The Prey Drive

Prey drive is an instinctive trait which a dog does automatically without forethought. It is subconscious and linked to the need to kill to eat. In a way, it is self preservation instinct. As a wolf, low prey drive equals no food, leading to weakness, starvation and death.

Predatory aggression

Predatory aggression is the chasing and/or catching of moving ‘prey’. If the prey is caught, the aggressor will likely kill unless he is trained to control the urge. Herding dogs come to mind. They herd but are taught to refrain from biting or hurting their prey. Greyhounds are an example of a high prey drive and owners are no doubt aware of the consequences if a greyhound runs free as their impulse to chase may overcome them.

Drive are instinctual

Drives are instinctual urges that an animal exhibits without planning or thinking about the action. Dogs are born with these drives. Consequently, the animal does the behaviours automatically and can perform them aptly without prior learning. Training the dog to control these instinctive actions can be difficult and demanding for most dog owners. Chasing squirrels for instance, (which I’m having difficulty with).

Change his Modus Operandi

Using toys, food and activities can train the dog to differ his actions but still keep his drive.  The activities introduced can be rewarding and exciting for the dog who will willingly change to accommodate an owner he trusts, respects and wishes to please. Some examples of suitable activities for a high prey drive dog are as follows:

a. Flyball – Puppy Plus – Flyball with Emma Stoker. Newtown, Powys.

b. Agility Courses – The Golden Valley DTC – Agility classes Mon. Tues. and Wed. Hereford.

c. Search and find – Scentwork UK – Sniffer dog training for pet dogs – Finmere, Bucks.

Examples of high prey driven dogs and tracking breeds are:

• Sight Hounds such as the Greyhound, Whippet and the Saluki
• Scent Hounds such as the English Foxhound, Beagle and American Foxhound
• Terriers such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Border Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier
• Livestock dogs such as the Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and Tervueren

Examples of low prey driven breeds are:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Great Pyrenees
• Viszla
• Maltese.

There are exceptions!

These are just examples and I can hear someone saying “well my dog is a Maltese and it chases everything.” There are always exceptions to the rule and indeed both my dogs who are half Bichon Frise, with a supposedly low prey drive, buck the trend. But you could say that they are exhibiting the Yorkshire Terrier in them which is a high prey drive little dog.

I know of very few dogs who are not interested in chasing small animals such as squirrels. It must be a strong trait within canines to chase anything that moves. Dogs have descended from the wolf and wolves are scavangers and opportunists by nature. Our canine friends display these same traits.