There are five main stages of prey drive:
1. Searching: The dog uses its senses to locate prey.
2. Stalking: The dog crouches low to the ground and moves slowly and stealthily towards its prey.
3. Chasing: The dog runs after its prey.
4. Biting to grab: The dog grabs its prey with its mouth.
5. Biting to kill: The dog bites its prey to kill it.
Breeds with a strong prey drive:
Terriers: Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin, so they have a strong prey drive.
Hounds: Hounds were bred to track and chase prey, so they also have a strong prey drive.
Sporting dogs: Sporting dogs were bred to help hunters retrieve game, so they have a moderate prey drive.
Managing prey drive in dogs:
Socialization: Socializing a dog from an early age can help to reduce its prey drive. This means exposing the dog to different animals and people in a safe and controlled environment.
Training: Training a dog to obey basic commands can help to control its prey drive. This includes teaching the dog to come when called, to sit, and to stay.
Exercise: Providing a dog with plenty of exercise can help to reduce its prey drive. This is because a tired dog is less likely to be interested in chasing after other animals.
Mental stimulation: Providing a dog with plenty of mental stimulation can also help to reduce its prey drive. This can be done through games, puzzles, and training.
Working dogs:
Prey drive can be a valuable asset in working dogs, such as police dogs and hunting dogs. These dogs are trained to use their prey drive to track down criminals or to retrieve game.
It is also important to be aware of your dog's triggers and to avoid situations that may set them off. For example, if your dog has a strong prey drive, you may want to avoid walking them in areas where there are a lot of squirrels or other small animals.
With proper management, most dogs with a strong prey drive can live happy and healthy lives as pets.
-The Shark Amongst the Paws
