13 mos old GSD chases cars when we are not home

[mamasalvo]

When we are out and the kids let the dog out she chases cars entering our neighborhood thinking it is us leaving or returning. This is a new behavior. A few nights ago she was out when we came home and ran towards our car and around it and we didnt even see her as we pulled into the driveway, etc. Anyone else have this problem? It is a training issue for sure but only seems to happen when we are not home. Appreciate any suggestions.

[Gracie's My Girl]

The first time my puppy took off after friends riding a go-cart...she lost her off leash privileges. The key here is going to be eliminating the opportunity for your dog to chase cars. Supervise her! Put a leash on the dog and do not let her go. It would be horrible for the dog to be run over because of this.

[Jax08]

Why is she out loose when you aren't home? Is she somehow escaping from the house or enclosure? If not, then get her in the house or enclosure.

It it absolutely a training issue and a maturity issue and you can't fix it if you aren't there to train her.

[doggiedad]

first thing you do is make sure your kids
don't let the dog out.

teach your dog not to leave the house
without a command even if the door
is wide open.

teach your dog boundaries.

[kgulbranso]

Sounds like the kids that let her out, should be properly trained!

[Jax08]

awww...missed the kids part! Definitely train the kids!

[katieliz]

if you do not make absolutely sure that not only do the kids understand the rules with the dog, but since kids will be kids, you are going to have to yourself make absolutely sure this dog cannot get out of the house unsupervised, or she will surely pay with her life. this is the responsibility of the adults in charge. cars and dogs do not mix. please.

and someone may correct me but i'm thinking it's not an issue of her thinking it's you coming or leaving, it's just plain thinking whohoo i'm out now let's chase cars!!! please, please protect her.

[squeakermama]

I would as suggest the same as the others for the kids to not let the dog loose. If you don't have control of your dog it should not be unleashed. Everytime the dog is allowed this behavior it is becoming more and more ingrained and harder to break. I suggest breaking this behavior in a control manner. Having someone try and startle the dog with horns. If that doesn't do anything but simulate more I would suggest using an E collar. Unless you always have your dog contained or leased, it needs to be stopped. Your dogs life depends on it. Best Regards.

[mamasalvo]

Let me clarify. Kids are 20 something's letting the dog out into our large yard when she asks to go out to relieve. This has never happened before and she never chases cars when she is out with us and we have not leashed her in the yard for months. Also she is never out unsupervised. I am absolutely concerned about this and her safety but not convinced she is chasing for fun as she has been well disciplined until this recent behavior.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by mamasalvo

Let me clarify. Kids are 20 something's letting the dog out into our large yard when she asks to go out to relieve. This has never happened before and she never chases cars when she is out with us and we have not leashed her in the yard for months. Also she is never out unsupervised. I am absolutely concerned about this and her safety but not convinced she is chasing for fun as she has been well disciplined until this recent behavior.

No offense against 20 something kids, as I own one myself, , but they're not the most responsible. So clearly the kids don't have the ability to keep her reigned in. Put a screw in tie out thing in the yard with a nice long lead and have the kids put her on that. Really, the kids probably just open the door and let whatever happen. They probably need to answer their latest text message or facebook post. I'm not being nasty about your kids! I just know, as I said, I have one that age. You can't risk her being run over and you can't depend on kids!