Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Prey Drive Management Welfare

Strong prey drive in dogs can create welfare risks for both dogs and wildlife. Positive management strategies meet dogs' needs safely.

Key Facts

Predatory behavior is hardwired in dogs through their evolutionary history
Herding, sighthound, and terrier breeds have especially high prey drive
Unmanaged prey drive leads to chasing, injury, and traffic accidents
Channeling prey drive through play and sport provides safe fulfillment
Recall training is safety-critical for high prey drive dogs

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with strong prey drive that is suppressed or frustrated suffer from unfulfilled behavioral motivation - a form of behavioral deprivation. Management that channels this drive safely through appropriate games, training, and sports meets the dog's needs while preventing harm to wildlife and the dog itself.

What You Can Do

Provide safe outlets for prey drive through appropriate games and sports
Train a reliable recall as a safety behavior for high prey drive dogs
Use long lines in areas where off-lead recall cannot be guaranteed
Consult a professional trainer for dogs with problematic prey drive