Prey Drive in Dogs
Sometimes it’s a shock when our furry best friend displays behavior that seems more primal than we’re used to. Stalking birds in the yard, trying to chase down deer, or catching small animals like rabbits or squirrels can remind us that ancestral instincts can live on within our domesticated dogs.
In fact, many of the fun behaviors we appreciate in our pups, like fetching balls, playing tug, and ripping up toys, have their origins in prey drive. It’s a natural behavior that can be thrilling for dogs but stressful for pet parents.
Key Takeaways
Prey drive is a dog’s innate desire to chase and capture prey.
Any dog can exhibit prey drive behaviors, not just those bred for hunting.
Pet parents must manage their dog’s prey drive to prevent accidents that can 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-kill sequence. While it may seem like an undesirable trait, it’s actually an instinctive pattern of behaviors for finding food. The full sequence includes the following stages:
Hunting: This initial step can include scenting the ground and air, tracking, and scanning.
Stalking: Once a target is identified, a dog might fix their gaze on it, slow their movements or freeze, assume a low or crouched position, and approach the target.
Catch: This is the “kill sequence” that can include chasing, the takedown, and shaking or choking the prey. That said, it’s not normal for domestic dogs to participate in a true “kill” phase.
Consumption: At its core, prey drive is about food acquisition, so the full sequence involves eating the prey. Again, domestic dogs shouldn’t participate in this phase of behavior.
Many dogs with strong prey drive may exhibit only parts of this sequence. For example, dogs who were bred to herd, like Border Collies, will engage in an exaggerated version of the stalking phase of the sequence to move sheep along but won’t escalate to the attack phase.
What Dog Breeds Have a Strong Prey Drive?
While any dog can feel the pull to chase after rapidly retreating objects, certain breeds were specifically selected for their adeptness in stalking and chasing skills. Dogs that exhibit some or all of the prey drive sequence include:
Sporting group dogs, including spaniels, retrievers, and pointers.
Herding breeds, like Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies.
Terrier group dogs, including Border Terriers, Jack Russells, and Westies.
Hounds, including Beagles, coonhounds, and Greyhounds.
Prey drive isn’t limited to dogs bred for it. Under the right circumstances, even a lap-sitting Chihuahua might chase down a fence-breaching squirrel. Prey drive in dogs can range from mere hints of the behavioral sequence to an almost uncontrollable compulsion to engage in it.
Signs of Prey Drive in Dogs
Dogs with a high prey drive might engage in the following behaviors:
Chasing wildlife, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer
Chasing other pets, including smaller dogs or cats
Chasing cars, bikes, and skateboarders
Trying to herd people or pets who are moving quickly
Digging in rodent holes
Obsessively tracking a scent
Fixating on birds, both on the ground and in flight
Killing 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 fixated on pursuing prey that they put themselves at risk by not being aware of their surroundings, such as running into the road in pursuit of an animal.
There’s a “natural high” 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 will become. Keep in mind that engaging in predatory behavior is fun for the dog.
Intense prey drive can also be problematic if it hinders a dog from engaging in everyday activities. Some dogs will perform the stalking portion of the predatory sequence as cars pass by during walks and may spin in place because they’re unable to actually give chase. This behavior can be stressful on both ends of the leash, but it particularly affects the dog, who remains in an adrenaline-charged state of arousal throughout the walk.
How to Manage Prey Drive in Dogs
The first step in addressing a dog’s prey drive is to manage their behavior to prevent the dog from engaging in a potentially dangerous predatory sequence.
Keep Your Dog in a Fenced-In Area
Prevent your dog from dashing after animals by making sure that they’re only let outside in securely fenced areas. Dogs often become stressed if they can spot prey, so a fence that isn’t see-through is best.
Electric fences or shock collars are not a safe solution for dogs with a high prey drive. Instead, supervise your dog whenever they’re outside and modify the behavior by rewarding calm, non-chasing behaviors.
Use the Right Walking Gear
Managing predatory behavior also involves walking dogs in a quiet area on a fixed-length leash and using a collar or harness that the dog can’t slip out of.
Introduce New Animals Carefully
Supervise interactions between a prey-driven dog and new pets, whether the new pet is a gerbil, a cat, or a puppy. Avoid leaving them alone together until you’re confident the new addition won’t unintentionally become a target.
Always Practice Training
Teach a strong “leave it” cue to stop the sequence before it begins, or use a special “emergency” recall word that’s only used when a dog is on the brink of slipping into predator mode to help deter a dog from progressing through the full sequence.
Allow the Dog to Safely Practice Prey Drive Behaviors
Engaging in some form of predatory behavior is natural and enjoyable for dogs. Mimicking the predatory sequence in controlled scenarios can allow a dog to engage in these behaviors without putting themselves or local wildlife at risk.
Nose Work Games: Try nose work games at home like “find the toy” or organized scenting sports.
Lure Coursing: Sign up for lure coursing, which mimics the sensation of chasing down prey.
Earthdog: Terriers that love to dig might enjoy this organized sport.
Dogs with a high prey drive will likely require extra attention to keep them safe and happy. With thoughtful planning and attentive care, they can experience the exhilarating endorphin rush and satisfaction of the prey drive sequence without endangering themselves or small animals.
For more information and resources, visit K9Reproduction.com.
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