Prey Drive is something that people can struggle with with our Whippets. They were bred to hunt small game such as rabbits and to have keen senses and intense speed to catch them. As dogs bred to hunt independently, they will pursue prey with passion and tune out the shouts of anyone who may be calling. After all, you'd not want that prey to get away!
One of the best things we can do for our whippets ( and similar relatives in lurchers or other sighthounds) Is to give them appropriate outlets for that prey drive.
What do I mean by appropriate outlets? This means safe ways to give your whippet the ability to replicate hunting behaviour. Mainly chase, there are other games and parts of the predatory sequence they may enjoy related to prey drive. But we will focus on chase in this blog.
One option is that is accessible to most people, is to use toys for chasing and training.
When using toys for chase or training, there are lots of options, but I recommend toys that are Sheepskin or Rabbit Skin.
People often worry when I say this, but this won't increase their chances of hunting when out. Your dog likely has a high prey drive anyway; but your dog does know the difference between a toy and the actual visual of a sheep or rabbit.
Rabbit Skin or sheepskin based toys often catch a dogs attention more than others. The ones I use most in classes tend to have clear bite areas, with a long handle to pull them along with. These can really catch a dogs eye and get them whizzing after the toy!
Why do these help then?
Well it taps in to that natural prey drive. This fulfils your dogs natural instincts, depriving them of outlets they're bred for can lead to behaviour problems as they can be frustrated. By tapping into that natural instinct, and playing with the toys with your dog, you create more value in you.
Your dog will learn that they can run, chase, bite and enjoy that Tuggy toy, with you! This helps them handle distractions when out, as they can get that chase with you, meaning they're less likely to go self employed with that behaviour.
Try asking your whippet to stay, then telling them they can go and run away with the toy to chase!
You could play Tuggy regularly at home, or take them out on a walk to use as reward for recall!
These toys can also really help you to train your dogs even when excited, try getting a toy , letting them play a bit, then see if they can do some basics like sit, touch or similar. This helps them learn to listen even when emotional.
There are plenty of options available, long chase toys, faux fur toys, toys with balls on too!
Arthurs favourite was the sheepskin chaser toy!
While Arkles preference is the rabbit skin squeaky chaser toy!
Check out the link below that grab your dog an outlet for their prey drive and build your bond with a great recall boost.
Use “waggingwonders” for 10% off your first order.
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