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So you have a dog with a high prey drive? Welcome to the group! My wolf-dog Makai has such a high prey drive, I’m left in awe at how quick on his feet he is!
Dogs with high prey drives do really well with toys that channel these natural instincts. Though you’ll never remove this desire to chase wild animals, you can use toys that satisfy your dog’s natural instincts in a safe and fun environment.
What is a high prey drive in dogs?
High prey drive dogs are dogs that like to hunt and chase small animals and wildlife; their “prey.” They are highly “driven” to do so because it is part of their natural instincts.
As dogs share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves, they still have the natural instinct to hunt and kill small animals for their food.
If your dog chases rabbits into bushes or pounces on mice in tall grass they likely have a high prey drive. You’ll notice that their actions happen in split seconds without conscious thought. Their brains are hard-wired to chase their food without needing to even think about it.
It is completely normal for a dog to chase a small, squeaking animal.
But! It can be dangerous in certain instances.
What are the dangers of a dog with high prey drives?
Even though it is natural for a dog to hunt and chase wildlife, it can be dangerous in certain situations. If you have a high prey drive dog, it’s good to be aware of these.
Diseases
Certain types of wildlife, such as foxes, feral cats, skunks, and rats can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Unfortunately, if your dog comes into contact with an infected animal, they too can catch the disease and get sick.
Injury
Whilst your dog is chasing a small animal to catch it, they can easily take a fall and break their leg. In the worst-case scenario, they can run in front of a car and be killed.
After walks, I usually keep my dog on a leash all the way until we have entered the house. We have encountered wildlife in our driveway which my dog has wanted to chase. On one occasion my dog chased a cat all the way down the road.
Try to be aware that small animals such as squirrels and raccoons can jump out at any moment triggering your dog’s prey drive. Try to keep them on a leash whenever you are close to a road and cars.
Becoming lost
Your dog can easily become lost if they are too focused on chasing the wildlife and don’t remember which way they turned.
I use a GPS tracker on my dog’s collar so I know I will be able to find him if he does run off. One time he chased a coyote and they covered a large distance. I had the peace of mind that I could check his GPS tracker app to find where he ended up!
Best toys for high prey drive dogs
The best way for dog owners to manage their dog’s natural prey drive is to channel the natural instinct to chase and kill into safe and fun toys.
These toys allow them to tap into their natural prey instinct without the danger of getting lost or injured. You may find your dog’s new favorite toy in the process!
1. Squeaky toys
Squeaky dog toys are perfect for dogs with high prey drives because the squeak mimics the sound of a small injured animal which your dog is hard-wired to kill. A stuffed toy with a squeaker is perfect because it allows your dog to tear apart the toy and “kill” the squeaker, accomplishing their goals.
2. Tug-of-war toys
A tug toy that your dog can take in their mouth and tug on is great for tapping into that natural desire to pull their prey away from another predator who is trying to steal their food. You might also notice your dog growling whilst playing this game with you which is also mimicking what they would do in the wild.
3. Fetch
A good ol’ fashioned game of playing fetch is perfect for the high energy-dogs as it simulates chasing and catching small prey whilst also burning off some excess energy. If your arm tires before your dog does, you can opt for an automatic dog ball launcher!
4. Flirt poles
A flirt pole is great for high prey drive dogs because it allows them to both pounce on and catch their “prey.” These are similar to cat wands but much larger for dogs. You’ll be amazed at how much energy your dog will burn during their playtime.
Tips for stopping your dog from chasing wildlife
You’ll likely find that your dog chases the wildlife on their walks because that’s usually where they encounter them the most. There are a few tips you can use to try to stop your dog from giving chase. These include:
- Attaching bells to their collar: Bells on a dog’s collar will alert the wildlife that something is approaching, giving them the opportunity to hide before your dog has a chance to see them!
- Keeping them on a leash: It’s a really good idea to keep your dog on a leash whenever you are close to any roads or cars.
- Off-leash dog parks: Take your dog to off-leash dog parks where the wildlife are already aware that four-legged furry creatures with wet noses and wagging tails are plentiful!
- Spot the cues: For the occasions where you can see your dog stalking their prey, you can interject and catch their attention before they run.
Final thoughts
If you have a high-prey drive dog, you are not alone. Even though it’s very natural for a dog to have a high prey drive, it can be worrying for dog owners. By giving them specific toys and removing dangerous situations, you can better manage their prey drive.
