How to Stop Dogs from Chasing Wildlife – P.L.A.Y.

By Hannah Fitchett on Jun 1, 2023

If in case you have a canine that chases a squirrel up a tree or a bunny right into a bush at each alternative they get then they possible have a excessive prey drive. Although chasing wildlife is pure for canines, it might result in hassle on their walks. Beneath we discover the the explanation why canines chase small animals and the right way to cease this specific conduct.

What are the hazards of canines chasing wild animals?

A canine chasing wildlife is a really pure conduct however in some cases, it may be harmful. These risks embody:

1. Accidents: A canine can simply break a bone or get hit by a automotive if they’re chasing a small animal and never wanting the place they’re going.
2. Turning into misplaced: Typically canines are so quick within the pursuit of their prey that it’s simple to lose sight of them. They’ll simply turn out to be misplaced if they’re in an unfamiliar place. A tracking collar is a good suggestion for canines with excessive prey drives. 
3. Ailments: Some wildlife could also be contaminated with harmful illnesses equivalent to rabies. These illnesses are carried by wildlife equivalent to foxes, raccoons, and skunks and might be contracted by your canine.

What causes canines to chase wildlife?

Canines chase wildlife as a consequence of their prey-drive which is left over from their wolf ancestors. The pure intuition of a wolf to stalk and kill small creatures nonetheless stays in canines.  A domesticated canine could not want to seek out their meals however the pure intuition to take action remains to be in place. Their mind is wired to hunt squeaking injured animals which is why they all the time take the chance to stalk a rabbit or pounce on a mouse.

How one can cease your canine from chasing wild animals

Fortunately, there are a lot of methods to cease a canine from chasing wildlife while additionally permitting them to play out their pure instincts.

1. Directing your canine’s pure instincts

You possibly can direct your canine’s pure want to hunt and kill away from small animals and in direction of toys for top prey drive canines. These toys mimic the squeaking and searching of small injured animals and permit your canine to really feel like they’re searching and killing however in a secure and enjoyable surroundings. 

Such toys embody: 

• Tug ropes
• Squeaky toys
• Fetch toys
• Flirt poles

2. Steer clear of areas with a lot of wildlife

You possibly can’t take away your canine’s pure want to chase wildlife however you’ll be able to take away the wildlife out of your canine’s walks. Strive to decide on areas the place you already know there received’t be a whole lot of roaming wildlife. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take your canine to off-leash canine parks which the wildlife has already discovered to keep away from.

3. Primary instructions

Educate your canine primary instructions to stop them from chasing wildlife or get them again through the chase. Primary instructions embody:

• “Watch me” or “Depart it”: For use once you discover your canine has noticed an animal and is stalking them or watching them intently. 
• “Come” or “Right here”: For use as a recall after your canine has given chase and to interrupt them out of their fixation.

Realizing the physique language of a canine about to chase a small animal can be helpful. In the event you discover your canine is beginning to stroll very slowly, with their physique a lot decrease to the bottom and their eyes huge and fixated, they’re possible stalking and about to provide chase. 

4. Canine collar bells

The ultimate methodology to stop your canine from chasing wildlife entails attaching a bell to their collar. The sound of the bell serves as an alert for the wildlife, signaling that one thing is coming their method. This offers them ample alternative to fade earlier than your canine even has an opportunity to see them. That is additionally excellent if you wish to take your dog camping, to keep at bay greater animals equivalent to bears. 

Conclusion

The intuition to chase and catch wildlife is hard-wired into your canine’s mind. Although the conduct may be very pure, it might result in disastrous outcomes if left unchecked. From damaged bones to deadly illnesses the dangers are plentiful. By understanding your canine’s pure prey drive and channeling it away from wildlife you and your canine can take pleasure in your walks collectively with out disturbing the locals.  

In regards to the Creator:

Hannah is the proud canine mother of Makai, a Wolfdog with a penchant for naps and snacks. Hannah has a powerful love for all animals however a particular fondness of canines. With a Masters diploma in Chemistry and a love for writing, Hannah goals to share the newest scientific research and knowledgeable data with canine lovers worldwide by means of her weblog Howling Wolf Pack.