Predatory Behavior in Dogs
Predatory Instincts
Dogs were originally domesticated to take advantage of their hunting
abilities. People redirected the natural instinct of the dog's
wolf-like ancestor to hunt in packs, benefitting from its tracking
skill and speed in pursuit of common prey. Thousands of years
of selective breeding have produced a wide variety of breeds.
Most of these are distinguished by specialized hunting ability,
like the Bloodhound's sense of smell or keen eyesight of the Saluki
and Borzoi. Dogs were specialized for hunting specific prey, such
as birds by the Labrador Retriever, raccoons by the Coonhound,
or lions by the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Some dog breeds were developed
to hunt their own distant relatives, such as the Irish Wolfhound
and the Foxhound. Other dogs, such as the Border Collie and Elkhound,
have been bred to protect other domestic animals. A particular
body shape or size may aid in pursuit of certain prey, as seen
in the Dachshunds and Terriers, both tenacious hunters of ground
prey. Different coat types are better adapted to particular climates
and hunting or herding conditions, such as the water-resistant
coats of the Poodle and Puli, or the double-coated Samoyed and
Keeshond.
Some breeders purposely developed breeds, such as the English
Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier, that redirected predatory
aggression for the entertainment of their owners. Other breeds
were intended for more humanitarian application, such as the search
and rescue talents of the Saint Bernard and German Shepherd. The
hunting instinct is not uniform among individuals of any given
breed; rather, it is usually seen as a range of behavioral tendencies.
Some training is frequently necessary but is unsuccessful, for
the most part, unless the dog has an inborn predisposition to
hunt or herd. Some dogs show strong inborn responses, such as
assuming an alert "pointing" stance, but may demonstrate
little talent for retrieving. In some breeds, it is desirable
that the dog have a "soft mouth," to hold the prey in
a controlled bite. This requirement is contrary to a dog's basic
instinct to grasp prey. In herding breeds, the instinct to herd
is frequently expressed even in the absence of a herd or flock,
and is directed instead toward other moving targets, such as children
or motor vehicles.
Undesirable predatory behavior is relatively common in dogs of
many breeds. Most pet dogs are genetically predisposed toward
some form of predatory behavior. Predatory behavior is a problem
because the dog can cause injury or can itself be injured or exposed
to contagious diseases. To some pet owners, predatory behavior
is undesirable simply because it is offensive or inconvenient.
Owners may resent contact with the dead animals retrieved by their
pet or the mess its death caused to their property or their dog.
The most obvious disadvantage of predatory behavior by domestic
dogs is the unnecessary injury or death of other animals, including
wildlife and other pets. It can also take on a more sinister form
when directed against family members, particularly if these are
children and infants. Predatory instincts are most likely to be
redirected toward children when an infant begins to crawl and
walk. A pet dog, with or without recognized predatory interests,
previously displaying no objection to an immobile newborn, may
not recognize it to be the same creature when the baby begins
crawling around your home. Never leave a child (toddler) unattended
with even the most trusted pet during this critical phase.
Preventing Predatory Behavior
Several methods have been recommended to control predatory behavior
in dogs. Of these, the only method that is effective incorporates
2 simple approaches. First, deny your dog the opportunity to hunt.
Prevent opportunities to roam unrestricted or unsupervised outdoors.
Every dog should be walked on a leash at least twice each day.
Construct a fence around your yard if hunting occurs beyond your
property. Place a pen within your yard, restricting access to
prey on your property. Consider attaching your dog's collar to
a long lead (anchored to the ground), as long as the dog is not
left there during bad weather or for long periods without supervision.
Second, minimize your dog's desire to roam and hunt. Discourage
wild and undisciplined behavior so that your dog is less likely
to follow its primitive instincts. Practice obedience skills daily.
This reinforces appropriate and desirable behavior. Set aside
time each day to play with your pet, engaging in games that apply
obedience skills, such as retrieval of objects. More playful interaction
of this kind also increases your dog's intellectual and physical
activity. Do not interpret your dog's basic instinct to hunt as
an indication of ingratitude or malice. Once a dog has experienced
the primitive arousal associated with pursuit and capture of prey,
it is not forgotten. If there is an opportunity to hunt, a predisposed
dog will hunt. Concentrate on preventing your dog's undesirable
behavior without resorting to the destruction of your otherwise
cherished pet. As your dog ages, its motivation (and ability)
to roam and to hunt will decline.