09/10/2026
**** Drive Misconceptions ****
We regularly get comments from new clients about the cause of their dog’s reactivity being related to their high prey drive. These owners have often previously seen other trainers who tell them this nonsense and as a consequence have often been advised not to play ball with their dogs.
Let me be clear, on-leash reactivity towards humans or other dogs has nothing to do with prey drive. I can assure you dogs do not see us or other dogs as food unless it is a case of mistaken identity by something such as a sighthound and a small fast-moving dog at a distance.
Definition of Prey – an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another.
(www.oxfordleanersdictionaries.com/english/prey)
Dogs understand the concept of play, which is why playing fetch, tug with a ball on a rope or toy with your dog is perfectly okay, highly beneficial in your relationship, and not triggering their prey drive. Your dog does not chase a ball because they are in prey drive because they do view it as food. A dog must be baited in a certain manner to trigger their prey instinct. A squirrel will trigger a dog’s prey instinct firstly because the dog views them as potential food, and secondly because they will more often than not run when they see a dog. The dog cannot help but to give chase when its prey instinct is triggered. Unless the dog is a breed with a high prey drive, they will often lose interest in the prey when it stops running and freezes.
For help with your dog’s reactive behaviour please contact us for an assessment.
Visit our website here https://www.hampshiredogclub.com/behavioural-services for more.
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