Predatory Motor Patterns

 

Predatory Motor Patterns in Dogs (PMP)

In the wild, a dog's ancestors would have relied on a series of instinctive behaviours, known as a "predatory sequence, or “predatory motor pattern” to hunt for food. This sequence typically includes several stages: Search, Stalk, Chase, Grab-bite, Kill-bite, and Dissect/Eat. Each of these stages represents a predatory motor pattern that plays a critical role in the animal's survival.

While our pet dogs no longer need to hunt for their survival, many of these predatory motor patterns have been conserved and can still be observed today, usually in a more muted or modified form. Here's how they might manifest in your pet:

• Search/Orient: The dog identifies potential prey and focuses its attention on it. Dogs frequently exhibit the search behaviour during play or when they seem to "sniff out" their toys or food. A dog's keen sense of smell is a remnant of this predatory instinct.
• Eye-Stalk: The dog intensely studies its potential prey, typically from a stationary position. Dogs may demonstrate the stalking behaviour when they crouch low and move slowly and deliberately towards their "prey" (which might be a toy, another pet, a car, bike or jogger).
• Chase: The dog rapidly pursues its prey. The chase instinct is evident when dogs run after balls, Frisbees, or even squirrels. Dogs often enjoy playing chase with other dogs or humans.
• Grab-bite: The dog attempts to seize the prey with its mouth. This behaviour is a softened version of the grab-bite, intended to incapacitate or kill prey.
• Kill-bite: The dog delivers a lethal bite, typically to the neck of the prey. The full expression of this behaviour is thankfully rare in domestic dogs. Some working breeds such as terriers may still display kill-bite behaviours.
• Dissect/Eat: The dog eats the prey.  Dogs often "dissect" their toys, pulling them apart piece by piece, which is reminiscent of how a wild canid might dissect its prey.

Understanding these predatory motor patterns can help you to better understand and accommodate your pet's instincts in a safe, fun, and appropriate way. It's why so many dog toys are designed to be chased, bitten, and "dissected". It's important to note that not all dogs will display this entire sequence, and some may only show parts of it. This can be due to domestication, breed-specific traits, or individual dog personality.

Hypertrophy in the context of predatory motor patterns refers to the exaggeration or intensification of certain parts of this sequence. This can happen for a few reasons:

• Training: Some behaviours may be encouraged through training. For example, herding dogs are often trained to enhance their stalking and chasing behaviours, but not to follow through with the kill-bite or consume stages.
• Some breeds have been selectively bred to enhance certain parts of the predatory sequence. For example, terriers have been bred for their ability to grab-bite and kill-bite, particularly for pest control.
• Dogs may also display hypertrophied behaviours during play. For example, a game of fetch may stimulate the chase and grab-bite parts of the sequence.
• Individual variation: Some dogs may naturally show hypertrophied behaviours based on their personal characteristics or experiences.

The sequences can vary significantly among different breeds due to their specific roles and selective breeding over generations. Here are some examples:

Herding Breeds (e.g., Border Collies, Australian Shepherds): These dogs were bred for their ability to control the movement of other animals, often using their gaze (eye), stalking and chasing behaviours. However, the sequence is typically interrupted before the grab-bite stage.

Sighthounds (e.g., Greyhounds, Whippets): These dogs are known for their speed and were bred for chasing wild game. They usually exhibit strong eye, stalk, and chase behaviours in their sequence.

Retrievers (e.g., Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever): Retrievers were bred to fetch game for hunters. They usually exhibit the chase and grab-bite stages of the sequence, but the 'bite' is usually a gentle hold, not a kill-bite.

Pointers (e.g., German Shorthaired Pointer, English Setter): These dogs were bred for indicating the location of game birds by pointing. They exhibit strong orient and eye behaviours but typically do not go beyond this in the sequence.

 

Providing your dog with an outlet for their predatory motor patterns through play is beneficial for several reasons.

• It satisfies their instinctual needs. Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt. This doesn't mean they want to harm other animals, but they do enjoy the chase and the capture, which is part of their predatory motor pattern. So, giving them toys that simulate this experience can help fulfil this instinct.

• Dogs have a lot of energy to burn, and playing games that stimulate their hunting instincts can be a great way to keep them active and healthy.

• This type of play engages your dog's mind, keeps them focused, and can help prevent behavioural issues caused by boredom or frustration. It can also improve their problem-solving skills.

• It helps strengthen your bond with your dog. When you engage in play with your dog, you're not just keeping them entertained - you're also building trust, fostering a deeper connection, and improving your overall relationship. It's a great way to show your dog that you love and care for them in a language they understand.

Remember, these are just general behaviours seen in these breeds, and individual dogs' behaviours can vary greatly depending on their training, socialisation, and individual personality. Please consult a professional dog trainer for advice before trying to replicate these behaviours for your dog at home.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. If you are facing challenges with your dog, we advise consulting a qualified positive reinforcement (force free) dog trainer or behaviourist for assistance.

Image credit: Jasper Garratt (@jaspergarrattphotography)

 

References:

https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/

Allie Bender. CDBC & Emily Strong, CDBC (2019) Enrichment for the real world. Dogwise Publishing

Coppinger, R & Coppinger, L. (2001) Dogs A Startling Understanding of Canine Origin, Behaviour and Evolution. Scribner, New York