23/11/2025
There’s a lot of chatter online these days — adverts, quick fixes, and promises of “freedom” for your dog, usually tied to using an e-collar. And sure, if your dog has a strong chase drive, the idea of an instant solution can feel tempting.
But a dog’s chase drive is never the result of just one thing.
It’s a combination of factors — and the biggest one is genetics. Predatory instinct sits at the foundation of all dogs. Some breeds are simply more likely to express the full sequence of those behaviours. Think about the dog in front of you:
Gundogs, HPRs, hounds, bull breeds, herding dogs, terriers — most working breeds were deliberately designed to perform specific aspects of chase, track, pursue, restrain, or alert.
So the instinct itself is not a surprise, nor is it a flaw.
And managing chase behaviour is not just about having a good recall. Yes, recall matters — a lot — but so do:
• steadiness
• impulse control
• appropriate outlets
• mental and physical exercise
• and a training approach that channels instinct rather than suppressing it
If you choose a working breed, you’re choosing to meet the needs of a dog who was bred for a job. A lifetime of suppression isn’t fair. Punishing a dog for expressing the behaviours we intentionally bred into them isn’t fair. And relying solely on tools to override nature won’t create a responsible or sustainable partnership.
Instead, look at how to set your dog up for success before chase becomes a problem. Educate yourself on what your dog was built to do, and work with that — not against it.
I’ve lived with hounds for 20 years, dogs with a reputation for independence and a powerful chase desire. They’ve taught me that when you learn to understand and work with those instincts, your relationship deepens in a way that takes your breath away. Their intelligence and natural ability are extraordinary — if we allow them the chance to show us.
