Introduction
Predatory behavior by dogs towards babies can be extremely concerning and dangerous. It’s important for dog owners to understand what predatory behavior looks like, why dogs exhibit it, and how to prevent it. Knowing the risk factors, dangers, and proper prevention methods can help keep babies safe.
This article aims to explain what predatory aggression in dogs is, possible reasons behind the behavior, the dangers it poses to infants, tips for prevention, and when to seek professional help. Ensuring safety around babies is paramount. By understanding predatory signals in dogs and taking preventative measures, tragedy can be avoided.
What is Predatory Behavior?
Predatory behavior in dogs is a natural instinct to chase, capture, and kill prey. It is an evolutionarily ingrained habit related to their hunting origins and food-seeking needs. Dogs that exhibit predatory behaviors show a sequence of actions called the “predatory motor pattern” which includes orienting towards prey, eyeing it, stalking closer, chasing it down, biting or grabbing it, carrying the prey, dissecting the prey, and consuming it https://positively.com/dog-training/article/dog-science-predatory-behavior.
Most often, predatory behavior is directed at smaller animals that dogs perceive as prey, such as cats, rabbits, squirrels or birds. However, some dogs may also direct predatory behaviors towards babies or small children, especially if the child moves quickly or unpredictably like prey. This can be very dangerous.
Common Predatory Behaviors
Dogs exhibit certain instinctual behaviors when in “predatory mode”. According to positively.com, common predatory behaviors include:
- Stalking – Dogs may quietly approach or follow their “prey” while remaining undetected.
- Chasing – Once detected, dogs may enthusiastically pursue and chase after the object of their interest.
- Biting – Dogs may nip, bite, or hold the “prey” item in their mouths.
- Shaking toys – Dogs often vigorously shake stuffed toys or objects side-to-side with their mouths, similar to shaking small prey.
These behaviors are driven by natural instinct when dogs perceive an item or being as potential “prey”. While stalking and chasing may seem harmless, biting and shaking behaviors can be potentially dangerous, especially around babies.
Why Dogs Exhibit Predatory Behavior
There are several key reasons why dogs exhibit predatory behaviors, especially towards babies:
Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt and kill prey. According to a source, this is known as the “predatory sequence” and is hardwired into dogs as hunters.
Predatory behavior can also stem from boredom or lack of stimulation. Dogs that do not get enough physical and mental exercise may redirect their energy into inappropriate predatory behaviors.
Finally, insufficient training plays a big role. Dogs that have not been properly trained to control their impulses, especially around stimuli that triggers their prey drive like fast movements, high-pitched sounds, etc. are more prone to acting inappropriately with babies.
Risk Factors for Predatory Behavior
While all dogs have some degree of prey drive instinctually, certain factors can increase the risk of predatory behavior:
– Prey drive: Some breeds have a higher prey drive than others. For example, herding breeds like border collies, terriers, and hounds are bred to chase small quick-moving animals. Their desire to chase can transfer to small humans like babies (Understanding Highly Predatory Dogs).
– High energy: Dogs with high energy who don’t get enough exercise may channel their energy into predatory behaviors like stalking, chasing and biting. Structured exercise can help curb predatory urges (Predatory Behavior).
– Lack of socialization: Dogs that have not been properly socialized with children and babies from an early age may see them as prey since they move differently than adults. Positive early experiences can prevent predatory behaviors.
– Breed tendencies: Some breeds have more deeply engrained prey drives that may be challenging to override with training alone. For example, greyhounds, huskies and malamutes often exhibit higher prey drives (Aggression).
Dangers to Babies
Dogs with predatory behaviors can pose significant dangers to babies. They may exhibit behaviors like biting, shaking, or smothering that can seriously injure or even kill a baby.
Biting is one of the most obvious dangers. Even playful mouthing can injure a baby’s fragile skin. Predatory bites are generally aimed at vulnerable areas like the head, face, neck, and limbs. These bites can crush bones, cause dangerous bleeding, or damage other tissues.
Shaking is another very serious risk, especially for younger babies with weaker neck muscles and more delicate heads and brains. Vigorously shaking a baby, even for a few seconds, can result in devastating head and brain trauma like subdural hemorrhages or retinal hemorrhages.
Smothering, especially of smaller babies, is also a risk if a dog perceives the baby as prey. The dog may put its mouth over the baby’s face or press down with body weight, cutting off the baby’s air supply and ability to breathe.
All of these predatory behaviors can rapidly escalate from seemingly mild incidents into serious or fatal injuries. Dogs that exhibit predation toward babies cannot be trusted and require immediate intervention.
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent predatory behaviors in dogs when babies are present. The key is through proper training, supervision, and managing the environment.
Training is essential to teach dogs how to properly behave around infants. This includes positive reinforcement training to reinforce calm and gentle behaviors when the baby is present. As recommended by VCA Hospitals, dogs should also be trained to go to a designated spot like a mat when told, to physically separate them from the infant if needed.
Supervising all interactions between dogs and infants is critical, especially in the first few months. Dogs should never be left unsupervised around babies. Having training leashes, baby gates, or crates available helps owners control the environment and prevent unwanted interactions.
The home environment can also be managed to minimize risks. Keeping the nursery room off-limits, designating dog-free zones, removing toys/objects that could trigger guarding behaviors, and providing dogs an alternative comfortable space are some examples as suggested by Mallard Creek Veterinary Hospital.
Correcting Predatory Behavior
Correcting predatory behavior in dogs can be challenging but is possible through consistent training and by addressing the root causes. According to the Thompson Humane Society, correcting dogs that prey on small animals is typically more difficult than correcting dogs that chase cars or bikes (source). However, using positive reinforcement obedience training can help curb these instincts.
It’s important to start obedience training early and be consistent. Work on basic commands like “leave it,” “drop it,” and “stay” using rewards to reinforce desired behavior. Over time, the dog will learn to control their impulses when given a command, even in stimulating environments (source).
It also helps to identify and address the root causes of the predatory behavior. This could involve meeting the dog’s needs for physical and mental stimulation through more exercise, play time, or food puzzle toys. Making sure the dog is sufficiently tired out can curb these impulsive behaviors. Additionally, minimizing interactions with potential “prey” animals can be preventative. Keeping the dog leashed, using secured fences, or muzzle training may be necessary depending on the situation.
While ingrained predatory drive can be very difficult to extinguish entirely, patient and dedicated training can help dogs learn to control these instincts and coexist safely with small animals. Consulting with a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended for lasting improvement and safety.
When to Seek Help
If your dog is showing mild to moderate predatory behavior like stalking or chasing other pets, you may be able to correct the behavior yourself through proper training techniques. However, if your dog’s predatory behaviors towards babies are severe or frequent, you should seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Some signs that it’s time to get professional help include if your dog frequently stares intently at babies, nervously paces or follows them around the house, barks or lunges at them, or tries to bite or herd them. Any aggressive behavior like growling, snarling, snapping, or biting warrants immediate intervention by an expert. According to VCA Hospitals, the sooner treatment is sought in cases of aggression, the better the chances are for improvement.
An experienced dog trainer or behaviorist can help identify the underlying motivation behind the behavior, whether it’s fear, herding instincts, or true predatory aggression. They can then design an individualized training program with techniques like counterconditioning and desensitization to change your dog’s reaction to babies over time. In extreme cases, medication may be recommended in conjunction with behavior modification. Consistent training with an expert can help get your dog’s behavior back under control.
Conclusion
Dogs exhibiting predatory behavior towards babies and children can be extremely dangerous. Preventing the predation is crucial through proper dog training, supervision, and understanding your dog’s body language.
If your dog shows concerning behaviors like stalking, chasing or nipping at a baby or child, take immediate steps to correct it through positive reinforcement training. The safety of babies, children, and dogs depend on a watchful, educated owner.
Proactively managing risk factors like leaving babies/kids unsupervised with unrestrained dogs is key. Predatory instincts are complex, but preventing the opportunity for harm helps ensure babies and children grow up feeling safe, while dogs remain cherished family members.