Understanding Prey Drive and Defensive Drive in Dogs: Why Your Dog is Chasing Squirrels and Guarding Toys (and How We Can Help!)

Understanding Prey Drive and Defensive Drive in Dogs:
Why Your Dog is Chasing Squirrels and Guarding Toys
(and How We Can Help!)

Understanding Prey Drive and Defensive Drive in Dogs: Why Your Dog is Chasing Squirrels and Guarding Toys (and How We Can Help!)

At OverWatch K9, we know that understanding why your dog behaves a certain way is the first step toward building a confident, well-balanced companion. Two key instincts that often influence a dog’s behavior are prey drive and defensive drive. These natural drives can explain why your dog might be darting after squirrels or fiercely guarding their favorite toy. Let’s dive into what these drives are and how our training can transform these instincts into positive, controlled behaviors.

Understanding Prey Drive and Defensive Drive in Dogs: Why Your Dog is Chasing Squirrels and Guarding Toys (and How We Can Help!)

At OverWatch K9, we know that understanding why your dog behaves a certain way is the first step toward building a confident, well-balanced companion. Two key instincts that often influence a dog’s behavior are prey drive and defensive drive. These natural drives can explain why your dog might be darting after squirrels or fiercely guarding their favorite toy. Let’s dive into what these drives are and how our training can transform these instincts into positive, controlled behaviors.

Prey Drive: The Squirrel-Chasing Instinct

Prey drive is a dog’s natural instinct to chase, stalk, and capture moving objects. It’s the same drive that made dogs excellent hunters long before they became our beloved pets. You’ll see prey drive in action when your dog bolts after a squirrel, lunges at a bouncing ball, or even chases leaves blowing in the wind.

While prey drive is normal and healthy, it can become problematic if it leads to unsafe or uncontrollable behavior, like pulling on the leash or ignoring recall commands.

Our Training Approach:

At OverWatch K9, we don’t suppress prey drive—we channel it into positive, structured activities that fulfill your dog’s natural instincts. Using our reward-based system, we turn their love for chasing into engagement with you. Here’s how:

Prey Drive In Dogs
  • Impulse Control Games: We teach your dog to pause and focus on you before chasing. Games like “Wait and Release” give your dog the thrill of the chase- but under your control.
  • Structured Play: We use tug toys, flirt poles, and fetch to satisfy their prey drive in a productive way. This builds drive and engagement, making you the most exciting part of their day.
  • Real-World Training Adventures: Practicing obedience in high-distraction environments, like hiking trails or parks, helps your dog learn to focus on you even when a squirrel darts by.

By giving your dog an outlet for their prey drive, they become more attentive, responsive, and safe during outdoor adventures.

Beagle barking in defensive drive atlanta

Defensive Drive: The Root Of Resource Guarding

Defensive drive is your dog’s instinct to protect themselves or something they value. This can show up as resource guarding—when a dog growls, snaps, or stiffens up to protect toys, food, or even a favorite spot on the couch.

This behavior often stems from insecurity or past experiences where a dog felt they needed to defend their belongings. It’s not about dominance; it’s about feeling safe.

Our Training Approach:

At OverWatch K9, we focus on building confidence and trust so your dog feels secure and doesn’t feel the need to guard resources. Our methods include:

  • Trade-Up Games: We teach your dog that giving up a toy or bone leads to something even better. This creates a positive association with sharing and reduces guarding behavior.
  • Confidence-Building Exercises: Structured training in various environments helps your dog feel more secure. A confident dog is less likely to feel threatened and guard resources.
  • Boundary and Leadership Training: Clear, consistent boundaries help your dog understand their place in the family structure. When they trust you to be in control, they relax and let go of defensive habits.

By transforming defensive behavior into trust and cooperation, your dog becomes calmer and more relaxed in daily life.

Building A More Confident, Balanced Dog

Whether your dog is chasing squirrels or guarding toys, both behaviors come from natural instincts. At OverWatch K9, we specialize in understanding and working with these drives—not against them. Our reward-based training makes the process fun, engaging, and effective for both you and your dog.

Through personalized in-home lessons, immersive board-and-train programs, and exciting real-world adventures, we help your dog gain confidence, self-control, and stronger engagement with you. The result? A well-rounded dog who can confidently explore the world while listening and trusting their owner.

Ready to turn instinct into obedience and build a stronger bond with your dog? Contact OverWatch K9 today and let’s start the journey toward a more confident, happy companion!