Understanding Prey Drive in Dogs

Understanding Prey Drive in Dogs

Prey drive is one of the most fascinating — and sometimes misunderstood — instincts in dogs. It comes from their evolutionary past when hunting was necessary for survival. Even though modern dogs no longer need to hunt for food, that deep, natural urge to chase, catch, and sometimes even bite moving things still lives within them.

You can see prey drive in many everyday behaviours — from chasing a ball to stalking a squirrel in the park. However, it’s important to understand that prey drive is not aggression.

⚖️ Prey Drive vs. Aggression

Prey drive follows a natural behavioural pattern known as the predatory sequence:

1. Orient – The dog notices movement.

2. Eye – They lock their gaze on the target.

3. Stalk – They quietly move closer.

4. Chase – The pursuit begins.

5. Grab-bite – The dog catches the prey.

6. Kill-bite – A bite to immobilize or kill.

7. Dissect – The prey is torn apart.

8. Consume – The dog eats what’s been caught.

Most dogs never complete this entire sequence — and they shouldn’t. The goal isn’t to eliminate prey drive but to channel it safely.

Aggression, on the other hand, is emotionally driven. It often stems from fear, stress, frustration, or insecurity. Aggressive behaviour aims to increase distance — through growling, barking, or lunging — whereas prey drive is about moving toward something. Recognising this difference is crucial for addressing unwanted behaviours in the right way.

🔍 Signs of a Strong Prey Drive

Dogs with high prey drive often show:

• Intense focus on movement, ignoring distractions.

• Stalking or crouching before chasing.

• Explosive chasing behaviour, especially after small animals.

• Pouncing or grabbing once they catch what they’re after.

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🐕 Breeds Prone to Strong Prey Drive

Some breeds were developed specifically for chasing or hunting — so their prey drive remains particularly strong. These include:

• Terriers – originally bred to hunt vermin.

• Border Collies – known for their intense eye-stalk-chase sequence.

• Greyhounds and Whippets – sighthounds that rely on speed and motion.

However, remember that prey drive isn’t about breed alone — personality, genetics, and environment all play a role.

🧠 How to Manage Prey Drive Safely

You can’t (and shouldn’t) erase prey drive — but you can manage it so it doesn’t cause problems. With the right structure, you can help your dog express this instinct safely and even turn it into a form of enrichment.

Here’s how:

✅ Early training & socialisation – Expose your dog to various environments, people, and animals to build confidence and reduce reactivity.

✅ Strong obedience foundation – Commands like “Leave it”, “Stay”, and “Come” help you interrupt the chase and refocus your dog.

✅ Mental & physical stimulation – Daily exercise, scent games, or controlled chasing games like flirt poles can safely satisfy instinctual needs.

✅ Safety tools – Use a secure harness and long line during training, especially around wildlife or other pets.

✅ Consistency & patience – Building impulse control takes time. Stay calm, clear, and predictable.

And if you’re struggling with a dog whose prey drive feels “too much,” professional guidance can make a huge difference.

👉 Contact me here for personalised support, or explore my structured course:🎯 Prey Drive in Dogs – Training Challenge.

💬 Final Thoughts

Prey drive is not something to fear — it’s part of what makes dogs who they are. When managed thoughtfully, it becomes a way to build a deeper bond, create trust, and give your dog the satisfaction of being fully themselves — safely and responsibly.