Sometimes it’s a shock when our furry best friend exhibits behavior that seems more primitive than we’re used to. Stalking birds in the garden, trying to chase deer, or trapping small animals like rabbits or squirrels can remind us that ancestral instincts can live on in our domesticated dogs.
In fact, many of the fun behaviors we appreciate in our puppies, such as fetching balls, throwing and breaking toys, have their origins in prey drive. It’s a natural behavior that can be exciting for dogs but stressful for pet owners.
Key takeaways
- Prey drive is a dog’s innate desire to chase and capture prey.
- Any dog can exhibit prey behavior, not just those bred for hunting.
- Pet owners should control their dog’s prey drive to avoid accidents that may result from this behavior.
What is prey drive in dogs?
Prey drive is defined as our dogs’ inherent desire to engage in a chase, capture, and kill sequence. While it may seem like an undesirable trait, it is actually an instinctive pattern of behavior to find food. The complete sequence includes the following stages:
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Hunt: This initial step may include sniffing the ground and air, tracking, and scanning.
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Stalking: Once a target is identified, a dog may fix its gaze on it, slow its movements or freeze, adopt a low or crouching position, and approach the target.
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Catch: This is the “kill sequence” which may include chasing, knocking down, and shaking or choking the prey. Said that, It is not normal for domestic dogs to engage in a true “kill” phase.
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Consumption: At its core, prey drive is about acquiring food, so the entire sequence involves eating the prey. Again, domestic dogs should not engage in this phase of the behavior.
Many dogs with a strong prey drive may exhibit only parts of this sequence. For example, dogs that were bred to herd, such as Border Collies, will engage in an exaggerated version of the stalking phase of the sequence to advance the sheep, but will not progress to the attacking phase. (That would make them very ineffective shepherds!)
What dog breeds have a strong prey drive?
While any Although a dog may feel the need to chase rapidly receding objects, there are certain breeds specifically selected for their ability to stalk and chase. Dogs that exhibit part or all of the prey drive sequence include:
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Dogs within the sporting group, including spaniels, retrievers and pointers.
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Herding breeds, such as Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies.
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Dogs within the terrier group, including Border Terriers, Jack Russells and Westies.
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Bloodhounds, including Beagles, Coonhounds and Greyhounds.
That said, prey drive is not limited to dogs bred for it. Under the right circumstances, even a Chihuahua sitting on his lap could chase a squirrel over the fence. Prey drive in dogs can range from mere cues to the behavioral sequence to an almost uncontrollable compulsion to perform it.
Signs of prey drive in dogs
Dogs with a high prey drive may engage in the following behaviors:
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Pursue wildlife, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer.
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Chasing other pets, including smaller dogs or cats
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Chasing cars, bikes and skaters
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Attempting to herd fast-moving people or pets
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Dig into rodent burrows
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Obsessively following a scent
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Bird fixation, both on the ground and in flight.
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Kill small animals
When is Prey Drive a problem?
Prey drive becomes problematic when it poses risks to people, other animals, or the dogs themselves. A dog can become so obsessed with chasing its prey that it may put itself at risk by not being aware of its surroundings, such as running into the road chasing an animal.
There is a “natural euphoria” that goes along with the instinctive predatory sequence, and the more opportunities a dog has to engage in predatory behaviors, the stronger their drive to perform these behaviors. Please note that engaging in predatory behavior is fun for the dog.
Prey drive in dogs can range from mere cues to the behavioral sequence to an almost uncontrollable compulsion to perform it.
The intense prey drive can also be problematic if it prevents the dog from performing everyday activities. Some dogs will perform the stalking portion of the predator sequence when cars pass by during walks and may turn in place because they cannot chase them. This behavior can be stressful on both ends of the leash, but it especially affects the dog, who remains in an adrenaline-charged state of excitement throughout the entire walk.
How to manage prey drive in dogs
The first step in addressing a dog’s prey drive is to control its behavior to prevent the dog from engaging in a potentially dangerous predatory sequence.
Keep your dog in a fenced area
Prevent your dog from running after animals by ensuring they are only allowed out in safely fenced areas. Dogs often become stressed if they can detect their prey, so a fence that is not transparent is best.
Electric fences or electric collars are not a safe solution for dogs with a high prey drive. Instead, supervise your dog whenever he is outside and modify his behavior by rewarding him with calm, non-chasing behaviors.
Use the proper walking equipment
Managing predatory behavior also involves walking dogs in a quiet area on a fixed-length leash and using a collar or harness from which the dog cannot escape.
Introduce new animals carefully
Pet parents introducing a new animal sibling into a home with a prey-driven dog should carefully supervise any interactions between the animals, whether the new pet is a gerbil, cat, or puppy. Avoid leaving them alone until you are sure the new addition will not unintentionally become a target.
Always practice training
Fine-tuning a puppy’s training is another line of defense when addressing his prey drive. Teaching a strong “leave it” signal to stop the sequence before it begins, or using a special “emergency” reminder word that is only used when a dog is about to slip into predator mode, can help deter a dog. to advance through the sequence. complete sequence.
Allow the dog to safely practice prey drive behaviors
That said, engaging in some type of predatory behavior is a natural and enjoyable part of being a dog, and trying to eliminate it completely can backfire. Mimicking the predatory sequence in controlled settings can allow a dog to adopt these satisfying behaviors without putting the pup (or local wildlife) at risk.
Do you have a dog that loves the sniffing part of the process? Try nose games at home like “find the toy” and sign up for organized sniffing sports that take advantage of that skill. What about a puppy who always has one eye on the horizon? Sign up for lure runs, which mimic the feeling of chasing prey. Digging dogs, like terriers, might enjoy channeling that desire into an organized sport, like Earthdog.
While dogs with a high prey drive will likely need extra attention to keep them safe and happy, with careful planning and attentive grooming, they can experience the exhilarating rush of endorphins and other forms of satisfaction that the prey drive sequence offers, all without endangering themselves or small animals!
Featured Image: Adobe/Milan
