Predatory Behaviour in Dogs

Predatory behaviour in dogs refers to sequences of action that resemble hunting — stalking, chasing, grabbing, shaking — directed at moving objects, animals, or sometimes people. These behaviours are normal parts of canine biology, shaped by ancestry and breed history, but they can become concerning when directed at livestock, wildlife, small pets, or children, or when the intensity or context feels unsafe. Owners often notice a sudden shift in focus when their dog spots something moving: the body may lower, the gaze fixes, and the dog may begin to stalk or chase with little response to calling. In some cases, the behaviour ends with play or curiosity; in others, it escalates to grabbing or shaking. The question is usually not whether the behaviour is present, but how much it intrudes on daily life, what triggers it, and whether the dog can be interrupted or redirected. This page explores the signals that suggest predatory sequences are active, what drives these behaviours at a biological and learned level, how the pattern is assessed, and what approaches exist to manage safety and reduce conflict. It does not cover aggression rooted in fear, frustration, or social conflict, which follow different pathways.