Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Prey Drive Management and Welfare

High prey drive in certain dog breeds creates welfare and safety challenges that require understanding and management rather than punishment.

Key Facts

Terriers, sighthounds, and herding breeds have particularly strong prey drives
Prey drive is hardwired and cannot be eliminated through training
Management through avoidance of trigger situations is safer than attempted suppression
Providing appropriate outlets including chase games and treibball satisfies the drive safely
Punishment of prey drive increases anxiety without reducing the underlying motivation

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with high prey drive are not misbehaving - they are expressing a deep biological motivation. Suppression through punishment causes anxiety and suppresses the warning signs that precede attacks without reducing the underlying drive. Management that provides safe outlets for prey behaviour while preventing access to prey animals is the welfare-positive approach.

What You Can Do

Research breed-specific drive characteristics before getting a dog
Provide safe prey drive outlets through appropriate games and sports
Seek professional advice on managing high prey drive in household settings