Prey drive in dogs

Oh, a rabbit!

?If you are thinking about getting a dog, research the most common characteristics of the breed - the dog should suit you and your life. This rule can also be applied to the prey drive of certain breeds.

In principle, however, any dog can exhibit hunting behaviour. This includes searching and chasing activities, killing (or dissecting) smaller animals, or your dog is simply chasing anything that moves. The hunting instinct can show itself differently in every dog.

It can also cause problems for your dog himself. He may eat poisonous animals or chase authors and run into traffic.

But what can you do to channel your dog's hunting instinct in another way?

First of all, you should recognise that your dog has a hunting instinct and how he acts it out. What are the behaviours that he then displays? And, in the next step: What are the triggers that cause this? Then you can spot potential dangers while walking your dog and take action.

If he spots prey or chases it, distraction is the first step. Try to get his attention and reward him when he stops chasing. You should stick to positive reinforcement - if you punish your dog when he comes to you, he may learn to stop coming rather than give up the chase.

Train him to listen to his name and pay attention to you. "Leave" can also be a useful command to stop activities.

Training should take place over the long term to be most successful. If your puppy chases things in the garden, it may still be cute, but he will not be able to distinguish why he is not allowed to chase the cars as well. And training should be a constant, even as your dog gets older.

Of course, you can also incorporate physical obstacles. If your dog is playing in the garden, make sure the gate is closed; a leash while walking prevents major chases. And, if your dog is acutely a risk to wildlife, a muzzle in difficult places must also be considered.

In places where it is possible, your dog should be able to run all the more. Swimming or other activities also help your dog to get through everyday life in a relaxed manner without having to watch out for every rabbit.

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Some approaches say that chasing behaviour does not have to be completely avoided. For example, watching an animal is still better than chasing it. And tearing open a bag of treats is better than tearing an animal apart.

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But in the end, you have to see what works for your dog, what is fun for him, doesn't harm any animal and doesn't endanger him. For a terrier, digging up toys can also be a fun alternative, stalking dogs probably particularly enjoy scent games.

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