Predatory behavior and aggressive behavior may appear similar, but they have one important difference.
Consider this scene: a dog catches sight of a squirrel digging a hole in the distance.
The dog stops what she is doing and orients her body to face toward the squirrel, fixing it with a steady eye. Her body flattens, she lowers her head and lifts her front paw off the ground, holding still as she watches the unaware squirrel dig.
After a few moments of stillness, the dog moves slowly, keeping her body low as she begins to stalk her prey. When she gets to a perfect distance, she attacks, sprinting towards her target. The squirrel is startled, but the dog’s stealth has given her an advantage, and the chase begins.
The squirrel darts this way and that in a desperate attempt to escape, but is not fast enough. The dog grabs the squirrel and with one bite and shake the squirrel is dead. The chase is over and the dog walks proudly with the prey in her mouth. She drops it on the ground and savors her success as she prepares to tear at and consume her prize.
This is the full sequence of what we call predatory behavior.
What is the difference between predatory behavior and aggressive behavior?
Predatory behavior can be swift, lethal, and cause a lot of damage. But even though the consequences can be devastating, predatory behavior is not considered to be an “aggressive” behavior.
Here’s why: predatory behavior DECREASES distance between a dog and the target. Aggressive behavior, by contrast, is intended to increase distance from the target. A dog behaves aggressively to scare off something or someone perceived as a threat.
This sometimes causes confusion, because many people assume aggression is any behavior that could cause harm.
Why do dogs exhibit predatory behavior?
All dogs must consume food to stay alive, but most pet dogs nowadays do not need to catch, tear at, kill, or consume their prey. Instead, they are fed two meals a day from a bowl in the safety and comfort of their home.
Our relationship with dogs has endured successfully for generations, which is extraordinary when you consider that both humans and dogs are effective predators. Most of the time, this relationship works because humans have selected dogs that will not aggress or prey on us. Instead, we breed certain dogs for particular jobs that incorporate select parts (but not all) of the 'predatory sequence.'
The entire predatory sequence, seen in the squirrel hunting scene described earlier, is as follows:
- Orient
- Eye
- Stalk
- Chase
- Grab/bite
- Kill/bite
- Dissect
- Consume
Different breeds and breed mixes have been selected to perform different parts of the sequence. Sighthounds such as the greyhound and saluki are skilled chasers, while Labradors and Weimaraners are adept at flushing and retrieving birds and other small prey animals. Terriers were originally bred to find, chase, and kill vermin such as mice and rats. Herding breeds are adept at eyeing, stalking, and chasing sheep and other livestock, but they generally do not grab-bite, kill or consume them because they have been bred to gather livestock without killing them.
Behaviors along the predatory sequence can be quite “normal” for a dog. Finding activities that provide healthy and appropriate outlets for these behaviors can be crucial for a dog’s physical, mental, and behavioral needs.
What is the difference between high “chase” drive and high “prey” drive?
Many dogs like chasing things like toys, squirrels, or people, but are motivated more by the thrill of the chase than actually catching the thing they are chasing. Even though these dogs love the “chase,” they may not necessarily want to “kill” the thing they are chasing. Dogs that are highly prey driven are usually motivated by the thrill of the chase and the grab, bite, and sometimes kill sequence.
How do I know if predatory behavior is a problem?
Predatory behavior can become a problem if a dog starts to exhibit some of these steps in the predatory sequence toward people, small animals in the home, vehicles, or other targets. This type of behavior can grow into a more serious issue if the dog becomes highly focused on a particular target and cannot be redirected away from that target.
How can I help my dog who has high prey drive?
If your dog has bitten a child or killed a small domestic animal, it is vital to keep her safely confined in your home or yard area and leashed at all times when in public. Teach your dog a reliable recall and install a solid fence that offers physical protection and prevents people and other animals wandering onto your property. Do not rely on electric or “invisible” fences to keep your dog confined. Contact a certified positive trainer to help you.
Dog activities or sports such as lure coursing, flyball, or treibball are all sports that give dogs outlets for their predatory drive, but in a safe way where the environment is controlled. No live prey is used and dogs can fulfill their need to chase safely.
