Predatory Motor Pattern
Have you ever wondered why your dog has such an intense focus on that squeaky toy, or why they can’t resist chasing a ball or maybe even a pesky wallaby, maybe they can’t seem to get that little nose off the ground long enough to focus on you, then you’re not alone! So, get comfy this is a long one for your morning coffee
It’s a topic that comes up consistently during our Private Sessions, Class Programs, and Behavioural Consultations so today, we want to shed some light on one of the deep-rooted components of your dog’s behaviour and go all dog nerd on you!
What is the Predatory Motor Pattern?
The PMP is an instinctual behavioural sequence that is deeply ingrained in all dogs. It’s essentially the natural drive that prompts dogs to chase, hunt, and catch. This pattern is wired into your dog’s brain and controls a series of movements that allow them to engage with prey, be that real or imagined in their mind.
PMP plays a huge role in how your dog interacts with the world around them. From the moment your puppy is born, they start displaying these behaviours, whether they’re chasing a bird or exploring the bottom of the garden bed. It’s part of what makes your dog so doggy, and it’s something that’s hardwired into their DNA!
How Does the PMP Show Up?
You’ll see PMP in action every day in various forms, sometimes it’s subtle, and other times it’s very obvious. Here’s what to look out for:
Chasing: Whether it’s a ball, a toy, or even a fast-moving person or animal, the chase is a huge part of the PMP
Pouncing and Stalking: If you’ve ever seen your dog sneak up on a toy or stalk a bug, you’ve witnessed PMP in action!
Biting and Grabbing: This is often linked to the dog’s instinct to catch prey. It’s not normally aggressive; it’s just their natural response to the environment and the “in the moment” of the catch.
Shaking and Shredding: After successfully “catching” something, some dogs instinctively shake the thing. This shaking often comes with a shredding motion, where they“tear apart” the catch. While it may seem aggressive, it’s actually just an instinctual part of how dogs interact with objects, and it’s usually harmless, just their way of celebrating a successful hunt!
These behaviours are innate, and you’ll see them in all types of dogs, no matter the breed or size!
Let’s dive into the PMP in Different Breeds!
While the PMP is universal, certain breeds are more likely to display it in specific ways, thanks to their natural instincts and genetic makeup up!
Herding Breeds: Breeds like Border Collies or Shepherds may channel PMP into their natural herding instincts, chasing and rounding up animals or even children at times with precision and energy!
Terriers: Terriers were originally bred to hunt, so their PMP tends to show up as a drive to dig, chase, and grab smaller things . It’s that “go-get-’em” attitude you see with our loved Jack Russell’s!
Retrieving Breeds: Breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are known for their retrieving skills, which is a direct result of their PMP. They’re hardwired to run, grab, and return, often with a lot of enthusiasm and bonus points if water is involved!
No matter the breed, all dogs have some form of PMP, though it may vary in intensity or how it’s expressed. The key is understanding how your dog’s instincts show up and how to work with them and that a fair chunk of the time, our problem behaviours aren’t actually a problem. They’re normal for our dogs and we need to provide them with suitable outlets!
Why Does the PMP Matter?
Understanding the Predatory Motor Pattern helps you gain deeper insight into their behaviours, needs, and motivations. Whether you’re navigating your puppy’s playtime, trying to manage an overly excitable dog, or training for a specific task, knowing how PMP influences your dog’s behaviour gives you the tools to guide them more effectively and provide breed specific rewards to really capture those moments!
Additionally, PMP can play a role in addressing behavioural challenges. Dogs with specific drives benefit from controlled outlets for their instincts like herding games, tuggie, and scent work or sniffy walks to help reduce unwanted behaviour outlets.
The Predatory Motor Pattern is a fascinating and fundamental part of your dog’s natural instincts. It’s present in all dogs, big or small, from the tiniest puppies to the most majestic big kids, and it shapes how they interact with the world
By understanding PMP, you can better connect with your dog, manage their behaviour, and channel their energy in healthy, positive ways.
At A Bark Above, we’re passionate about diving deep into these behaviours and helping pawrents build better relationships. Every dog is unique, and understanding the science behind their instincts is a crucial part of fostering trust, communication, and a deeper connection!