Walking a high prey drive dog can feel more like a daily struggle than a relaxing activity. If you’re constantly worried, stressed, or don’t feel safe during walks, you’re not alone. The good news is there are things you can do right now to make walks easier — while also working on long-term behavior change.
Understanding what’s going on for your dog when he spots potential prey is the first step. Once we grasp how our dog perceives his environment, we can start reshaping his responses — and our own behavior too.
1. Rethink the Daily Walk
Walking your dog every day isn’t always the best answer for dogs with extreme prey drive. Instead, focus on fulfilling their mental and physical needs in other ways:
Sniffy enrichment games
Interactive play like tug or flirtpole sessions
Simple trick training
Relationship-building activities
In fact, many dog trainers – myself included – often skip daily walks in favor of focused, enriching sessions at home or in controlled environments. These build a better connection with your dog and set the stage for future success on real-world walks.
2. Train in Low-Prey Environments
Trying to change your dog’s prey drive behavior in a squirrel-filled park or next to a neighbor’s cat is setting yourself up for frustration. Instead, choose low-distraction, low-prey environments such as:
Quiet industrial estates on weekends
Secure dog fields (after checking for nearby livestock!)
Empty parking lots with grassy areas
Safe enclosed spaces where you can practice games
Avoid known “prey hotspots” like woodland trails packed with rabbits or your neighbor’s cat-infested garden hedge.
3. Build Engagement First
You’ll have far more success working with your dog’s prey drive once they’ve learned to focus on you. If your dog drags you out the door with eyes darting for movement, it’s time to change the story. Start by building a habit of connection and fun:
Play focus games together
Use treats or toys to reward check-ins
Practice short training sessions in distraction-free zones
A dog who is used to engaging with you at home is much more likely to turn to you outside — even when prey appears.
4. Use Pattern Games & Emergency Skills
Even with the best planning, you’ll sometimes encounter prey unexpectedly. Prepare a toolkit of pre-trained emergency behaviors, like:
Pattern games (predictable movements that lower arousal)
Emergency U-turns toward a toy
“With me” recall games involving a ball or catch
These become your lifelines in tough situations, allowing you to redirect your dog before prey sends them into overdrive.
5. Break the Habit of Routine Walks
Just because a route is convenient doesn’t mean it’s helpful. Walking the same prey-filled route every day often reinforces your dog’s hyper-focus. Be willing to break the routine and create new, safer habits that support your training goals.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein
There is still time to join our High Prey Drive class starting June 16, 2025 Just click below!
