Predatory aggression occurs when dogs instinctively hunt or chase something, usually a smaller animal like a cat. Unlike other forms of aggression, this behavior isn’t triggered by hormones but rather by genetics. Dogs were historically bred to hunt; even today, many domestic breeds retain these instincts. You may think that the instinct of predation in dogs is a cause of their malice. Yet, it is an inherent part of a dog’s natural behavior. Aggressive dog training can help reduce the predatory instincts in dogs.
What is Predatory Aggression?
Predatory aggression in dogs involves chasing, hunting, and attacking other animals, often smaller ones. Breeds like terriers, Greyhounds, and retrievers exhibit strong hunting instincts. For example, Labradors retrieve prey without causing harm, while terriers may catch and kill small animals. Interestingly, predatory aggression doesn’t always manifest as traditional aggression. A dog chasing a cat might not dislike the cat but is simply following its instincts.
Why Do Some Dogs Show Predatory Aggression?
Not every dog is prone to this behavior. Some get along well with smaller animals, but many breeds possess a strong prey drive. Dogs from sporting, hound, herding, and terrier groups often exhibit these instincts. However, the way they show it varies. Herding dogs, for example, may chase but not harm, whereas terriers tend to be more aggressive toward small creatures.
A high prey drive can make dogs dangerous in certain situations because they often don’t show warning signs. They might appear calm until a small animal, like a cat, starts moving, triggering their instinct to chase and attack. This lack of warning can make it difficult to stop predatory aggression once it starts.
Attraction to Movement
Movement is one of the primary triggers of predatory aggression. Dogs can seem fine until a smaller animal or object starts running, at which point they’ll likely chase after it. Sometimes, other types of aggression, like defensive behavior, can lead to predatory aggression. For example, a dog might react aggressively if a cat swipes at them, causing the situation to escalate.
Dogs with strong prey drives may also chase moving objects like bicycles, joggers, cars, or even people. In some cases, dogs may “pack” together and hunt in groups, which can amplify their predatory instincts. Often, they won’t hurt their “prey,” but the chase itself is an enjoyable activity for them. Wagging tails and excited behavior during a chase are common, as hunting is a thrilling and natural task for many dogs.
Is Predatory Aggression Truly Aggressive?
There is some debate on whether predatory aggression should be classified as true aggression. Unlike other aggressive behaviors, predatory dogs are seemingly frightful. They are simply doing what they’ve been bred to do for centuries. Because of this, many experts argue that predatory aggression should be seen separately from other forms of aggressive behavior. The dog is often happy during and after these episodes, as it’s fulfilling its instincts.
Can Predatory Aggression Be Treated?
In most cases, predatory aggression can’t be completely trained out of a dog. It’s a natural, instinctive behavior that is hard-wired into certain breeds, especially hunting and herding dogs. These dogs experience a heightened state of arousal when they see prey, making it difficult to command or distract them in the moment. Training is often ineffective because the behavior is deeply ingrained and comes naturally to the dog.
While you can’t stop a dog from being who they are, you can prevent dangerous situations. For instance, if you know your dog has a high prey drive, avoid placing them in environments where they might encounter smaller animals like cats. If you already have a cat, it’s best not to adopt a dog with strong hunting instincts. Similarly, keeping your dog on a leash and supervising them when outside can help prevent unwanted chases.
If you’re worried about aggressive dog behavior, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian for guidance.
Managing Predatory Aggression Through Training and Supervision
Although predatory aggression is natural, managing it through aggressive dog training and supervision is crucial. Dogs with a high prey drive shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely in areas where they might encounter small animals. Keeping them on a leash during walks is essential, as they may “forget” they’re leashed and chase after anything that moves. Make sure your yard or fenced-in area is secure and free from potential prey animals like your neighbor’s cat.
While reward-based training can be helpful, it won’t eliminate predatory aggression. Commands like “leave it” might work in some cases, but they aren’t reliable for dogs with strong instincts. Socializing your dog early on can sometimes help them become more comfortable around other animals. However, this is more effective for dogs with lower prey drives. For dogs with higher prey drives, even animals they’ve lived with for years could still be seen as prey when they move quickly.
Conclusion
Predatory aggression is deeply rooted in a dog’s instincts, especially in breeds with a high prey drive. Whether they’re chasing small animals, bicycles, or joggers, these behaviors are difficult to eliminate through training alone. The best approach is to manage the environment and prevent your dog from getting into situations where they might act on these instincts. For dogs with particularly strong predatory behavior, supervision around small children or smaller animals is crucial, as they could mistakenly view them as prey when they move quickly.
Dogs exhibiting predatory aggression aren’t mean or vicious. They’re simply doing what comes naturally. For them, the chase is exciting and rewarding. If you have a dog with a high prey drive, we recommend avoiding adopting smaller animals like cats. While socialization can help, it’s not always enough to prevent aggressive behavior entirely.
By understanding your dog’s instincts and using aggressive dog training techniques where possible, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
