Catching rats, herding livestock, finding missing people, retrieving game, helping us hunt for food… the list of jobs that dogs have done (and continue to do) for us goes on, and the variety of applications we have found for their innate talents is staggering.
Humans have selectively bred dogs over generations to have characteristics that help them excel at the things we want them to do. Behaviours like tracking and chasing have been hardwired into many of our dogs, and as a species we have reaped the benefits.
Equally, dogs tend to enjoy tasks that use their natural abilities, but for many this goes beyond enjoyment. For some dogs, channelling predatory behaviour is a need, and if we don’t allow them the freedom to express the normal, natural behaviours that we have instilled in them, they can become frustrated.
It is our responsibility to give all dogs, including companion dogs, regular opportunities to express their natural behaviours in a safe and responsible way.
Why we don’t allow dogs to chase wildlife
Allowing dogs to chase wildlife is never a good option as they may find themselves in dangerous situations, and it’s our job to keep our dogs safe and in sight.
It’s also a very frightening experience for the animals being chased, even if they aren’t actually caught by the dog. In the coming months, we will see birds migrating to our shores from as far as Siberia – they arrive tired, hungry, and desperately need to feed, rest, and recuperate.
When migratory birds are chased, they burn through energy that they can’t spare, and repeated chase incidents can result in exhaustion and even death. Remember, the birds need to fly back to their breeding grounds at the end of the winter season, and must be in tip top physical condition if they are to survive.
So, we must find other ways to channel predatory behaviours.
Meaningful alternatives
For many dogs, predatory instincts are as much a part of them as their need to eat, sniff, or socialise, and we cannot train them away. Instead, we need to find alternative activities that are meaningful for our dogs – the tasks or games we offer should satisfy the needs of your dog as an individual.
Does your dog need to run at full pelt and chase? Do they need to retrieve and carry things around? Do they need to catch moving objects, or track different scents using their advanced sense of smell?
All dogs are different and there is massive variation within breeds, but looking into what your dog was originally bred for may help you narrow down what their needs are as an individual. Try different things and see how your dog reacts – what do they enjoy most?
Here are some activities you can try with your dog that may help to channel certain predatory behaviours.
My dog needs to chase
Chase play with another dog who enjoys this play style. Running around at top speed with a similar-sized friend is a great way to burn off excess energy, and for dogs with an innate need to chase, play can be an effective outlet. Always keep an eye on play to make sure that both dogs are enjoying themselves – signs of healthy play include taking it in turns to be the chaser and taking regular breaks.
Chasing a toy allows your dog to chase, grab and carry, so can be a good fit for many dogs. We recommend playing chase on firm, grassy surfaces instead of sand or shingle as this puts less strain on your dog’s joints.
Chasing you! If you are able to run, try running around with your dog, or away from them. Sports like canicross can also be a great outlet for energetic dogs – take a look at our canicross Q&A blog to find out more.
Play with a flirt pole to give your dog a chance to dart around after something that looks and moves like a real animal. Battersea have a handy guide on how to use them safely.
Top tip: if your dog seems to get a bit frustrated after a good chase, try following it with a calmer, food based game like ‘find it‘ to simulate the reward of a successful hunt. If your dog is likely to inhale their food or if they are overexerted, ask for some calm, focused behaviours and opt for a treat like licky paste.
My dog needs to use their nose
The ‘find it’ game with treats. Show your dog that you have a treat in your hand, say ‘find it’ and then throw the treat across the ground. Send them off to snuffle about and praise them when they find the treat.
The ‘find it’ game with toys. Ask your dog to sit and stay, or if they haven’t quite mastered this, ask someone to hold their lead. Hide a toy somewhere in the surrounding area that’s easy for them to get to, then say ‘find it’ and release them. Praise your dog when they find the toy – after a few attempts, they should start to understand the game, so you can make it harder by pretending to hide it in one place and then moving the toy somewhere else so your dog needs to use their nose to seek it out.
Hide and seek. You can play this in the house or out on walks – ask someone to hold your dog, then go and hide somewhere. Your dog should try to find you by sniffing the air or sniffing the ground to follow where you walked. Remember to be excited when they find you!
Scent work. Your dog might benefit from some scent work sessions with a local dog trainer. Always remember to choose a trainer from the ABTC register to ensure that you are trusting your dog with a qualified and ethical trainer.
My dog needs to retrieve and carry things
A good old-fashioned game of fetch is a great game for dogs who like to retrieve and carry. The Blue Cross have a handy guide that explains how to teach your dog to play fetch if they don’t know already.
Teach your dog to tidy up their toys. This training requires a few separate skills that you will need to train as prerequisites, but when it all comes together, you will have a fun activity that channels your dog’s need to pick things up and carry them. They will also be able to clear up after themselves! This video by Dogs Trust Training School explains how to train your dog to tidy up.
Support with predatory behaviour
If you are providing your dog with opportunities to express their natural instincts, but are still struggling with predatory behaviours, you may want support from a professional dog behaviourist. Dogs Trust have a free behaviour support line – you can find details about this on their website.
When selecting a trainer or behaviourist to work with, we recommend choosing a practitioner from one of the following registers:
