Chasing and Prey Drive
This podcast episode explores the critical importance of training dogs to refrain from chasing or attacking wildlife and other animals. Laura and Kim argue that prey drive is instinctive but manageable, and that owners must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of predatory aggression, regardless of whether the target (like a nuisance squirrel or a neighborhood cat) is considered "unwanted."
Core Arguments
Consistency is Key: Owners often mistakenly encourage dogs to chase animals they dislike (e.g., pests or neighborhood cats) but then become devastated when that same dog kills a beloved pet or protected wildlife. Dogs cannot distinguish between a "bad" animal to chase and a "good" one; they simply learn to practice and enjoy the act of hunting.
Modeling Behavior: When owners chase animals out of their own yards, or "manage" their pets by aggressively grabbing them away from other animals, they are inadvertently modeling predatory behavior. Dogs often view this as the owner participating in or endorsing the hunt, which encourages them to pursue that behavior themselves.
Safety and Social Responsibility: The hosts express strong disapproval of the attitude that killing someone else’s pet is acceptable simply because it is not one’s own. They emphasize that failing to train a dog to "leave it" is irresponsible and can lead to tragic consequences, including the dog being destroyed if it attacks livestock or protected wildlife.
"Practice" Makes Permanent: Any behavior a dog is allowed to practice regularly becomes a habit. By letting a dog chase smaller animals, owners are training them to be more proficient and confident in predatory behavior, making it increasingly likely they will escalate to attacking small dogs or other animals the owner cares about.
Practical Advice
Start Early: Training should begin from the moment a dog is in your care.
Be Proactive: Do not wait until the dog is in full pursuit to intervene. Stop the behavior the moment the dog alerts, shows interest, or fixates on an animal.
Use "Leave It": Teach your dog that nothing is up for grabs. This applies to indoor pets (birds, rats, ferrets) as well as outdoor wildlife.
Avoid Selective Permission: You cannot teach a dog to be calm around cats but aggressive toward squirrels. The impulse control required to inhibit prey drive must be absolute across all situations.
Recognize the "Disconnection": Allowing a dog to disconnect from you to chase prey erodes your bond and influence. A dog that is allowed to act on its own predatory instincts will feel more empowered to ignore your commands in other areas of life as well.
In short: Laura and Kim emphasize that if your dog is allowed to pursue and harass other living creatures, you are actively fostering a predatory habit that will eventually lead to, or escalate into, a tragic incident. Controlling this drive is not just about safety—it is a fundamental part of responsible dog ownership and maintaining a respectful relationship with your community and your pet.
