Here’s a video of me managing my three dogs after recalling them off three running deer!
I put Mohawk on lead, because he gets VERY excited by deer scent, and he is very good at tracking scent at speed! I didn’t want him to rehearse this, even if I could recall him off it each time.
I was fortunate enough to capture lots of body language that is often a precursor to predatory chasing in dogs in this video.
When should you recall your dog to prevent predatory behaviour?
As with anything that may escalate towards undesired behaviour, we are always measuring the INTENSITY and DURATION of behaviours and making quick decisions as to whether we should interrupt the behaviour(s) with a cue for an alternative behaviour, such as a recall.
For example, my dogs are often tracking scent on their walks. Low intensity, short duration tracking of scent is fine and very healthy. It’s unlikely to lead to the undesired behaviour of chasing wildlife, so I can monitor them closely without recalling.
However, if I see them tracking a scent for too long, or if the tracking is of high intensity (such as in this video) then I need to interrupt that behaviour before the scent trail leads them to something they can chase.
What helps me manage my three dogs in wildlife rich areas are:
🌳 A knowledge of the environment- where are we more likely going to see wildlife or where the environment may cue my dogs to look for wildlife (such as a high vantage point across open spaces).
💨 A knowledge of how scent dispersal is influenced by the environment- including wind direction, trees, bushes, or open spaces and the gradient of terrain.
🐕 Knowledge of body language associated with the different stages of predatory sequence. This includes visual scanning, tracking, air scenting, listening and also signs a dog has reached a decision making point- in this instance, to pursue or not.
🗣️ For the times where there is no prior warning and prey is suddenly detected, leading to a reflexive-like chase (such as in this video), then an emergency recall cue works well. I use a whistle.
Air scenting
The nose is angled upwards and often a subtle ‘bopping’ type action is observed- where the dog is adjusting the position of the nose to try and catch the scent particles in the air. Air scenting is often a precursor to tracking a scent trail on the ground and for this reason, if I see my dogs spending too long air scenting in one direction (usually standing still or in a slow trot) I will recall them to me.
This is especially relevant when walking up hill and/or downwind (into the wind). The scent from over the brow hill will be carried higher above the ground- so watching my dogs closely helps me know whether any wildlife potentially is uphill and out of my sight.
In my experience, a recall is far more likely going to work when a dog is stationary and air scenting that trotting and air scenting (because they are usually trotting towards the higher intensity of scent).
Tracking (following a scent trail)
This is where the nose is to the ground, following a specific scent trail. When the scent is more dispersed, a wide zig-zag / S movement can be observed- which is where the dog moves left-right, establishing where the scent gets weaker (on the edges). The dog then moves in the other direction towards where the scent is stronger, eventually honing in on a specific trail.
The tighter and faster the zig-zagging, the more likely the dog is finding the trail- and once they find it- they can start tracking at speed. Tail carriage varies from dog to dog when tracking, but it’s commonly held at half mast and held somewhat loosely (minimal tension).
A recall is far more likely going to work when the dog is not laser-beam focused on the strongest part of the scent trail/track.
In some instances, they hit the centre of the trail quickly. You can often see this where dogs do a sudden change of direction, with their nose close to the ground you will see high intensity (fast and/or focused) movement in one direction. They will then commonly stop suddenly and look- as the scent is likely so strong, they revert to visual searching in case the prey is close by.
Visual scanning & listening
Often observed with the dog in an upright stance, commonly approaching or entering the opening of space or from a good vantage point (up high). In some instances, done in a fast-trot! The head is carried high, head turns are generally quite sudden and the ears are pricked forward in the direction they are looking, listening.
Often, while stood still and watching, the tail may slowly lower- something I refer to as ‘thinking tail’. It shows they are making a decision and you need to get your recall in quick!
If I see my dog(s) go from relaxed/neutral to grinding to a halt, exhibiting the above before fixating/focusing on one specific point, I will promptly recall them to me before they see something!
The environment
A knowledge of the environment and taking the direction of wind into consideration helps me quickly make a decision when observing the body language of my dogs.
Air scenting INTO the wind – recall!
Standing still suddenly and fixating on a point downhill- recall!
Higher intensity tracking where vegetation appears parted/flattened- recall!
Regulating arousal
As demonstrated in this video, I sometimes wait for as long as needed for the scent of wildlife to disperse a little, but also for the arousal of my dogs to come down and for their expectations to be shifted away from wildlife and back in my direction.
Utilising a lead when needed is nothing to be ashamed of, but be cautious of following/moving with your dog when they are pulling intensely and are unable to respond to you.
Whether it’s in the direction of where a cat or wildlife was spotted, approaching an area with livestock or even if your dog react at other dogs- you can apply the same. Slowing down, giving your dog some time to regulate themselves without nagging them and only proceeding forwards when there is some level of responsiveness from your dog can help prevent them from going completely over threshold.
In some instances, we get a bit stuck – such as in this video. Going a different direction would have extended the walk by a very long way, so I was trapped approaching the scent of the deer.
But slowing down makes the process far more manageable and it makes it less likely Mohawk will remember the opposite of what I want him to!
Once I see that Mohawk is ‘back in the room’ – I can let him off lead again.
In conclusion
Naturally, the above is only possible if your dog is within your sight on a walk and that you actively pay attention to your dog’s behaviour.
If your dog ranges far on walks, especially for longer durations, then you may be at risk of your dog predating on wildlife (or livestock) without your knowledge.
This passive approach to managing dogs on walks is at risk of jeopardising the current privilege of dogs being allowed off lead in public spaces here in the UK.
