The Canine Predatory Sequence: Why Dogs Stare, Chase and Shake
Updated: 7 days ago
Why does your collie stare at the cat? Why does your terrier shake toys so hard? Why does your spaniel's nose switch on the moment you step outside? A lot of it comes down to the predatory sequence, the chain of hunting behaviours dogs inherited from their wild ancestors. My collie Sullivan tried to swing off the horses' tails as a puppy, so believe me, I've seen it up close. Understanding it helps you work with your dog's instincts, not against them.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The predatory sequence is the chain of behaviours dogs use when hunting: orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect and consume. Different breeds were bred to keep some parts strong and others weaker. Collies, for example, are strong on eye and stalk, terriers on grab and shake. You can't remove these instincts, but you can give them safe outlets through games, build impulse control, and use management where chasing could be dangerous.
The stages of the predatory sequence
Orient: noticing something by sight, sound or smell, and turning towards it
Eye: fixing their gaze on it
Stalk: moving slowly and quietly closer
Chase: running after it
Grab-bite: catching it in the mouth
Kill-bite: a harder bite, often with shaking
Dissect: tearing it apart
Consume: eating it
How breeding shaped it
People bred dogs to keep the parts of the sequence that were useful for their job, and to tone down the rest.
Herding dogs like Border Collies are strong on eye, stalk and chase, but the grab and kill-bite are toned down
Terriers are strong on chase, grab and shake
Gundogs like spaniels and retrievers are strong on orient and searching, with a soft mouth for carrying
Sighthounds like Whippets and Lurchers are strong on chase
Scent hounds are strong on the search and follow
Where you see it every day
Staring at a ball, creeping up on another dog, chasing joggers or cars, shaking a toy and ripping the stuffing out are all parts of the sequence. They aren't bad behaviour. They're instinct.
How to work with it
1. Give safe outlets
Pick games that match your dog's strengths: scent games for sniffers, flirt pole or chase-a-toy for chasers, tug for grabbers, and shredding boxes for dissectors. Read scent games to play at home.
2. Build impulse control
Waiting before a toy is thrown, leaving it until released, and "drop" during tug all teach self-control around exciting things.
3. Interrupt early
The earlier in the sequence you step in, the easier it is. Calling your dog away while they're orienting works far better than once they're chasing.
4. Manage the risky bits
Long lines around livestock and wildlife, secure gardens, and care with small pets keep everyone safe while you train.
When it becomes a problem
Chasing cars, cyclists, livestock or other pets can be dangerous. If your dog's chase instinct is putting them or others at risk, get help early.
RENEE'S TIP
Watch your dog play for a week and notice which part of the sequence they love most. Then build that into their daily routine. A dog with a safe outlet for their favourite part is much easier to live with.
QUICK CHECK
ā Orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab, kill-bite, dissect, consume
ā Breeds are stronger in different parts
ā Match games to your dog's strengths
ā Interrupt early in the sequence
ā Manage risky situations
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with chasing
If your dog is chasing cars, livestock or other pets, I can help you build a safe plan that suits your dog, in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What is the canine predatory sequence?
The chain of hunting behaviours dogs inherited: orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect and consume.
Why does my collie stare and crouch?
Herding dogs are bred to be strong on the eye and stalk stages.
Why does my dog shake toys?
That's the kill-bite part of the sequence. Terriers often show it strongly.
Can I train my dog not to chase?
You can't remove the instinct, but you can build impulse control, give safe outlets and manage risky situations.
Is predatory behaviour aggression?
No. It's driven by instinct, not anger, but it can still be dangerous and needs managing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
READ NEXT Scent games to play at home
