If passing birds distract your dog or if they stop listening the moment a squirrel scurries nearby, you are dealing with a high prey drive. This instinctive urge can make daily walks incredibly challenging, especially in environments filled with temptation. When a dog lacks self-control in these moments, it becomes dangerous for the dog, unfair to local wildlife, and a significant source of stress for the owner.
Traditional methods for training recall often fall short when faced with intense predatory instincts. For many dogs, the internal reward of the hunt is far more reinforcing than any treat you might offer. However, by understanding the mechanics of predation, you can learn to harness this energy safely and effectively.
Understanding the Predatory Behavior Chain
Predation is a natural, instinctive behavior present in all dogs to varying degrees. Breeds specifically developed for hunting—such as Hounds, Terriers, Sporting, and Herding breeds—typically exhibit the strongest drives.
According to professional dog trainer Simone Mueller, author of “Hunting Together,” predation is not a single action but a chain of behaviors. These include orientation, stalking, creeping, chasing, grab-biting, kill-biting, possessing, dissecting, and consuming. Each step in this sequence is intrinsically reinforcing, meaning the dog feels good simply by performing the action.
The Concept of Predation Substitute Training (PST)
When shock collars were banned in Germany in 2007, trainers sought more humane ways to manage prey drive. This led to the development of “Predation Substitute Training” (PST). Instead of treating the dog’s instincts as “the enemy” to be suppressed, PST focuses on channeling that drive into safe, controlled outlets.
This methodology shifts the relationship between owner and dog. Instead of being the person who “spoils the fun,” you become a partner in the hunt. PST is now a standard curriculum for force-free trainers worldwide, offering a science-based alternative to traditional suppression techniques.
The Four Pillars of PST
The PST methodology consists of four essential parts, each playing a critical role in managing a high-prey-drive dog:
1. Management and Prevention
You cannot completely eliminate an instinct that has been bred into a dog for centuries. The more a dog is allowed to chase, the more addicted they become to the “dopamine high” it provides. Effective management includes securing your garden and using a well-fitting harness combined with a long line during walks to prevent successful chases.
2. Predation Substitution Tools
These tools teach the dog to perform “safe” parts of the predatory sequence. For instance, if your dog spots a deer, instead of allowing a chase, you can train them to stand and stalk quietly. This allows the dog to stay within the sequence and experience the associated “happiness hormones” without the danger of a full pursuit.
3. Predation Substitute Games
Games provide an appropriate outlet for predatory energy. For example, instead of a dog “dissecting” prey, they might be encouraged to rip apart a cardboard box or a bag filled with dog treats. These activities mimic the predatory chain in a safe context.
4. Rocket Recall
While a standard recall is helpful, it often fails once a dog is in full chase mode. PST emphasizes a “Rocket Recall” or emergency cue—a unique word used only in high-stakes situations and paired with the highest-value rewards possible.
Building Impulse Control
A vital component of managing prey drive is improving your dog’s general impulse control. By practicing calm behaviors during high-excitement activities, like a game of tug-of-war, your dog learns to think rather than react. This cognitive “pause” is what eventually allows a dog to look at a squirrel and then look back at you for direction.
Safe Channels for Predatory Instincts
Different breeds find different parts of the hunt rewarding. Matching the activity to your dog’s specific drive is key:
- Herding and Sporting Breeds: Chasing a flying disc, a squeaky ball, or participating in Flyball.
- Terriers: Digging in a designated sandpit or competing in Earthdog and Barn Hunt trials.
- Scent-Driven Dogs: Engaging in AKC Scent Work or Mantrailing, which allows them to use their nose to track a specific target.
Why Punishment is Not the Answer
Using “positive punishment,” such as shock collars, often carries significant risks. When a dog is in a high state of arousal, they may ignore the pain of a shock to reach their target, or worse, associate the pain with something else in the environment, leading to fear or aggression.
Inflicting pain is unnecessary when less invasive, science-based training options are available. Methods rooted in fear can cause long-term trauma and break the bond of trust between you and your pet.
Conclusion
Managing a high prey drive is a journey of consistency and understanding. By using Predation Substitute Training, you can stop fighting your dog’s nature and start working with it. Through proper management, substitution games, and impulse control, you can turn a stressful walk into a rewarding team activity. If you are struggling with your dog’s hunting instincts, consider reaching out to a force-free trainer specializing in PST to help you find the right balance for your canine companion.
References
- Mueller, S. (2023). Hunting Together: Harnessing Predatory Chasing in Family Dogs.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). Training Recall and Impulse Control.
- Predation Substitute Training (PST) Protocol.