A sport like AKC FAST Cat is a terrific sport for canine with a excessive prey drive, as they chase the lure at high speeds. Credit score: GoDog Picture | Getty Photographs
When you have ever lived with a Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner, or one other working breed, you’ve most likely lived with a canine that has a powerful intuition to chase something that strikes. Briefly, you’ve had a canine with a powerful prey drive.
What Is Prey Drive in Canines?
Prey drive is a predatory intuition deeply rooted in a canine’s genetic make-up. It’s a complicated mixture of organic and environmental elements that drives a canine’s looking conduct.
Whereas canine prey drive is pure, the human understanding of this intuition is just not, particularly with breeds recognized to be on the excessive finish of the spectrum.
“The intensity of this genetic trait can vary significantly among dogs, ranging from a mild interest in moving objects to a strong desire to chase after animals, regardless of their size,” says Ashley Reely, founder and canine coach at Meraki Canines.
Prey Drive Goes Past Chasing Squirrels
“It’s important to note that a high prey drive isn’t just about chasing small animals. Dogs with this trait might also pursue larger animals like deer, livestock, or even horses,” Reely says. “Additionally, fast-moving objects such as bicycles or even small children can trigger this response, as they might be perceived similarly to prey.”
Reely explains that canine with a excessive prey drive will “demonstrate distinct behaviors such as intense staring, attempting to chase, or showing signs of frustration like whining or barking when spotting an animal they cannot reach.” The drive issue might trigger them to attempt to scale boundaries or pull aggressively on their leash upon seeing potential prey.
What Is Low Prey Drive?
In distinction, canine with low prey drive sometimes present little curiosity in different animals, says Nicole Kohanski, founder, canine behaviorist, and coach at Texas-based Wiggle Butt Academy. “Dogs with low prey drive will be calm and possibly indifferent when visualizing wildlife. They may look at the critter but will disengage quickly and resume their walk or sniffing. Low prey drive dogs may have less interest in chasing moving toys like balls or flirt poles.”
Indicators Your Canine Might Have a Excessive Prey Drive
Whereas sure breeds usually tend to have a excessive prey, any canine can. Just a few of the indications are:
Extreme chasing (of something). Canines with excessive prey drive might chase something that strikes, together with vehicles, bikes, and different animals.
They might stalk prey (or what they suppose is prey), whether or not it’s a squirrel, a cat, or a small youngster.
As soon as a canine locks onto prey, it may be tough to distract them.
Extreme barking and growling at transferring objects generally is a signal of excessive prey drive.
Why You Have to Acknowledge Prey Drive
Canines with excessive prey drive can pose a hazard to themselves and others. They might chase site visitors, assault different animals, and even hurt individuals.
Excessive prey drive could make coaching tougher. Canines could also be simply distracted and battle to concentrate on cues. If not managed correctly, excessive prey drive can result in behavioral points akin to aggression, anxiousness, and harmful conduct.
4 Coaching Suggestions for Canines With a Excessive Prey Drive
To regulate canine with excessive prey drive, Kohanski suggests that you simply:
Spend time on impulse management behaviors like “leave it” and work in more and more tough environments over time.
Present a “legal” outlet for the canine’s prey-chasing conduct in order that the necessity is satiated. FAST Cat is a fast-growing canine exercise which will assist.
Handle the surroundings to attenuate the canine’s publicity to prey.
Make sure the canine has sufficient psychological enrichment, akin to actions like nostril work that have interaction the mind.
“At home, dogs with a high prey drive may need slow introductions and close monitoring around smaller animals,” Reely says. “Despite training and management, some dogs may not be able to coexist safely with other pets. Occasionally, the only viable option might be to keep the dog as the single pet in the household to prevent any risks to other animals. This is an unfortunate reality when keeping dogs with intense prey drive.”
