Predatory Motor Pattern
Have you ever watched your dog in action and thought, “Why do they do that?” Maybe your Border Collie crouches and stares at moving objects, your Labrador can’t walk past a stick without carrying it, or your Beagle follows its nose like it’s on a mission.
These behaviors aren’t random—they’re deeply ingrained instincts shaped by generations of selective breeding. At the core of these instincts is something called the Predatory Motor Pattern (PMP), a sequence of behaviors that our dogs’ wild ancestors relied on to hunt and survive.
What is the Predatory Motor Pattern?
Before domestication, dogs’ ancestors followed a natural hunting sequence:
ORIENT → STALK → CHASE → GRAB-BITE → KILL-BITE → POSSESS → DISSECT → CONSUME
Over time, humans selectively bred dogs for different jobs—some needed to chase, some to retrieve, and others to sniff out prey. As a result, certain parts of this sequence were amplified, modified, or removed depending on a breed’s working role.
Why Does This Matter?
Because PMP is wired into your dog’s brain, it’s more than just a behavior—it’s an internally rewarding activity fueled by dopamine. In other words, it feels good for your dog to engage in these instincts!
This explains why:
Your Border Collie stalks and herds moving things (kids, other pets, even shadows!).
Your Jack Russell can’t resist chasing anything that moves.
Your Beagle is always nose-down, tracking invisible scents.
Your Retriever is obsessed with carrying things in its mouth.
Rather than fighting these behaviours, understanding them helps us find healthy outlets that make training easier and prevent frustration (for both you and your dog!).
Your Dog’s Instincts & How to Work With Them
Instead of trying to suppress breed-specific behaviors, we can channel them into enrichment activities that satisfy your dog’s natural urges.
Border Collies & Australian Shepherds (Herding Breeds)
Natural Instinct: Chase and control movement.
Enrichment Idea: Treibball (Urban Herding), agility courses, and frisbee are great ways to satisfy their herding drive without annoying the family cat.Beagles, Bloodhounds & Coonhounds (Scent Hounds)
Natural Instinct: Orientation and tracking.
Enrichment Idea: Nose work games, scent trails, and food puzzles keep their powerful noses engaged.Jack Russells, Fox Terriers & Other Terriers
Natural Instinct: Chase and kill small prey.
Enrichment Idea: Flirt poles, controlled tug-of-war, and digging pits allow safe ways to release energy.Labradors & Golden Retrievers (Retrievers & Gundogs)
Natural Instinct: Grab-bite and possess (but gently).
Enrichment Idea: Retrieving games, dock diving, and carrying tasks help satisfy their urge to hold things in their mouth.Greyhounds, Whippets & Salukis (Sighthounds)
Natural Instinct: High-speed chase.
Enrichment Idea: Lure coursing or sprinting in enclosed areas gives them a chance to stretch their legs.Staffies, Bull Terriers & Mastiffs (Bull Breeds)
Natural Instinct: Strong grab-bite and possession.
Enrichment Idea: Heavy-duty chew toys, tug-of-war, and weight-pulling exercises can provide a satisfying outlet.
How This Knowledge Helps You & Your Dog
By recognising that your dog isn’t being “stubborn” or “misbehaving” but simply following their natural instincts, you can work with them rather than against them.
Instead of trying to stop a Beagle from sniffing, encourage nose work games. Rather than scolding a Terrier for digging, provide a designated digging area. And if your Border Collie is herding the kids, redirect that energy into structured play!
By fulfilling your dog’s natural needs, you’re not just preventing problem behaviours—you’re creating a happier, more enriched life for your best friend.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about how to incorporate breed-specific activities into your pup’s daily routine, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the best enrichment options to keep your dog happy, engaged, and thriving.
Olivia
Lady and The Dogs