Work With Your Dog’s Predatory Instincts, Not Against Them
Does your dog begin scanning for squirrels as soon as you leave the house? Do they pull or lunge after deer, foxes, birds or other wildlife? Do they become so focused outdoors that food, toys or familiar cues seem to lose all value?
Predatory behaviour is natural, but it can make walks stressful and difficult to manage. Predation Substitute Training provides safe outlets for normal predatory behaviour while teaching dogs to engage and cooperate with their owners.
25+ Years' Experience
Rehoming and training rescue dogs
Reward-Based Methods
100% force-free science-backed
Certified PST Instructor
1 of only 3 specialists in Scotland
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When Prey Drive Takes Over the Walk
Dogs with strong predatory behaviour may appear calm at home but become highly alert as soon as they enter an outdoor environment. You may notice your dog:
Repeatedly attempting to suppress these behaviours without providing an alternative can create frustration for both dog and owner. PST takes a different approach.
What Is Predation Substitute Training?
Predation Substitute Training is a positive-reinforcement approach designed by Simone Mueller for dogs with strong predatory motivation. Rather than treating the owner as someone who always ends the dog’s fun, PST encourages the dog to view the owner as a partner.
- Communicate when noticing potential prey
- Pause rather than immediately chase
- Reorient voluntarily towards owner
- Engage in safe, controlled substitute activities
PST Is Not About Eliminating Instinct
Predation Substitute Training does not promise to remove a dog’s prey drive. It is also not a guarantee that every dog will eventually be safe off lead around wildlife.
The aim is to understand the individual dog, develop more useful responses and give the owner practical tools for safer and more enjoyable walks. Management may continue to be an important part of the plan.
The Eight-Week PST Programme
My Predation Substitute Training programme consists of eight weekly, in-person one-to-one training sessions. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and builds progressively on skills introduced in previous weeks.
Specialist Support From a Certified PST Instructor
I am 1 of only 3 certified Predation Substitute Training instructors in Scotland. This qualification allows me to offer structured guidance to owners whose dogs have strong predatory behaviour and who may not have made progress through general training.
Predation Substitute Training Questions
Key answers regarding PST and prey drive support.
Make Outdoor Training Feel More Cooperative
Strong predatory behaviour can be challenging, but you do not have to rely on constant conflict or correction. Book a free call today.