Quick Answer
A dog with a strong natural instinct will exhibit behaviors such as intense focus on game, unrelenting pursuit, and precise retrieval. They will often display a strong prey drive, responding to stimuli with rapid, decisive movements. This instinct is often more pronounced in breeds developed for specific game.
Observing Prey Drive
When evaluating a dog’s natural instinct, observe its prey drive in a controlled environment. This can be done by introducing a decoy bird or a toy that mimics the movement of prey. Look for the dog’s initial reaction, such as sudden alertness, intense focus, and rapid approach. If the dog displays a strong prey drive, it will likely pursue the decoy with relentless energy, often ignoring obstacles or commands.
Measuring Retrieval Instinct
A strong retrieval instinct is a hallmark of a dog with a natural hunting instinct. To assess this, introduce a toy or a small game item, such as a bird wing or a piece of fur, and observe the dog’s reaction. A dog with a strong retrieval instinct will quickly retrieve the item, often bringing it back to its handler and presenting it as a prize. This behavior is essential for hunting, as it indicates the dog’s ability to retrieve game and return it to the hunter.
Testing Bird Drive
For breeds specifically developed for bird hunting, such as pointers or setters, a bird drive test is a crucial evaluation tool. This involves releasing a bird, such as a pheasant or a quail, and observing the dog’s response. A dog with a strong bird drive will rapidly locate the bird, follow it, and then retrieve it, often using a specific hunting pattern, such as a “find, point, and retrieve” sequence. This behavior demonstrates the dog’s ability to track and retrieve game, a critical skill for a hunting dog.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.