Why dogs chase cars

Man’s best friend- Dog might be the most adored creature only if it’s well trained pet. Because let’s be honest, stray dogs tend to give us creeps. Staying on the sides of the road waiting patiently for a speeding vehicle to pass by, for when it does the dog lunges into its chasing and barking stance thus giving you a taste of adrenalin.

Dog Chasing Car
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Now you maybe retracing one of your own such experiences and pondering as to ‘why do dog’s actually chase and bark at a moving car?’

To answer that, let’s trace some of these reasons below:

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1. Predatory instinct to entertainment

We often fail to realise that domestic animals however finely amusing and docile they might be have an evolutionary line leading back to the wilds and so does the dog. Coming from a family of wolf, fox and jackals these friendly beasts have prey/ predatory instincts that is triggered by moving target. This ain’t a mode of violence rather it’s a chase to let out steam caused by natural behaviour to seek and pursue prey. This Predatory aggressive behaviour is meddled with by selective breeding due to which in some breed the character is suppressed and in some like hounds and retriever they are enhanced.

Dog Chasing Car2
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The fetching game that the dogs find entertaining is inclined towards this particular prey instincts and this is true with dogs chasing cats, kids, squirrel and other dogs. Sometimes out of boredom the stray dogs chase something that is getting away from it playing an exciting game to pass the time.

Dog catching frisbee
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2. Territorial to protective instincts

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and recognize an intruder instantly. With the threat to safe guard its territory as a passing motor bike might have an odour distinct to a dog of another territory that has urinated on the tyre, the dog tend to shoo off the vehicle.

Dog peeing on car tyre
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And what best can elevate your dominance than something that’s already running away as it creates an understanding in the dog that it was successful in guarding its area and chasing away the vehicle that’s already moving, resulting in consistent showcase of authority by barking and chasing the moving cars.

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Dog chasing vehicle
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3. Revenge against things that would’ve hurt them

Sometimes the chase is nothing to do with prey instincts but everything to do with grievance. Road accidents in case of animals are often encountered but mostly ignored by humans but not by dogs. The dog might have witnessed death of its companion by a hit-and-run this being registered by the dog, chases any motorbike or car that even vaguely fits the description sketched in its mind.

Dog hit by car
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Dogs being the most compassionate in the animal kingdom, the barking you see at the speeding vehicle might be its way of confronting the wrong.

Dog chasing bicycle
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So next time you’re chased by a stray dog learn to keep your distance and don’t fuel its anger for you have no idea what the reason might be.

Also read: 30 Adorable Photos Of Dogs Growing Up Together With Their Owners Just Like A Family Member

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A BE graduate from DSCE, Bangalore, Sushravya's writing has evolved from recreational to explorative. Now her passion has turned to professional identity. She has been freelancing as a Content writer and editor (reviewer) for two years. Being an avid reader and harbouring a curious mind, she often engages herself with books, online articles, and journal publications. Her penmanship is grounded on extensive research optimized for search engines, the clarity of the subject matter and a personal flair for metaphors. Her interest lies in travel blogging, fashion/ lifestyle and various healthcare sectors.