What Modern Studies Reveal About Predatory Behaviour in Dogs

New Study: Body Language of prey-driven Dogs

Now, a new study by Broseghini et al. offers fresh insights, contributing to the understanding of how predatory behaviour unfolds in dogs. This study breaks down the complex chain of canine behaviour into an “ethogram” – a catalogue of specific actions – focused solely on dogs.

The Key Phases of Predatory Behaviour in Dogs

The predatory behaviour of dogs can vary widely between individuals and breeds, influenced by their specific roles, such as pointing, tracking, or scenting. The study by Broseghini and colleagues identified four key phases in dogs’ predatory behaviour, based on the analysis of 60 video recordings of dogs in actual hunting situations. These phases are:

1. Search Phase

In this phase, the dog explores their environment, looking for sensory cues such as scent or movement that indicate the presence of prey. Different types of dogs exhibit this phase differently. For example, pointing dogs tend to move quickly in zig-zag patterns, while scent hounds take their time, focusing on intensive sniffing. The main goal is to gather as much information as possible about the prey’s whereabouts.

2. Approach Phase

Once the prey is located, the dog moves into the approach phase, where they get closer to the prey in preparation for capture. Pointing dogs typically alternate between freezing (often referred to as pointing) and stalking with slow, deliberate steps. Scent hounds, driven by the scent, move directly toward their target, often vocalising as their excitement builds. Sighthounds, in contrast, will focus their attention visually, tracking any movement in a specific area.

3. Chase Phase

This phase is common across all breed types. Once the prey takes off, the dog pursues with rapid movement. The chase is typically triggered by the prey’s sudden flight, and during this phase, the dog’s head and body are fully focused on closing the distance.

4. Bite Phase

If the dog manages to catch the prey, the bite phase begins. The initial bite serves to either capture or pin the prey to the ground. This phase may be followed by different types of bites, depending on the dog’s breed and role.

Types of Bites Observed in Predatory Behaviour

After the initial bite, various other actions might follow, each serving a distinct purpose:

• Assessment Bite:
  The dog bites repeatedly to assess the prey’s condition, ensuring it is incapacitated or dead.
• Tug Bite:
  Dogs may tug at the prey, sometimes competing with others to secure it for themselves.
• Head Shake Bite:
  This involves a violent shaking of the prey in a figure-of-eight motion, used to kill it.
• Retriever Bite:
  Typically seen in pointing dogs, this bite is used to bring the prey back to the human handler, often on cue.

Why is this research important?

For dog owners and dog professionals, understanding these phases of predatory behaviour can offer real benefits in managing their dogs, particularly those with a strong prey drive. While it can be difficult to reduce a dog’s complex behaviour down to clear and simple characteristics, knowing these phases allows you to recognise the early signs of predation.

👉 This is extremely useful for early intervention and training, giving us humans the opportunity to redirect the dog’s attention before the chase begins.

The study by Broseghini et al. provides many valuable insights that can be applied in training. By understanding which phase of predation is most pronounced in an individual dog, owners and trainers can tailor their training methods more effectively, as we do in Predation Substitute Training (PST).

 For example, if a dog consistently enters the search phase when off-lead, focusing on redirecting their attention during this early phase can prevent the behaviour from escalating into a chase.

Conclusion: Working with Your Dog’s Prey Drive, Not Against It!

The predatory sequence in dogs, as detailed by Broseghini et al., provides a clearer understanding of canine predatory behaviour, offering practical insights for dog owners and professionals.

Whether you train a pointing dog, a scent hound, or a sighthound, knowing how this individual dog naturally engages with the world can help you manage their instincts in a way that is safe and controlled.

Understanding these phases not only helps with training, but can also lead to a stronger bond between owner and dog as they learn to work with natural behaviours and not against them.

With consistent training and strategic awareness, you can turn high-stress moments into engagement opportunities, transforming walks into positive experiences for you and your dog. ♥️

Curious to Learn More?

If you’re ready to expand your toolkit for managing predatory behaviour, don’t miss PST Principles! This introductory course offers insights into Predation Substitute Training, equipping you with techniques to help you channel your dog’s natural instincts effectively.