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Prey drive is a natural—but frustrating—part of running with a canine companion. Expert trainers share their tips for improving on-trail obedience.Running with your dog can sure sound dreamy. In theory, your faithful companion motivates you to hit the trail each morning, burns off his extra energy, and then snoozes peacefully while you clock in at work. Positively idyllic—right?

The bad news is that reality can sharply differ. If your dog loves a good chase, you might feel less like you have a training buddy and more like you have a beast on a leash—a wild-eyed running partner that lunges toward rabbits, birds, even deer as you fight to remain upright.

If this sounds familiar, you might have a dog with a high prey drive. While this fixation on wildlife is a frustrating experience—and not the easiest behavior to control—there’s still hope of a breezy running partnership. Here’s what you need to know.

Prey drive describes how motivated dogs are to perform predatory behaviors. Most dogs have some inclination to predate (they’re descended from wolves, after all). But, compounding the issue, domesticated dogs sometimes show predatory behaviors that are even more exaggerated, says Tracey McLennan, a dog trainer specializing in prey drive. “For many dogs, it’s been deliberately bred into them.”

The late biologist Raymond Coppinger described predatory behaviors as happening in a certain order, which he called the “predatory motor sequence.” The sequence is as follows: Orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect, and consume (though some scholars have proposed variations on this). Some breeds—especially those popular among runners—are predisposed to favor certain steps of this sequence. Picture a border collie working sheep: Their characteristic creeping and darting around the flock consists of amplified eye, stalk, and chase behaviors. Pointers, meanwhile, will prefer to orient toward and stare at prey (even as young puppies), just as they were bred to do to aid hunters. Many terriers, however, do it all— unsurprising, since they were bred to track down, chase, and kill rodents.

In other words, your wildlife-obsessed dog isn’t maliciously disobedient or unintelligent; it’s probably just doing what it has been bred to do.

It may seem counterintuitive, but giving your dog an opportunity to (safety) practice predatory behaviors can ultimately help you get them under control. Completely suppressing predation can leave dogs with pent-up frustration, says McLennan, making them more likely to jump after that rabbit and rip the leash from your hand. “I think that a lot of people are going around with dogs with [prey] desires through the roof because they never have an outlet.”

To find an outlet, think about what your dog likes to do. Most dogs are hunting well before they actually give chase, says McLennan. Some enjoy sniffing around for birds or squirrels, others like to scan for and stalk prey, and some do indeed live for the chase. Watch your dog’s body language on walks, or note their favorite ways to play with toys. Consider their breed type and what purpose they’ve been selectively bred for.

Most dogs love scent training, which engages their drive to search for prey and use their nose (which is at least ten thousand times as powerful as ours). This can be as simple as hiding your pet’s treats or toys for them to sniff out, or tossing their kibble into grass or a snuffle mat. Looking for a shared hobby? Try a scentwork class offered at a local training center or online.

Dogs that like to chase will likely go crazy for toys like the flirt pole—essentially a giant cat toy. And dogs that love to grab and bite prey tend to thrive on playing tug. Some canines also enjoy dissecting prey, so providing opportunities to chew and shred can help meet that need; this can include letting them tear apart toys or cardboard, or lettuce leaves if they are prone to swallowing the pieces.Better gear can instantly improve dog jogs. If she was running with a prey-driven dog, “I would 100-percent get a canicross harness,” says McLennan. In canicross, the dog wears a harness connected to their handler’s waist harness (not unlike a climbing harness), allowing the dog to forge ahead and give their owner a boost.

That said, before stepping into a canicross harness, it helps to train some skills. McLennan recommends teaching your pup one cue to stop running, and another cue to jog by your side. As much as a strong dog can boost your confidence when running uphill, they can also send you flying when you’re descending technical steeps.

If you’re not ready to put on a harness yourself, a waist leash with a bungee can reduce the impact of sudden pulls and save your wrists by allowing you to run hands-free.

Teaching—or refreshing—core obedience commands is also a critical foundation for harmonious runs. A pet well-versed in “heel,” “come,” and “stay” will be more manageable in all situations, including around wild animals, says Rachel Laurie Harris, a dog trainer who often hikes with her two American Staffordshire terriers in Colorado.

Mastering those skills may seem impossible when your dog can only think about rabbits. But breaking each skill down into small steps and getting in a lot of successful reps can improve your dog’s responsiveness. “As a general rule, if people can spend time bonding with their dog and working on training at home, it’s very likely that that’s going to yield more success with some of the prey drive on the trail,” says Harris.

For example, teaching dogs to come when called works best when you start in a distraction-free setting like your house, and reward heavily when your pup runs toward you. Then work up to practicing the same skill in busier places—like your local park—using a backup like a long line to prevent your dog from blowing you off.

If your dog is usually attentive and obedient in less-distracting and critter-free environments, it may be time to step it up to the next level: practice around prey. First, identify what animals your dog is most interested in, says Harris. For example, her dog Waylon is particularly tempted by larger animals like deer, moose, and mountain goats. (He doesn’t care much for chipmunks.)

Then, find an area where it’s likely you’ll encounter that kind of animal. Begin by training at a distance where your dog can see the prey but will still listen to you. No matter how well your dog has been doing at home, be sure to use a leash or a long line during this phase of training. “The hard truth is that if your dog gets opportunities to chase wildlife, that is always going to be much more relevant and reinforcing to them than anything we can do,” says Harris. “Prevention is key.”

Harris also recommends carrying rewards for your dog. If they love treats or toys, keep those handy to reinforce good manners around wildlife. You can even use their instincts as the ultimate reward—for example, letting them go sniff a bush a rabbit leaped into after they respond to “come” or “sit.” It’s just like grandma’s rule: If you eat your vegetables, you can have a little dessert.

Above all, be patient with your pup, trainers say. Predation is a hard-wired behavior and it’s not easy to convince your dog to choose you over the bird, rabbit, or deer. “We have to remember that good behavior change just takes time,” says Harris.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a sensational performance in Budapest, storming to victory in the women’s 100m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in a breathtaking 10.62 seconds.

The American produced a superb display of acceleration and composure to claim the World Ultimate Championship title while recording the fastest women’s 100m time in the world this year. Her 10.62 mark underlined her exceptional form and placed her firmly at the top of the global sprinting hierarchy.

Jefferson-Wooden controlled the race through the decisive stages and maintained her form all the way to the finish to secure a statement victory against a field packed with championship pedigree. She crossed the line ahead of Olympic champion Julien Alfred, who clocked 10.74 seconds with a -0.2 m/s wind, while Sha’Carri Richardson took third in 10.76.

Women’s 100m Final

1. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — 10.62

2. Julien Alfred — 10.74 (-0.2 m/s)

3. Sha’Carri Richardson — 10.76

The victory was especially significant given the quality of the opposition. Jefferson-Wooden held her nerve against Alfred and Richardson, two of the most accomplished sprinters of the current generation, to produce the fastest performance in the world this year when it mattered most.

Alfred once again demonstrated her consistency at the highest level by taking silver, while Richardson completed an all-star podium in a race that brought together three of the biggest names in women’s sprinting.

But beyond the time, the title and the celebration, one of the most touching moments came after the race when Jefferson-Wooden embraced her father, Melvin, in an emotional celebration.

Their moment carried a deeply personal meaning. When Melissa was just 17 years old, she donated her stem cells to help her father undergo a bone marrow transplant after he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Years later, the two shared an unforgettable embrace in Budapest after she had become the World Ultimate Champion.

For Jefferson-Wooden, however, the evening was about far more than a medal. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey, now highlighted by a world-leading 10.62 seconds on one of the biggest stages in athletics.

With the Ultimate Championship title secured and her father by her side, Jefferson-Wooden leaves Budapest with more than being an ultimate champion. She leaves with momentum, confidence and a powerful statement of intent — turning a high-profile showdown into one of the defining sprint performances of her season.

Audrey Werro has added another major title to her extraordinary season, storming to victory in the women’s 800m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

The Swiss star delivered a commanding performance, taking control from the opening gun and refusing to surrender the lead as she powered through an absorbing battle against two of the biggest names in the event.

Werro stopped the clock at 1:55.88 to become the Ultimate Championships 800m champion, producing another statement performance on one of the sport’s newest and most prestigious stages.

Behind her, Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson fought her way to second in 1:56.26, while the Netherlands’ Femke Broeders-Bol completed the podium in 1:56.74.

The result once again brought together the same formidable trio that featured on the podium at the European Championships, but Werro again proved to be the athlete who could rise above the challenge when it mattered most.

Her Budapest triumph is the latest chapter in a season that has already included records, a successful Diamond League Trophy defence and European Championship gold. Now, she can add the Ultimate Championships crown to a growing list of accomplishments.

Werro’s consistency has been particularly impressive in an 800m event packed with elite talent. Rather than simply relying on a fast finish, the Swiss athlete showed her authority by taking the initiative from the beginning and maintaining enough strength and composure to hold off Hodgkinson and Broeders-Bol all the way to the line.

The victory also underlined the remarkable depth of the women’s 800m, with three athletes separated by less than a second at the finish. Hodgkinson’s 1:56.26 and Broeders-Bol’s 1:56.74 showed just how fiercely contested the race was, but Werro’s decision to dictate the pace ultimately gave her the decisive advantage.

For Werro, this was more than another medal. It was another opportunity to demonstrate that her rise is no passing moment. On a stage featuring established champions and elite rivals, she once again produced the performance required to claim the biggest prize.

For Hodgkinson, the silver medal adds another major podium finish, while Broeders-Bol once again demonstrated her ability to compete with the very best over two laps.

But the spotlight in Budapest belonged unmistakably to Werro.

With another championship crown secured, the Swiss star has strengthened her claim as the athlete setting the standard in women’s 800m running. This is Audrey Werro’s era — and the rest of the field is chasing.

Busang Collen Kebinatshipi has delivered another sensational performance, storming to victory in the men’s 400m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The reigning world champion stopped the clock at an astonishing 43.39 seconds, smashing his own Botswana national record and moving to fifth on the world all-time list.

Kebinatshipi produced a commanding finish to pull away from his rivals and secure the Ultimate Championship title. American star Rai Benjamin finished second in 44.15, while Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago completed the podium in 44.23.

 Men’s 400m

1. Busang Collen Kebinatshipi — 43.39 NR

2. Rai Benjamin — 44.15

3. Jereem Richards — 44.23

The performance is even more remarkable considering that Kebinatshipi had already rewritten the Botswana record just one week ago in Brussels, where he ran 43.40. In Budapest, he lowered that mark by another 0.01 seconds to establish a new national record of 43.39.

That improvement has also propelled the 22-year-old into rare territory. His latest time now ranks him fifth fastest in history over 400m, placing him among an extraordinary group of athletes who have broken the 43.40 barrier.

Kebinatshipi's victory also caps an extraordinary season for the Botswana star. After establishing himself as a global champion, he has continued to demonstrate that he belongs among the very best one-lap runners in the world.

And there is a major reward for his historic night in Budapest: Kebinatshipi walks away as the Ultimate Champion and $150,000 richer.

From another national record to a place among the five fastest 400m runners ever, Kebinatshipi has turned an already remarkable season into something truly special.

Botswana has its latest sprinting superstar — and Kebinatshipi is showing that his ceiling may be even higher than anyone imagined. 

Marileidy Paulino once again proved why she is the undisputed queen of the one-lap event, powering to victory in the women’s 400m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The Dominican Republic superstar produced a sensational 49.07 seconds to claim gold, pulling decisively away in the final straight and holding off a fiercely competitive field to extend her remarkable unbeaten run.

Paulino delivered her trademark combination of controlled speed and devastating finishing strength. She remained firmly in contention through the opening stages before unleashing her decisive move down the home straight, where she quickly opened a gap on her closest challengers.

Norway’s Henriette Jæger mounted a strong challenge but could not match Paulino’s finishing speed, crossing the line second in an impressive 49.28. Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce completed the podium after clocking 49.56, ensuring that three of the world’s leading 400m talents occupied the medals.

The result once again underlined Paulino’s extraordinary consistency at the highest level. She entered Budapest as the world leader after running 48.48 in Paris in June, a performance that also set a Diamond League record. She subsequently remained unbeaten throughout her Diamond League campaign, closing the circuit with a meeting-record 48.64 in Brussels.

Budapest has also become a special venue in Paulino’s career. Three years ago, at the same National Athletics Centre, she captured her first individual world title, marking the beginning of another dominant chapter in her career. She later added Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, further establishing herself among the defining 400m athletes of her generation.

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship has brought together the sport’s biggest stars in a new winner-takes-the-spotlight format, with Olympic and world champions, Diamond League winners and leading performers competing for ultimate honours.

For Paulino, the occasion once again ended with Ultimate Crown on her arms.

With 49.07 seconds, she did more than win another major 400m title. She delivered another statement of authority, powering through the final straight with the confidence and speed that have made her one of the most dominant figures in modern women’s athletics.

Marileidy Paulino remains unbeaten, remains relentless and, once again, remains the queen of the one lap.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has made a major decision regarding the remainder of his World Athletics Ultimate Championship campaign, confirming that he will withdraw from the men’s 1500m in Budapest despite producing a sensational performance to win the 5,000m title.

The Norwegian superstar stormed to victory in the inaugural Ultimate Championship 5,000m on Friday night, clocking a season-best 12:59.24 and delivering a devastating finishing kick to defeat Olympic 5,000m champion Cole Hocker and American Parker Wolfe.

Ingebrigtsen’s final 100 metres was arguably the defining moment of the race. The Olympic champion produced a remarkable 12.60-second closing 100m, powering away from the field to secure the $150,000 winner’s prize and underline just how far his fitness has progressed since returning from Achilles surgery.

The victory was particularly significant after what has been an extremely difficult period for the 25-year-old. Earlier in the season, Ingebrigtsen faced serious uncertainty over whether he would even be able to compete at the highest level again. His return has gradually gathered momentum, and his performance in Budapest offered perhaps the clearest indication yet that the Norwegian is rediscovering his formidable racing ability.

But rather than risk pushing his recovering body further, Ingebrigtsen has now opted to step away from the 1500m.

The decision means the highly anticipated showdown with British rival Josh Kerr will not take place in Budapest after all. The two stars had been expected to renew one of the biggest rivalries in modern middle-distance running in the 1500m final.

Instead, Ingebrigtsen is looking beyond the immediate opportunity and towards the bigger picture.

“I’m thinking about 2027… Fitness cannot be faked,” the Norwegian said, signalling that protecting his long-term condition has become more important than chasing another major victory only days after his return to peak-level competition.

The decision comes just one week after an emotionally charged Diamond League Final in Brussels, where Ingebrigtsen finished fourth in the 1500m behind Australia’s Cameron Myers, Kenya’s Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech and American Ethan Strand.

After that race, Ingebrigtsen delivered a fiery assessment of his rivals and questioned the tactics surrounding the pacemaking, particularly involving Hocker. He later acknowledged that there had been “a little too much adrenaline and emotion” when microphones were placed in front of him immediately after the race.

Yet his latest decision shows that beneath the emotion and competitive intensity lies a longer-term strategy.

Ingebrigtsen has already demonstrated that he can compete at an elite level again. His 12:59.24 in Budapest was not simply a victory — it was a statement that the Norwegian remains capable of producing a world-class finish even after months of injury rehabilitation.

Now, however, he is choosing not to gamble with that progress.

For a runner who has spent much of the year fighting his way back from injury, another 1500m race could have offered enormous rewards but also carried unnecessary risk. By withdrawing, Ingebrigtsen is effectively prioritising longevity over one more opportunity for immediate glory.

His message is clear: the comeback is underway, but it will not be rushed.

The 5,000m victory has given Ingebrigtsen confidence, momentum and perhaps, most importantly, proof that his body can once again handle elite competition.

Now comes the harder part — knowing when to stop.

With 2027 already firmly in his sights, the Norwegian has chosen recovery over risk. And after everything he has endured, that could ultimately prove to be one of the most important decisions of his comeback.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is not walking away from the sport. He is protecting his future in it.