Prey/Chase Drive

Introduction

Prey/chase drive is a natural instinct in dogs. It is what drives them to chase after things, such as animals, cars, bikes, and scooters. Prey drive can be a problem if it is not managed properly. Dogs with high prey drive may be difficult to control on walks, and they may be more likely to run away or get into accidents.

Common misconceptions

There are a few common misconceptions about prey/chase drive. One misconception is that it is only a problem in certain breeds of dogs. However, prey drive can be found in all breeds of dogs, although some breeds are more prone to it than others. Another misconception is that prey drive cannot be managed. This is not true. With proper training and management, it is possible to keep dogs with prey drive under control.

Prey/Chase Drive - Video Walkthrough

Steps to address

There are a number of things you can do to address prey/chase drive in dogs. Here are a few tips:

• Start by identifying the triggers. What are the things that make your dog most likely to chase? Once you know the triggers, you can start to avoid them or desensitize your dog to them.
• Provide plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog! Make sure your dog gets at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This will help to burn off some of their energy and make them less likely to chase.
• Train your dog to come when called. This is an essential command for any dog, but it is especially important for dogs with prey drive. If you can train your dog to come when called, you will be able to stop them from chasing something before they get too far away.
• Use aversive stimuli. In some cases, it may be necessary to use aversive stimuli to discourage prey drive. This could include things like a shock collar or a citronella spray collar. However, it is important to use these tools with caution and to only use them as a last resort.
• Work with a professional. If you are struggling to manage your dog's prey drive, it may be helpful to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you to develop a customized training plan for your dog.

Case studies

Here are a few case studies of dogs with prey drive that were successfully managed with training and management:

• Case study 1: A golden retriever named Max had a high prey drive. He would chase after anything that moved, including cars, bikes, and squirrels. His owners worked with a professional dog trainer to develop a training plan for Max. The training plan included things like teaching Max to come when called, providing him with plenty of exercise, and desensitizing him to his triggers. With training and management, Max was able to learn to control his prey drive and he is now a well-behaved dog.
• Case study 2: A German shepherd named Rex had a high prey drive. He would chase after cats and other small animals. His owners worked with a professional behaviorist to develop a treatment plan for Rex. The treatment plan included things like using aversive stimuli, providing Rex with plenty of exercise, and working on his impulse control. With treatment, Rex was able to learn to control his prey drive and he is now a well-behaved dog.

Pet parent coaching tips

Here are a few pet parent coaching tips for dealing with prey/chase drive in dogs:

• Be patient and consistent. It takes time and patience to train a dog with prey drive. Be consistent with your training and don't give up.
• Be positive. Use positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog. This will help them to learn more quickly and associate good things with the training process.
• Be prepared. Be prepared for your dog to chase something at any time. This means keeping them on a leash when you are in public and being aware of their surroundings.
• Don't punish your dog. Punishing your dog for chasing will only make the problem worse. Instead, focus on teaching them what you want them to do instead of chasing.

Conclusion

Prey/chase drive is a natural instinct in dogs, but it can be a problem if it is not managed properly. With training and management, it is possible to keep dogs with prey drive under control and prevent them from chasing after things that they shouldn't.