Understanding Your Dog’s Prey Drive: What It Is and How to Manage It

Does your dog chase everything that moves? 👉CHECK OUT my Dog Training and Behaviour Modification Principles online course! https://www.udemy.com/course/dog-training-and-behaviour-modification-principles/?referralCode=08986FDD9828949ACBBC If you want to [SUPPORT] the work that I do here, an easy way to do so is to buy me a coffee (or a few coffees) using this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/trainmeplease You can contact me using the following email: [email protected] Does your dog fixate on birds, chase after joggers, or go wild at the sight of a cat or a car? That’s prey drive—and it’s more common (and natural) than you might think. In this episode we explain the science behind prey drive in dogs, how it shows up in everyday life, and what you can do to manage it without frustration or fear. You’ll learn how to prevent problem behaviours, teach safer alternatives, and even give your dog healthy outlets for their natural instincts through enrichment and structured training. Whether you're dealing with a herder, a terrier, or just a pup who loves to run, this video gives you practical tools to channel their chase drive into behaviours you both feel good about. 0:00 - Brief Introduction to Prey Drive in Dogs 0:48 - The Prey Drive Hunting Sequence in Dogs 2:07 - How to Manage Prey Drive in Dogs 4:20 - How to Redirect Prey Drive 5:15 - Affordable Dog Training and Behaviour Modification Course References: McConnell, P. B. (2010, June 15). Chase this, not that. The Other End of the Leash. https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/chase-this-not-that Schade, V. (2023, October 3). Prey drive in dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/prey-drive-dog Image references: Leicht, K. (2022, October 18). Predatory sequence in dogs [Image]. In What Is Predatory Aggression and How Do You Manage Dogs With High Prey Drives? K9 of Mine. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.k9ofmine.com/predatory-aggression-prey-drive-in-dogs/ Sanson, J. (2017, May 28). Craigend Callum looks out of a tunnel during the Earthdog trials held in Orchard Hills [Photograph]. In L. Power, Earthdog trials put pooches to the test. Daily Telegraph. Retrieved from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/penrith-press/earthdog-trials-put-pooches-to-the-test/news-story/e3d32d9f26ee1cf3d185adc056160793 For a fantastic collection of all of the best dog training books go here (Affiliate) https://www.dogwise.com/?aff=477 Some of my favourite dog training gear (Affiliate) Baby gate: https://amzn.to/3y1iCHC Dog exercise pen: https://amzn.to/37Tt612 Kong Extreme: https://amzn.to/3LKjWCw Kong for small dogs or puppies: https://amzn.to/3F0mxG9 Kong wobbler: https://amzn.to/38EptfB Dog training treat bag (traditional): https://amzn.to/3vsttsq Dog training treat bag (for wet treats): https://thetrainerspouch.com/?ref=TRAIN Harness: https://amzn.to/3MFm6Dz Dual ended lead (perfect for the above harness): https://amzn.to/39tRDu6 Long leash: https://amzn.to/3FaBPrR Premium dog food: https://amzn.to/3vstIUm Training treats: https://amzn.to/3KqLYBT My filming and editing gear (Affiliate) Camera 1: https://amzn.to/3KqEuPa My favourite lens (the one used for A roll): https://amzn.to/3yapDpL My other favourite lens (the one used for B roll): https://amzn.to/3vwl2fN My favourite gimbal: https://amzn.to/3kp3XOx Camera 2: https://amzn.to/38FYEaz Lavalier microphone: https://amzn.to/372T2a9 USB microphone: https://amzn.to/3s5iWBs Lights: https://amzn.to/3KC0kz7 Editing laptop: https://amzn.to/3y4wSzb Tripod: https://amzn.to/3ONxD5P My online presence: Website: http://www.trainmeplease.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainMePlease Twitter: https://twitter.com/sealtrainer Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/in/josegomestmp Music by CreatorMix.com This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute advice that is tailored to you and your dog. I highly recommend that you get in contact with a progressive behaviour consultant to help you and your dog directly.