Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work him?

Whenever I take him for a walk, he wants to chase EVERYTHING!

Birds, ducks, squirrels, lizards, bugs, cats, etc...

He gets into this low position and then pulls and runs like crazy. Sometimes he even stands up!

Also, I walk him 2 to 3 miles a day, and he still has energy. He runs thru my apartment full speed for us to play with him.

I really like that he has such a high prey drive, but I dont hunt or anything and I live in an apartment.

What should I do to work him?

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

Yes it's normal it's part of the breeds genetics so it comes with the territory. Do you have a treadmill? If you are walking him 2-3 miles a day and it's still not enough to wire him down you can put him on the treadmill at night until he tires himself out and still continue to walk him 2-3 miles in the morning before you go to work. Do you put him in a crate to sleep at night? Or does he have free roam of the house?

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

Flirt pole can help. But learn how to use it properlly. U can build one outta materials from a home improvement store for bout $10-15. As he matures sometimes they will calm down some. Not always. Just part of the breed. Also several rounds of fetch. If ur apt has a gated tennis court play fetch there but dont over do it on that hard surface.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

A carpet mill would be my suggestion, reason I say carpet & not slat mill is becouse a carpet mill runs fairly quite & you can find used ones fairly cheap ussualy. How old of a dog is he? If you go with a mill start slow and dont over do it, especially if he is not fully mature.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

sounds like he`ll take to the flirt pole real easy, or there`s always good ol fashion tug-o-war.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

some one pleaese tell me where too buy a good used carpet mill at a decent price.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

You should be worried if your dog is loafing through the house not the other way around, they're like kids, boundless energy interrupted by brief naps. I agree with Sadie, the mill will get it done, we will always wear out and tire before the dog. A walk is all it is, a walk, your dog needs serious exercise.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

Depends on what a decent price is for you, check out grand carpet mill, the prices aren't that bad.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

Agree with this.. its all in the genes

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

You can increase the distance gradually or go for a jog instead of just walking.. my dog is so energetic as well..

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

bike him. get a bike, and let him run a long side. that 2 to 3 miles will be plenty until his body adjusts.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

i'd go to a school real early/late and bike on the track.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

I agree with all of the above biking, flirt pole, mill, swimming, all great ways to exercise your dog and have fun. Changing it up helps keep it interesting you don't have to do just one thing it's probably tuff living in an apartment as far as your options at home are limited due to space but you can always go to the track, tennis courts, park, lake, and work your dog just got to be a little more creative with the lack of space and privacy you have living in an apartment.

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

if u have a ''REAL'' apbt first thing to do is move out of an apt ASAP!!!!!! jmo...

 

Re: Is it normal for my dog to have such a high prey drive? What should I do to work

Seconding this! These dogs need exercise and a yard to run in.