Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My active puppy chases cars and barks at people. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 10 months and 22 days old | 95 lbs

Sammy is a puppy and very active dog so we take him outside 3 times a day for his exercise but I live in a busy neighborhood so people are walking across the street or kids are playing or people grabbing mall his bolts towards them barking but once he gets to them he just licks them but when he runs towards them they get terrified. even when cars are passing by he chases the car on the road which is a big problem so how do we fix this problem without an invisible fence we don't have enough money

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2017

I would highly recommend keeping him on a leas for a while until he is better trained. I would recommend starting with basic commands like come, sit and play. I would take him some place not crowded and keep him attached to a leash and start with the above commands. once he starts responding you can add length to his leash. Once he starts coming to you on a really long leash you can start to remove the leash. It will take a while but you can teach him to listen to you in a crowded area.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You will need to find safer ways for Sammy to release his energy. Even if he's friendly, it isn't safe for him to be running up to people, cars, and dogs. Someone might be walking a dog-aggressive pet and your dog could trigger a reaction from it, and he shouldn't be interacting with small children and strangers so freely. You may Take him for longer walks, arrange play dates with other active dogs in an enclosed area, etc. To give him some freedom in your yard without he expense of a fence you can install a zip line style tie-out which allows more freedom than the ones staked to the ground: https://www.chewy.com/four-paws-heavy-weight-overhead/dp/52624?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Four%20Paws&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwNee1p6-1QIVSFx-Ch1fVQIREAQYASABEgK4IPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds This would let him continue to run but in a much more controlled area! Hope this helps.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?
Is your Chinese dwarf hamster suddenly bloated, angry, and biting nonstop? A DVM explains pain signs and urges immediate vet care for his distended abdomen.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored