Recently, I was interviewed by Magdalena and Tomasz from psinosek.pl. We talked about prey drive in dogs, why common “quick fixes” often fail, and how I help owners transform instinctive chasing into cooperation, safety, and trust.
1. How did your journey with dogs begin, and what led you to focus on the topic of predatory instincts?
Simone: My professional journey really began when I adopted Malinka — a dog with a strong passion for hunting. She was incredibly sweet at home, but the moment we stepped outside, she transformed. Her entire being became focused on the environment: scanning, chasing, disappearing. It was exhausting and heartbreaking, because I didn’t know how to reach her.
At the time, the only advice I got was about control — tighter leashes, stricter commands, more management. But none of it worked, and worse: it damaged our relationship. That’s when I started to dig deeper into predatory behavior. Not to suppress it — but to understand it. I wanted to find a way that would allow both Malinka and me to feel successful, connected, and safe.
That journey with her was the seed for what eventually became Predation Substitute Training.
2. What were the key moments in your career that led to the development of Predation Substitute Training?
Simone: There were a few key moments:
- Working with frustrated clients who were doing “everything right” — but still couldn’t stop their dog from chasing wildlife
- Observing that many “reactive” or “disobedient” dogs were actually just deeply motivated by their environment — and had no outlet for it
- And most of all, seeing the transformation when I started using cooperative games and functional rewards instead of suppression
That’s when I realized: we don’t have to block predatory behavior — we can redirect it, give it purpose, and build relationship through it.
3. How is your approach to predatory behavior different from traditional methods of suppressing these behaviors?
Traditional methods are often built on control: leashes, aversives, avoidance, or demanding compliance in high-arousal states. These approaches ignore the dog’s emotional state and natural needs.
Predation Substitute Training is built on cooperation, consent, and communication. Instead of saying “don’t chase,” we say:
👉 “Here’s something you can do instead.”
We focus on giving dogs meaningful alternatives, emotional regulation, and a clear structure they can rely on.
4. What exactly is Predation Substitute Training (PST) and what needs of the dog does it address?
PST is a science-based, reward-oriented training approach for dogs with strong predatory instincts. It’s designed to fulfill their natural needs — such as scanning, stalking, chasing, and dissecting — through structured games, activities, and clear communication.
It addresses:
- the cognitive needs of hunting (problem-solving, engagement)
- the emotional needs (thrill, excitement, fulfillment)
- and the social needs (shared experience with the human
It’s not about controlling the dog — it’s about partnering with them.
5. Why do you choose to modify and redirect predatory behaviors instead of eliminating them completely?
Because predatory behavior is part of a dog’s genetic makeup — especially in certain breeds. It’s not a “bad habit” or a behavior we can simply erase. It’s a deeply rooted need that wants to be expressed, like the need to move, sniff, or explore.
Trying to eliminate it leads to frustration, disconnection, or even behavioral fallout. But when we redirect it — when we offer meaningful, structured alternatives — we meet the dog’s need in a way that works for real life. We keep the dog fulfilled, the environment safe, and the relationship intact.
6. What are the key stages of the PST process, and why is each of them important?
- Observation & Understanding
What are the dog’s triggers? What are the patterns? This helps us plan strategically.
- Teaching Substitute Behaviors
We introduce structured alternatives that mirror parts of the predatory sequence in a safe and fulfilling way. - Focus & Communication Training
We build orientation cues, check-ins, and impulse regulation — always reward-based and cooperative.
- Controlled Exposure & Generalization
We introduce mild real-life challenges under controlled conditions — like observing wildlife from a distance. - Real-Life Application
Finally, we transfer skills into everyday walks. By this point, the dog has learned to choose connection over instinct.
7. Can you describe the typical dog that benefits the most from PST?
These are often dogs who:
- Suddenly disconnect when something moves
- Don’t respond to cues in high arousal
- Show scanning, stalking, or intense chasing behavior
- Cause stress or frustration for their humans
While many are working or hunting breeds, PST is also helpful for mixed breeds or companion dogs with strong environmental focus. The typical PST dog is smart, sensitive, and instinct-driven — and thrives when we give their energy a cooperative direction.
8. What warning signs should we learn to recognize in a dog with a strong predatory instinct, before they begin acting on it?
- Scanning the environment intensely
- Stillness and body tension (mistaken for calmness)
- Forward ears, closed mouth, weight shift
- Sudden “pulling” toward something
- Blocking out handler inpu
These are early signs that a dog is entering the predatory sequence. Recognizing them gives us time to respond before the chase begins.
9. How do you work with owners who may not recognize these signs or who react too late?
I start with education without blame. We use video, structured observation, and reflection to help owners see what’s actually happening. We build a “pre-chase awareness” so the human can recognize patterns early.
Then we work on proactive habits:
- Scanning the environment with the dog
- Cueing before arousal spikes
- Using safe distances and terrain to support learning
It’s about turning reactivity into responsiveness — in both the dog and the human.
10. Could you describe a typical PST session step by step?
- Arrival & Decompression
Sniffing, movement, settling into the space. - Observation
Reading the dog’s emotional state and adjusting goals.
- Orientation Games
Focus-building activities to create engagement and safety.
- Substitute Behaviors
Structured play, scent work, or problem-solving tasks based on the dog’s needs.
- Controlled Exposure
Gradual work near triggers like wildlife, using distance and reinforcement.
- Cool-down & Reflection
Sniffing, scatter feeding, calm transitions. - Owner Debrief
Discussing what worked, what didn’t, and what to practice.
11. What types of “predatory substitutes” do you most commonly recommend?
- For stalking & scanning: “visual enrichment”, which means, letting the dog calmly watch the environment or let him watch other animals from a safe distance.
- For chasing: flirt poles, recall + toy reward
- For dissecting: shreddable toys, snuffle boxes
- For scenting: environmental searches, “find it” in tall grass, slow tracking games
- For emotional release: tug games with rules, deconstruction work
The best substitutes match the dog’s preferred stage of the predatory sequence.
12. What criteria do you consider when selecting substitute activities?
- Functional match (which predatory phase?)
- Emotional satisfaction (does it fulfill the dog?)
- Safety & structure (is it repeatable, risk-free?)
- Human-dog cooperation (does it build communication?)
- Individual preference (what actually excites the dog?
We tailor the plan to the individual, not just the behavior.
13. How does PST differ with sighthounds, terriers, and pointing breeds?
- Sighthounds: visual triggers, need for distance control, structured chase games
- Terriers: intense focus on stalking/pouncing, enrichment through digging, shredding, scent tasks
- Pointing breeds: balance between sensitivity and arousal, working with the “freeze and watch” behavior
The core method stays the same — but each dog type needs a customized pathway.
14. What role does environmental exploration play in PST?
Exploration is essential. We don’t avoid wildlife-rich areas — we use them intentionally.
In controlled settings like wildlife enclosures, we can:
- Work under mild arousal
- Teach orientation and check-ins
- Let dogs observe without rehearsing the full chase
This builds self-regulation in the real world.
15. What rules should owners follow between sessions?
- Use long lines for safety
- Avoid reinforcing uncontrolled chasing
- Offer daily substitute activities
- Practice orientation and communication cues on every walk
- Choose environments that match the dog’s current skill level
Structure between sessions ensures consistency and success.
16. Can PST be used with dogs of all ages?
Yes!
- Young dogs: we work preventively — building good habits before chasing becomes established.
- Older dogs: we unlearn patterns and replace them with new ones — it takes more time but is absolutely doable.
17. Are there situations where PST isn’t suitable?
Yes — or where we adapt it first:
- Dogs with medical issues or pain
- Dogs in highly unstable environments
- Dogs with extreme fear responses
In those cases, we prioritize safety and emotional stability first, and return to PST later.
18. What are the most common mistakes people make with PST?
- Rushing into high-arousal situations
- Treating PST like obedience training
- Forgetting that they, the human, are part of the process
Avoid these by slowing down, focusing on communication, and getting support when needed.
19. How can we tell PST is working?
- Increased check-in
- More responsiveness near trigger
- Less frantic behavio
- Dogs pausing before reactin
Success is often invisible at first — it’s in the subtle shifts and growing partnership.
20. What behavioral changes are most noticeable, and how long do they take?
Most visible:
- Calmer walk
- More engagement
- Fewer “zoning out” moments
Timeline: noticeable change in weeks, solid progress in 3–6 months, depending on the dog and consistency.
21. What advice do you give to owners who feel helpless?
You are not alone — and your dog isn’t broken.
Start by working with their nature, not against it.
Get curious instead of frustrated. Seek support.
There is a way forward — and it begins with understanding.
22. Do you have any upcoming projects for people who want to go deeper into PST?
Absolutely. My most comprehensive resource is “Call Off the Chase” — a self-paced online course that takes you step by step through the entire PST process. It includes over 10 hours of video content, case studies, and practical exercises to help you apply PST in real life.
For beginners, I recommend “PST Principles” — a short, accessible introduction to the core ideas behind the method. This course is available in Polish on my website, together with other fully translated courses in Polish.
👉 And for regular tips, insights, and training inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok or Instagram at @predation_substitute_training.
Hi there, I’m Simone!
I’m a certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant (ATN.AG) based in Germany, and the founder of Predation Substitute Training (PST) — a reward-based, force-free approach designed to stop uncontrolled chasing and provide safe outlets for your dog’s natural drive.
Through my writing and courses, I aim to share practical tools that help build safer, more cooperative lives between dogs and their humans.
Thanks for stopping by — I hope this article gives you something helpful to take on your next walk. 🐾👣