cars and cyclists

Most often, stray dogs bark at passing cars and cyclists. Among thoroughbred pets, ceremoniously walking on a leash, the percentage of such individuals is negligible. This makes it possible to consider such behavior a sign of the dog's aggressiveness, which practically does not occur in domestic individuals due to their socialization and upbringing (and pedigree qualities that largely exclude aggression).

In addition, singling out cars and cyclists as objects of special dislike for dogs is conditional. Many of them rush after skateboarders, roller skaters, runners, and sometimes any moving object with the same zeal.

The theory that explains this behavior with the greatest degree of probability is very simple - dogs have a hunting instinct that makes them catch up with any escaping objects.

But there are other reasons trying to explain this behavior of some dogs. Many of them have a right to exist:

• Dogs' ears are more sensitive than human ears. Therefore, the sound of the engine or the rustling of tires, almost invisible to the hearing of people, can really cause irritation in dogs. Quite possibly, however, this does not explain in any way why some dogs react aggressively to runners.

• Some zoologists believe that people sitting on some kind of mechanism or inside it look especially threatening in the eyes of dogs. This makes them look bigger, which means they are more dangerous.

  

  The person on the bike looks big, which means, in the opinion of the dog, is a threat

• According to another version, dogs do not like the sight of a spinning wheel, so they throw themselves at it, for which they often pay with their own lives. There are quite a few examples of this, so the version has a right to exist.
• Rushing at any moving objects, dogs simply guard their own territory and try to drive away strangers. This actually happens if the doggie was fed in the parking lot, the backyard of the store, but in this case it will bark hard at all people passing by.

• It is very important for stray dogs to strengthen their position in the hierarchy of the pack, barking at large objects increases their status, for which they fearlessly rush at them.

  

  In stray dogs living in a pack, barking large objects increases status

All versions sound plausible, but perhaps one of them plays a big role in each specific case.

How to stop your pet from darting at moving objects

If you notice that your pet has a tendency to react to every passing car, bike, or person passing by, you need to start the weaning process. Otherwise, walking with him will turn into a kind of test for you. Here's what the dog handlers advise:

• Practice the command "No!" and "Come to me!" Be sure to back them up with a treat. The dog must clearly understand its benefit from following a command as opposed to wanting to catch up or bark at something moving.
• Observe your pet while walking on a leash, and as soon as he is about to chase someone, turn sharply in the other direction. This method can be combined with the above.
• Transfer your dog's chase instinct to a retriever toy or flying saucer. This kind of cooperative play is very fun for pets, and over time they will stop responding to other moving objects.

The main goal of all these exercises is to raise a pet that is focused only on you. Then, over time, he will no longer be worried about running people and traveling vehicles.

Video: Dog Behavior Specialist Shows How To Correct Cyclist Dislike

Dogs can bark at passing cars and cyclists, as well as any moving object. They do this for different reasons. But regardless of them, if such a reaction is noticed in your pet, immediately correct it with special exercises.