Is there a real difference between prey drive activation and reactivity, and how do emotions play a role in this distinction? Distinguishing between prey drive activation and reactivity in dogs, especially around small animals triggering their instincts is the question for today that comes from Christine with Team Gigi.
"Behavior is always tied back to the essential needs of any animal—finding and hunting for food and ensuring safety. Understanding this link is crucial in distinguishing between prey drive activation and reactivity in dogs."
If we pretend for a moment that dogs are emotionless robots, the exhibited behaviors, such as lunging, pulling, or hiding, are closely tied to predatory instincts—whether the dog sees itself as the hunter or the hunted. However, of course dogs are not emotionless robots.
This episode examines the primary difference between prey drive and reactivity lies in the emotions motivating the behavior.
Next, Jenna discusses the ‘dog training’ lens: how do you actually train a dog to not go after small prey (or small breed dogs that look like prey)?
Using personal experiences with Max, a Dalmatian with a strong prey drive, we’ll discuss the importance of understanding a dog's DNA, breed characteristics, and individual reactions in evaluating the prognosis of your dog’s behavior modification.
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