While dog training techniques generally work well across the board, certain dog breeds may have special training needs which arise. For instance, training very large breed dogs requires that you convey extra authority, while dealing with older dogs may necessitate a gentler hand.

Dogs which have a high prey drive also present some unique challenges when dealing with obedience training. Prey drive originates with a dog’s natural hunting instinct, so every dog will exhibit it to some degree. However, some breeds, such as greyhounds or springer spaniels, naturally have more of this instinct than others. They will chase anything that moves, whether it be a squirrel, a ball, or another dog.

Dogs with high prey drive are energetic and intelligent, but they may need help redirecting their natural instinct into a more domesticated activity.

High prey drive can become problematic if your dog chases an animal which can cause harm, or if he runs into the street.

How To Train a Dog with High Prey Drive

  • If your dog has a high prey drive, these tips may be of use to you:
  • Identify your dog’s prey “trigger”
  • If your dog chases animals, this is a more serious situation than a dog who simply “preys” on stuffed animals and tennis balls.
  • If your dog’s prey is inanimate, you can help him to control his prey drive with impulse control and obedience games. These same games are great practice for your dog who chases animals as well.
  • If your dog chases animals, he must be managed more carefully during training. First, he should always be kept on a leash, even when walking in areas where dogs can run free. You should always supervise him even in your own fenced yard, and his access to animals should be restricted during training

Start someplace with very little stimulation, like your own living room. Be armed with a clicker or dog treats, whichever you use to train. Have a friend walk into the room, and command your dog to “look!”. Reward your dog for looking at them. Do this over and over until your dog understands that by looking at the “trigger”, they get a treat.

Once this stage is completed, add a command “Look at me”. Don’t reward your dog until they have looked at the trigger, and then look back at you – without moving. The goal is to get them to acknowledge the trigger, but look to you for further direction.

Take your dog out into increasingly active environments, such as walking him through the neighborhood where he might encounter other leashed dogs. Practice getting him to look at the trigger, then look at you for further directions – which may be “sit” or “heel”. Only after his attention is on you and he is being obedient does he get the treat.

It won’t be long before your dog understands that he is not to chase a trigger, but to look to you for instructions.

Remember to play plenty of games with your dog to allow him to indulge his prey drive. You are not trying to quell his energy, personality, or sense of fun – you are simply channeling those things into acceptable behaviors.

If you live in the Sarasota area and are having trouble managing your dog’s behavior, call the professional dog trainers at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. From puppy training to elder dog care, we’ve got the answers you need.