What is prey drive?
If your dog can’t resist a chase then they probably have a high prey drive. Other dogs get their prey related fun using their nose to track down other animals. Those dogs tend to take off with no warning when there is nothing around to explain their sudden disappearance.
Prey drive problems
The common problems that prey drive causes are:
Nothing can get through to your dog when there is prey around. You completely cease to exist and even the best rewards are ignored.
Walks that consist of you being dragged along behind your dog on the lead.
Sudden lunges that may pull you over and cause you injury
The fear of your dog getting themselves lost.
Anxiety because you cannot predict when prey is next going to appear.
Help is here
I want to say first that you are not alone. Second – it is NOT your fault. Prey drive does not happen due to lack of training, too much freedom, not enough freedom – or any of the other things that well-meaning people might have suggested to you. It is a fundamental part of what it means for a dog to be a dog.
There is so much that you can do to work with your dog’s prey drive. Putting time into it will let you see your dog in a whole new light. It’ll build the bond that your dog has with you, help you to feel differently, AND allow you to change how your dog responds to prey.
Hi – I’m Tracey,
High prey drive dogs are my passion. I’ve been working as a dog trainer for many years, teaching training classes, workshops and on a 1-2-1 basis. I’ve volunteered in both large and small rescue organisations.
I have two degrees – a BSc (hons) in Canine Behaviour and Training and a master’s degree – in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training. I am also a Tellington TTouch practitioner. I’m the author of the book Canine Aggression: Rehabilitating an aggressive dog with kindness and compassion. My research into prey drive has been published in the peer reviewed journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science
The High Prey Drive Club
I run the High Prey Drive Club. It is a 12 month online membership that will teach you everything you need to understand, train and find joy with your dog.
Click here: https://bestdoglearningandstuff.co.uk/join_high_prey_drive_club/
Read Tracey’s interview on the Paw Post here: https://thepawpost.co.uk/meets/why-does-my-dog-chase-things-with-prey-drive-expert-tracey-mclennan/
