Predatory Aggression in Dogs: How to Stop It!

 

Content

• Why do some dogs exhibit predatory aggression?
• High pre-drive.
• Attention to movement.
• Predatory aggression. Really aggression?
• Can you treat predatory aggression?
• Final thoughts.

Predatory aggression occurs when a dog "hunts" for something. Usually, this involves them chasing a cat or other small pet. Aggressionof this type is not driven by hormones and is instead genetic largely. Dogs chased other animals for food. It is a natural instinct.

Despite being domesticated, many dog ​​breeds are skilled hunters. In fact, many breeders were originally used as hunters. Sometimes, breeds are bred to express a bit of their predatory nature very well. For example, Labradors are great at retrieving their game, while Greyhounds are great at chasing. Even miniature terriers were originally created for hunting and killing small insects.

Some dogs can also be predatory towards other dogs, especially if the other dog is very small.

Unlike other forms of aggression, predatory aggression is not necessary. Aggressive . The dog is not chasing the cat because it does not like the cat. It is natural for them. Chase things.

Why do some dogs exhibit predatory aggression?

Not all dogs chase cats. some In fact get along remarkably well with animals smaller. However, the majority of breeds out there have an important hunting drive. Most dogs with a high hunting drive have been modified through selective breeding, so they often hunt in a certain way.

High pre-drive

High hunting dogs are more likely to chase and kill smaller animals. Dogs of the sporting, herding, hound, and terrier groups all display a marked hunting instinct. However, herding dogs cannot actually kill small animals, although they will chase them.

Terriers, in particular, are very good at catching and killing small animals. Most sporting dogs use their prey in some way, although not all of them are hunting animals. Labradors have a "soft mouth," so they don't actually tend to puncture animals. This is useful when you need a dog to retrieve a bird, but not so useful when the dog is chasing a cat.

Attention to movement

Impulse often leads to aggression. The dog may seem fine until the cat starts running away, and then they start chasing. Moreover, other aggression often triggers predatory aggression. A cat may stare at a dog, causing the dog to react aggressively. Even if the dog starts to defend itself, it often turns into predatory aggression.

Dogs can also chase other things that move, such as bicycles, joggers, cars, and even people. Often, they don't actually hurt things when they get close to them. They may even exhibit "packing" behavior, in which many dogs go after "prey" together. Often, dogs that do not normally show a high prey drive will if other dogs are involved.

A dog may be completely normal before it starts chasing its prey. They may even seem quite happy while doing it. Many people will be wagging their tails. This is because some Enjoy hunting This is how evolution ensured that they would catch and hunt their breakfast. It is a fun activity for them.

Dogs often maul their prey as they rush towards them, cutting off their heels, calves and thighs. The point is to stop the animal from running any further, at which point the dog can kill the animal

Predatory aggression Really aggression?

There is a lot of debate on whether predatory aggression is or not. A truly aggressive dog does not usually experience mood swings. Behavior is not driven by fear or dominance. Instead, the dog is doing exactly what they were bred to do. Many people will be completely satisfied and happy during and after the episode.

For this reason, many people do not classify predatory acts with other forms of aggression. They are not treated equally. However, others argue that predatory aggression harms another animal, which makes it aggressive behavior.

In the end, it doesn't. It really doesn't matter whether you consider it an actual form of aggression or not.

Can you treat predatory aggression?

Not really. Predatory aggression is innate in some breeds. A hunting dog that was bred to hunt will not help itself when a cat runs away. It is just doing what it was created to do and what its ancestors have done for years.

You cannot prevent a dog from expressing its natural instincts. However, you can be aware of these instincts and prevent your dogs from putting them in situations where they might do something destructive. If you have a dog with a high prey drive, you should not adopt a cat. If you already have a cat, don't adopt a dog with a high hunting drive.

Avoid certain situations

You should avoid situations where the dog has access to small animals. For example, they should not be allowed to roam, as they will likely chase a small animal.

Dogs should be supervised whenever outside. You should be prepared to stop the dog while walking on a leash, as they often "forget" they are on a leash and try to chase anything that moves. Do not put your dog in a fenced area if a small animal can get in, such as your neighbor's cat.

You can try reward-based training, using commands like "leave it" to get your dog away from the small animal. However, this is unlikely to completely stop predatory behavior.

Socialization can be helpful in some canines. If they grow up with cats, they may not see them as prey animals. However, this usually only works for dogs with a low prey drive. People who hunt more will often chase anything that moves, even if it's a cat they've known for years.

Final thoughts

Many breeds of dogs have a significant hunting drive that causes them to chase and even kill small animals. Some will even chase bicycles and other large, moving objects. Since this is a natural instinct, it is impossible to untrain dogs. Often, the best option is to restrict the dog's access to animals they may see as potential prey. Some dogs also need to be watched with small children, as they may see them as prey animals when they are active and running around.

Dogs that exhibit hunting instincts are not vicious or aggressive. Instead, they're just doing what they have to do. Many of them will be happy before, during and after the hunting event. As for the dog, things are great!

If you have a dog with a high prey drive, we do not recommend adopting a cat or other small pet. While socialization can sometimes be helpful, it's generally not reliable enough for dogs to live with small animals. You never know when they might become aggressive and harm other pets.