Dogs with a Strong Prey Drive

Prey Driven Dogs can be challenging to live with, but

Picture your next walk going like this:

  • Your dog freezes, they've caught sight of a rabbit on your early morning walk.
  • You have the time, so you let them stalk a little closer.
  • Instead of chasing, they look back at you, anticipating their reward for not losing control.
  • Once the rabbit moves on, you cue your dog to explore the scent.
  • After a thorough sniff, you both move on with your walk, happy with wagging tails.

 

white fluffy dog with a strong prey drive chasing a squirrel around a tree

Scent – Stalk – Chase – Grab – Kill – Dissect – Consume
This is the full predatory sequence.

Is your dog obsessed with one step, or does he love them all? Instead of trying to train the prey drive out of your pup, your solution is learning to work with it.

We know how annoying it can feel to walk a dog who’s always on “high alert” looking for critters, ignoring you and mentally off in their own little world.

Your dog isn't a “bad dog”, your pup is simply wired to be exceptional. You deserve tools that help you stay in control and help your dog safely engage in natural behaviors.

Managing the “scent-stalk-chase” part of the predatory behavior pattern is easier with the right equipment. 

Don't let your dog doesn’t dart and then come to an abrupt jerk at the end of the leash. It is easier on both of you when you maintain control with proper gear, and reduces the risk of gear breaking or the leash getting pulled out of your hands.

You can provide the “anchor” by using a leash belt with a long line that allows additional range for scent tracking. Think of it as using your hands to “tap the brakes” while the belt acts as your “emergency brake”.


 With the right equipment, a Strong Prey Drive is easier to manage:

  • A leash belt helps you provide an anchor to your dogs pulling, instead of taking all of the impact on your hands.

  • Long lines and drag lines let your dog enjoy more sniffing and tracking while staying secure.

  • Chasing toys instead of critters can help them learn self control as well as participate in the fun and safe parts of the predatory behavior pattern.

Check out the Featured Articles on High Prey Drive Dogs below,

as well as my favorite resource for Predatory Behaviors.

Continue Shopping: Go back to Equipment for Dogs with Prey Drive

Let's Dig In!

Learn more about dogs with a strong prey drive - check out the articles below.

All Articles
Rowan running through the snow, nose down and sniffing the tracks in the snow.
Rowan's Comic Mishap...
blurry photo taken from a distance of a small herd of elk in the neighborhood
Naughty Dog - or Predatory Behavior?
white dog in a red harness playing tug with her red leash
The Cycle of Frustration
Rowan looking out over a small lake, wearing a neon orange harness. Wendy is holding a long blue leash while using a heavy duty hands free leash belt.
Equipment We Use
red sporting dog running in in the grass chasing after a bird.

Resources for Predatory Behaviors:

I highly recommend Simone Mueller and her Predation Substitute Training™ books and games.

She helps you understand the steps of predatory behavior and how to work with your dog instead of against them

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