Understanding and Managing Prey Drive
Prey drive refers to an animal’s natural desire to chase and kill prey animals for food.
This exists in many animals and all breeds of dogs but in dogs is more evident in sight hounds (including greyhounds). It is also referred to as ‘predatory behaviour’ or ‘predation’, and mostly occurs when the dog is relaxed and in a positive mental state.
Prey drive is a very different behaviour to aggression which is usually anxiety or fear-based; where the dog is in a negative mental state. In the cases the aggression is a protective mechanism.
Many greyhounds have excellent skills when interacting with other greyhounds but may have limited or no experience with dogs of other breeds. As a result, some greyhounds become highly excited when they first meet dogs that don’t look, smell and act like greyhounds. Occasionally, a greyhound displays misdirected predatory behaviour towards other dogs, particularly small dogs or dogs with long coats; this behaviour is both socially inappropriate and unsafe.
It is important to understand that your greyhound may be well behaved with your other pets that it knows well and has a bond with; but can show predatory behaviour towards other unfamiliar small animals in different environments, such as at the park.
All GAP greyhounds are temperament tested and assessed for predatory behaviour towards small dogs. While this is the case, this assessment is done at a point in time and it is possible that prey-drive could present at a later date. As such, it is important that greyhound owners understand how to recognise signs of prey-drive.
Common predatory behaviours towards a small animal include:
- fixation and staring while at a distance;
- stalking or tracking while approaching or following the small animal;
- nose bunting, pawing, lunging, chasing, grabbing, hovering above or over the shoulder and neck area of the small animal; and
- signs of high arousal including upright and tense posture, teeth chattering and drooling, quickening of movement, and an upright stiff tail that is wagging quickly.
If you observe your greyhound displaying any of these behaviours, you should contact GAP on (03) 5799 0166 for advice.
_51505627.jpg)
.jpg)
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Georgie
Alice
Rocky ARP
How pretty is Rocky? He has the whole world in his paws with hat adorably cute head tilt! Rocky is a very friendly, outgoing and confident boy who loves treats and is happy to hang out with his people. He can be enthusiastic at times when playing with other dogs so he may be better suited to a home with a robust medium or large canine companion, or may even suit living as an only dog. He may be happy living with children aged 10+ and full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Paddy ARP
Meet Paddy, a handsome male greyhound with a polite, gentle manner and a friendly, personable nature. He is a calm and thoughtful boy who enjoys human company and greets everyone with quiet charm. Paddy is affectionate without being demanding and has a lovely way of making people feel at ease, whether he’s leaning in for a pat or simply relaxing nearby. His easygoing temperament makes him a pleasure to have around.
Paddy would be well suited to a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged5 and over who can interact with him kindly and respectfully. He can live happily as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion.With his calm energy and good manners, Paddy may also suit apartment living,provided his exercise and comfort needs are met. He’s ready to settle into a loving home where he can relax, enjoy companionship, and be cherished.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Josie ARP
Josie’s has just come back from a vacation far away and ready to settle into her new forever retirement home! We think she may suit living with other male dogs medium or larger and children 10 and over. She may also suit living as an only dog and with full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Bessie ARP
Little brindle gal Bessie is now in the market for her new forever home! She isn’t really fussy about what she needs as she is a quiet, easy going and sensible little lady but she would love some people to dote on her till the end of her days at the very least. We think she may suit homes with children 10 and over and maybe another male canine companion of any size. She may even like to live in an apartment or with an elderly person! Like we said, she is pretty easy going!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Winx ARP
Meet Winx, a beautiful female greyhound with a calm, polite nature and a heart full of sweetness. She is gentle and personable, taking her cues from the people around her and doing her very best to please. Winx can be a little anxious in new situations, but reassurance and kind guidance go a long way—once she settles, her affectionate and thoughtful personality truly shines. She enjoys quiet companionship and will happily be by your side, soaking up the comfort of a predictable routine.
Winx would do well in a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged 10 and over who can respect her sensitive side. She would be happiest as an only dog, or with a compatible medium to large canine companion who matches her calm energy. With patience, love, and a peaceful home, Winx will reward her people with loyalty, grace, and a gentle presence that makes every day a little brighter.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Jett
Nero
Missy
