Clever K9s

Prey-Drive Quiz

(Objective: To give our human students an understanding of why their dog interacts with the environment as they do.)

Why is it being taught?

• Real life application: You will be able to better understand your dog’s behaviour and pre-empt potential issues by training skills to constructively guide their Prey-Drive.
• Likely Life Rewards: Being aware of how Prey-Drive works in your Dog will allow you to choose appropriate environments for exercising your Dog.

Your Homework! – Training Documents: 

This page has the information you need for this Quiz.

However, please use the internet to research your dog’s breed or mix of breeds. This is so that you can tell the class what Prey-Drive you are likely to see in your dog when I ask you at the next lesson.

• You are welcome to use the material that has been provided whilst you take the quiz/test.
• There are ten multiple choice questions and please make sure that you actually SUBMIT the completed webform.
• Research your dog’s breed or mix of breeds so that you can tell the class what Pre-Drive you are likely to se in your dog.

Prey Drive in Dogs

• Prey drive in dogs is an instinctive desire to find, chase, capture and eat prey, a natural behaviour rooted in their evolutionary history.
• It’s how dogs hunt and can vary greatly between different breeds of dog.
• It’s a powerful motivator for many dogs, influencing their interactions with moving objects, from squirrels to toys.
• While not inherently negative, prey drive can lead to problematic behaviours if not managed properly. 

Signs of High Prey Drive: 

• Seeking: Intense Stalking: Crouching low, moving stealthily towards a moving object. 
• Chasing Instinct: An irresistible urge to chase small animals, toys, or even moving vehicles. 
• Pouncing and Grabbing: The tendency to pounce on and grab at moving objects. 
• Fixation: Becoming overly focused on moving objects to the point of ignoring commands or surroundings. 

Understanding Prey Drive: 

• Innate Instinct: Prey drive is a natural, biological urge for dogs to hunt, search, stalk, chase, and potentially bite or grab at moving objects. 
• Not Aggression: It’s important to distinguish prey drive from aggression. Aggression stems from fear or a desire to create distance, while prey drive is a pursuit of prey. 
• Varied Expressions: “Prey” can be anything from small animals to toys and even moving objects like cars or bikes. 
• Breed Pre-disposition: Some breeds, particularly terriers, herding breeds, and those bred for hunting, may exhibit a higher prey drive. 
• Positive Aspects: Prey drive can be channelled positively through activities like agility training, herding, or even pest control around the house. 

Managing Prey Drive:

• Early Training: Start training early to help your dog understand boundaries and control their impulses. 
• Positive Reinforcement: Use rewards and positive reinforcement to teach your dog recall and redirect their focus. 
• Controlled Environments: Practice recall and other commands in controlled environments, gradually increasing distractions. 
• Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog has enough physical and mental exercise to satisfy their drive. 
• Safe Outlets: Provide appropriate toys and activities that allow them to safely engage their prey drive. 

Professional Guidance:

• If you’re struggling to manage your dog’s prey drive, seek help from a qualified professional dog trainer or behaviourist. 

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