What can you do with a dog with a high prey drive?

Question

He's a lab/boxer mix and I'm looking for more "jobs" for my dogs to do. I've been working on some agility type exercises with him, but he has such a high prey drive and is so quick...that I'd really like to take advantage of his skill and interests.

Please don't go off and insult me, I've never really trained a dog to do a job they were good at, but I'd really like to try now. What I am wondering is...what type of activity/training can I do with this dog to help him refine this skill? All of the little critters around here have learned to stay out of the yard or they become his targeted snack...so what else can be done? I already throw objects for him to chase, but I feel like there is more to do, I just don't know what it is.

Thanks

Answer 1

Dogs with really high prey drive really like lure coursing because it simulates a little critter running from them.

Another thing you can try is using a flirt pole. A flirt pole is a simple pole/handle that is connected to a rope which has a toy at the end of it. You may create your own flirt pole or simply buy one (just do a Google search to find places that sell them). I made my own flirt pole by attaching rope to a wooden drain plunger handle. I then attached Premier Tennis Tail to the end of the rope. This Premier toy works well with the flirt pole because my dog absolutely loves chasing the fox like tail on the toy. With the flirt pole, you may exercise your dog while not having to overly exert yourself.

Answer 2

depends where you live. by what you have written he could be a good pig hunting dog. other wise you can train him to pull load or attach him to your bicycle so that he can run till his energy is exasted. he will turn distructive if not trained properly

Answer 3

If you feel he needs more to do, then your probably right.  Some dogs do have a high "prey" drive. You can make the drive work in your benefit.  

I think it's great that your interested in teaching your dog more things.  I think agility would be great for him, he's a lab/boxer mix, so I'm sure he's athletic.  

Usually in a group agility setting there is only one dog in the ring at a time.  Part of his issue with other dogs, could possibly just lack of socialization.   I also recommend you getting into an obedience class, you can also find a class for "Fiesty Fidos", which i nice way of saying dogs who have issues with other dogs.  

I recommend you buy a couple of clickers and learn to use them.  There are plenty of books and DVD's to help teach you about clicker training...visit http://cleanrun.com

If he has a special toy or something that really turns him on, then only bring that item out when your going to train.  For instance, my dachshund likes anything that squeeks and moves, he also likes fur.  So in agilty class, after performs the course correctly, I toss a light-up ball or a ball that squeeks, sometimes, I'll rile him up with some fur.  These items only come out during training as a reward and he does not play with them alone, always interacting with me.

Also, have some tasty treats that do not require chewing, we use small pieces of:  string cheese, turkey franks, pizza crust, cooked chicken or steak.  These only come out when training.

I also make a point to mix up my rewards, sometimes I'll play tug, sometimes I'll give a treat and sometimes I'll toss the ball.  I want him to always wonder what it is I'm going, which also teaches him to keep he's eyes on you (attention).

I'm sure there's a million things you can teach him to do, use your imagination :)

Find an agilty/obedience class, learn clicker and have fun learning along with your dog.

Answer 4

Flyball & Lure Coursing might be fun for you to participate in.  If you own lots of land, you can set up your own lure course.  Flyball often has very high drive/high energy dogs involved - your dog is not the only one that is cranked up!  I would look for a meet so you could watch & then talk to the owners (don't bring your dog though).

http://www.flyball.org/

http://www.akc.org/events/lure_coursing/...

Answer 5

I agree with flyball and lurecoursing. Fetch just isn't going to be enough for a dog like this.

I urge you to enlist a professional trainer to help with all the issues that you are having with the dog.

And if he's regularly killing things in your yard, he should not be left in an area with animals unsupervised or unleashed.  He can be unleashed once he gets better recall.  

Answer 6

My first thought was, "play frisbee with him" so that he can run after something and chew the heck out of it without harming anyone.

I wouldn't be able to offer any other advice other than obedience school. If he's around other dogs, a leash is a must. Until he's trained to be calm around other animals, separation is necessary. To avoid conflicts in groups where other dogs are present, look for private dog tutoring. They probably cost more, but in your dog's case, it seems necessary.

Answer 7

You can do lots with him. Have you enrolled in agility classes? There is also Rally, Obedience, Open, Utility etc

Find a local training club and join..