Myths about dogs who love to chase, Part 2: Positive training and fetch
Two myths that stop owners asking for help
If you live with a dog who turns into a different animal the moment they spot a squirrel, you've probably picked up plenty of "helpful" advice along the way. Two of the most common bits I hear are that positive training doesn't work with a strong prey drive, and that you should never play fetch with a dog who chases. Neither one holds up.
Summary
Positive training does work with prey drive, it gives your dog a genuine alternative rather than just suppressing the instinct. And fetch isn't off limits either, played with breaks and structure, it can become one of the most useful tools you've got.
I'm a certified Predation Substitute Training (PST) instructor, trained by PST founder Simone Mueller, I work with dogs and owners across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. These two myths come up constantly in my sessions, usually from owners who've been told to give up on training altogether, or to put the ball away for good.
Myth 4: "Positive training doesn't work with prey drive"
I understand where this comes from. Prey drive can feel too intense, too instinctive, too far outside your dog's control for treats and praise to make an impact on them responding!
Positive, force free training isn't about competing with the thrill of the chase. It's about giving your dog a different way to get that same thrill, with you instead of without you. PST works by building substitute games that tap into the same stalking, chasing and dissecting instincts, so your dog gets the payoff they're wired for while you stay part of the picture. All of this in a safe kind way that builds your bond, so much that my dog prefers to hang out with me rather than chase those squirrels (well sometimes she isn't a saint!!)
Punishment based methods might suppress a chase in the moment, but they don't teach your dog what to do instead. That leaves the instinct fully intact, just waiting for the next opportunity. Positive training builds a genuine alternative, which is why it holds up even with dogs who have a very strong drive.
Myth 5: "Never play fetch"
This one gets repeated a lot, and there's a grain of truth buried in it. Fetch played on repeat, ball after ball with no break, can genuinely wind your dog up or if you use one of those horrid chukkas can impact health by over extending their muscles. It rehearses the chase and the grab over and over with no natural end point, which can leave them more aroused, not less.
The answer isn't to cut fetch out completely. It's to play it differently. A handful of throws, then a scatter feed or a sniff break to bring the arousal back down, teaches your dog the whole sequence, chase, catch, and settle, rather than just the chase on a loop.
For a lot of my clients, a well structured game of fetch becomes one of the most useful tools in their kit, not something to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does positive reinforcement really work for dogs with strong prey drive?
Yes. Positive training gives your dog a genuine substitute for the chase, rather than just suppressing it. That's why it continues to work even with dogs who have a very strong drive, unlike punishment, which leaves the instinct intact.
Is it safe to play fetch with a dog who chases wildlife?
Yes, as long as it's broken up with pauses, a scatter feed, or a sniff break. Unbroken repetition is what winds a dog up, not fetch itself.
What are the four foundations of Predation Substitute Training?
Management and prevention, tools for wildlife encounters, substitute games, and emergency cues. Together they give your dog a safe way to meet their instincts while staying connected to you.
What This Comes Down To
Both of these myths come from the same misunderstanding, that chasing is a behaviour problem to be stopped. It isn't. It's an instinct to be worked with, and that's the whole idea behind PST.
That's exactly what turned things around for Poppy and me. She still notices every squirrel. She just checks in with me first.
💬 Want to learn how this could work for your dog? Drop me an email at hello@barkshiredogtraining.com and or book a call, would love to chat about the unique ways your dog sees the world.
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