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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.

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.