Know Your Pooch
VK Joshi
The writer is former director, GSI, and an avid animal lover. His understanding of man's best friend comes from over six decades of dedicated association with it
They nap on the sofas, beg for biscuits, and wear colourful collars, yet beneath every adorable canine exterior lives the heart of an ancient hunter. Modern dogs may no longer roam the forests in packs, but their behaviours are still deeply shaped by thousands of years of evolution. Understanding these instincts is not just fascinating; it helps dog owners build safer, happier, and more fulfilling relationships with their pets.
The wild roots of your family dog
Domestication has softened dogs, but their lineage traces back to the wolf. Early humans selected canines for different hunting roles: tracking, herding, guarding, retrieving, or digging out prey. Over centuries, these roles honed certain instincts that still appear in today’s domestic breeds. Whether you live with a dignified Labrador, a tiny Dachshund, or a spirited Beagle, each carries a unique package of inherited hunting behaviours.
The prey drive: A stepwise story
Canine hunting instinct is shaped by a sequence commonly called the prey drive, broken into the following natural stages: Search, using scent, hearing, or sight to detect movement. Sometimes stalk the prey, with low, quiet movements to stay hidden; Chase the prey by sprinting in pursuit of a fast-moving target, which could be even a cyclist; Grab/bite to secure the prey with the jaws and ultimately, kill/bite, in other words, a swift, instinctive action to immobilise the prey. Dissect/eat is the ultimate objective of the hunt. Many times, wolves are seen hiding a portion of their kill to consume later. The same trait is shown by dogs, too. In my kennel, whenever I cleaned their beds, I could find pieces of roti or even chunks of meat hidden under the mattress. Processing the caught prey.
Different breeds emphasise different stages
The instincts remain the same, whether you have a toy or a working breed. However, each breed has certain styles of working. A Labrador Retriever may hold a bird shot by the master in his jaws in such a manner that his teeth do not puncture the skin of the kill. On the other hand, a German Shepherd may crush the bones offered to him in his food with a pressure of 760 pounds per square inch. The instincts remain the same for our street dog friends. For them, a running child, a scooter or a cycle is an interesting prey. Recognising which stage your dog expresses most helps decode many of its quirks.
You may notice instinctive behaviours every day, even indoors. For example, if you have a Dachshund, he will dig holes in your manicured lawn in search of imaginary Badgers! Similarly, Terriers also burrow a lot to flush out burrowing animals, if any. One of my Dachshunds used to enter the burrows of skunks in my garden. Once, he slaughtered an entire family in our absence. Likewise, your perky Chihuahua may love to chase squirrels in the garden or lizards in your drawing room.
Instinctively, all dogs are genetically programmed from birth to detect any movement. For them, it means a prey. A sprint after squirrels, cats, or even a moving cycle is pure prey drive in action. When dogs shake their toys violently, they mimic the “capture and kill” phase. A completely normal, and actually healthy, play! Sniff-Tracing: Some dogs use their nose like a compass. Beagles, Bassets, and Bloodhounds in particular may follow scents relentlessly. On the streets, too, you find a street dog with its nose almost buried in the ground, snorting and tracking prey. Stalking or pouncing during play is a common sight when a dog may leap onto a toy or another dog, after lowering the body into a ‘hunter’s crouch’. Guarding toys or food: Protecting valuable resources is another remnant of their survival instincts.
Good or bad? Understanding instinct vs. Behaviour
Instincts are not flaws. Problems arise only when instinctive behaviour becomes unsafe, such as chasing cars, ignoring commands, or harming small animals. Channelled correctly, a strong prey drive can be a positive force: Chase-driven dogs excel in agility and flyball. Scent-driven breeds love nose-work and tracking games. Herding breeds thrive in structured training and problem-solving roles. Energetic dogs find fulfilment and mental stimulation when instincts are given a safe outlet. The goal is guidance, not suppression.
Safe & smart ways to manage hunting instincts
1. Train reliable recall: A strong “come” command can prevent accidents. Use long-line leashes and reward generously.
2. Provide controlled outlets: Games like fetch, tug, hide-and-seek, scent-tracking, and agility courses give your dog healthy ways to express instinct.
3. Avoid triggers during off-leash time: If your dog reacts strongly to small animals, choose enclosed spaces for off-leash play.
4. Offer mental enrichment: Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and reward-based problem-solving games prevent boredom, which often magnifies instinctive behaviours.
5. Socialise early and consistently: Exposure to varied environments helps dogs remain calm despite distractions.
6. Consult a trainer if needed: Professional guidance is invaluable for dogs with particularly strong chase or predatory behaviours.
Why instinct-awareness improves your relationship
When you understand the instinctive drive behind your pooch’s actions, your approach to training changes: You stop labelling instinctive responses as “bad behaviour”. You create natural, satisfying activities that build confidence. You reduce stress by anticipating triggers. You deepen trust because your dog feels understood. Dogs are at their happiest when their instincts are acknowledged and allowed safe expression.
Conclusion
Your dog may live in a modern home, eat packaged meals, and enjoy plush bedding, yet within its DNA lies the blueprint of a skilled hunter. These instincts do not fade with time. Instead, they become part of your dog’s character: its bursts of energy, its curiosity, its passion for play. By embracing and managing these hunting instincts, you offer your canine companion not just safety, but a richer, more meaningful life. In return, you gain a stronger bond, clearer communication, and a partnership built on mutual understanding. ([email protected])
Leave a comment