Hunting behavior in dogs
As a predator and social animal, the dog, within a healthy pack, primarily follows its need for food, more precisely, its hunting instinct. Hunting behavior in dogs is indispensable and, from an evolutionary perspective, an integral part of their behavioral repertoire. It is clearly distinct from a simple need for food. The hunting instinct, through its individually recognized importance, ensures the social and communicative cohesion of the pack and thus forms the basis of all social life.
Division into hunting sequences
A hunt as a whole can be divided into individual hunting sequences, which take different amounts of time depending on the success and intention of the sections.
1. Orientation stance
Searching for a scent or picking up a trail goes hand in hand with the first hunting sequence, the orientation phase. This requires using all the dog’s senses.
2. Fixing/Protruding
Once the prey is sighted, meaning the orientation phase is completed, the fixation or pointing phase follows. The prey is observed intently, fixed on, or indicated by the “pointer-typical” pointing posture.
3. Rushing
This is followed by the chase phase, during which the prey is driven out of the group, separated, and driven into a position favorable to the rest of the hunting party. The chase phase is relatively short and calculated in wolves, as it is energy-intensive, and the animals must manage their energy reserves carefully. While many of our domestic dogs fall into a self-rewarding cycle during this chase phase—meaning that this pursuit satisfies the hunting instinct in some dogs—wolves act in a biologically consistent manner, with a clearly defined goal. For them, only the killing and consumption of the prey marks the end of a hunt.
Breeding selection in dogs
Through selective breeding, humans have created dogs with different hunting strategies. This has led to the development of appropriately socialized and trained dogs, whose offspring, in turn, have been further promoted according to their genetic advantages.
Herding dogs
For example, in herding dogs such as the Border Collie, emphasis is placed on the hunting sequence of “chasing.” The task of a herding dog is to drive animals out of the flock and guide the group in specific directions. This task is identical to the aforementioned fundamental phase of a hunt. By selectively interrupting this sequence of actions, the dog is content, in a sense, with an incomplete sequence of obtaining the prey.
Pointer
Similarly, with appropriate training, a pointer’s range of motion is limited—the first two sequences. After indicating the game while under human care, the hunt is over for him for the time being.
Livestock guardian dogs
Livestock guardian dogs. In turn, their presence actually claims the prey of an already successful hunt. They secure their food resources – the sheep – by protecting flocks of sheep from predators simply through their presence.
The hunting instinct is in every dog.
Various tasks and predispositions, which may not manifest in every individual dog, can be traced to a common instinct: hunting. Often, the important and unavoidable motivation behind a dog’s behavior is overlooked. This can lead to misunderstandings between the dog and the human.
Hunting instincts are a characteristic of every dog, regardless of breed. Without respecting this most fundamental instinct, we humans would be incapable of forming a relationship with our canine social partners. It is up to us to satisfy this basic need for hunting, that is, for social cooperation.
How does a dog’s hunting behavior manifest itself in everyday life?
How hunting behavior manifests in everyday life depends on the strength of your dog’s hunting instinct. Hunting behavior can become particularly noticeable during walks. This can be triggered by smells or sounds that indicate potential prey, thus activating the dog’s hunting instinct. Pay attention to the first signs of hunting behavior. These signs include:
- Abrupt stopping during a walk
- Tension and nervousness, as the four-legged friend is now solely focused on tracking down potential prey.
- Excessive sniffing of the ground
A dog’s hunting instinct is a natural behavior and can therefore never be eliminated. However, it can be controlled through targeted training. To manage hunting behavior in dogs, anti-hunting training is recommended. This makes sense. Here, dogs learn to reliably obey their owner’s commands and give them their full attention.
It is also important to offer your four-legged friend alternatives to satisfy their instincts. Depending on your dog’s individual hunting behavior, these could include, for example, sniffing... or fetch games.