Here Are 5 Ways To Handle Your Dog's High Prey Drive

Your dog has a strong prey drive. Which means that any small moving object is in danger when spotted! At their core, all dogs are predators and descendants of wolves.

The instinct to hunt and kill prey is necessary for survival. So, chasing a moving object is completely natural, but if you are on the other end of the leash, it can be rather dangerous! We have compiled a few tips to help you get a better handle on your dog and their high prey drive.

1. Be sure the leash is secure. Only let your dog off leash if you are certain you can recall them if needed.
2. Be alert and redirect. You have to get the dog’s focus away from the ‘prey’ before they even realize it is there. Once they have spotted the prey, you are going to have a harder time getting their attention.
3. Learn to spot the signs your dog is about to chase. Once they are in the midst of a chase, you won’t be able to get them to come back. So, if you learn what postures or movements they make before they take off, you can prevent them from going after their prey.
4. Allow them to chase things in a controlled environment. You can’t train the prey drive out of your dog, they need to act out that instinct. Allow them to play fetch or chase bubbles.
5. Help your dog learn impulse control. Teach them commands like “leave it,” “watch me,” or “stay.” That way your dog thinks before they act.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay