Tips for Managing Your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s Prey Drive When Hiking

Originally bred for tracking and baying lions, Rhodesian ridgebacks have a strong prey drive that remains deeply ingrained in them today. This predatory behavior can create challenges when exploring trails with wildlife.

Fortunately, Rhodesian ridgeback owners can learn to manage their dogs’ instincts while hiking through a combination of training strategies, gear, and thoughtful planning. Here is a closer look at how you can manage your Rhodesian ridgeback’s prey drive to hike safely.

Originally bred for tracking and baying lions

The Rhodesian ridgeback was originally bred in southern Africa to help hunters track and contain large game, including lions, until hunters could arrive. This background explains the breed’s characteristic athleticism, independence, and most notably, its strong prey drive. Although Rhodesian ridgebacks may not be chasing lions anymore, that same instinct compels them to pursue smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits, birds, or even deer on the trail.

This prey drive is an instinctive behavior in many dogs, especially those bred for hunting. The impulse to chase moving objects is often triggered suddenly by movement or scent. Rhodesian ridgebacks have an especially intense prey drive, and owners often report that their dogs become laser-focused or completely unresponsive once their instincts kick in.

This behavior is not rooted in disobedience, but in deeply ingrained survival and hunting instincts. Understanding the prey drive is the first step toward managing it responsibly, especially in unpredictable hiking environments with lots of wildlife.

The risks of an uncontrolled prey drive on the trails

Allowing a strong prey-driven dog like a Rhodesian ridgeback to act on its instincts during a hike can prove dangerous. One of the immediate risks is to the surrounding wildlife. A Rhodesian ridgeback chasing a rabbit or deer can cause serious injury to the animal or disrupt local ecosystems, especially in protected or fragile habitats.

The dog’s safety is equally at stake. Rhodesian ridgebacks are powerful and fast, and once in pursuit, they can disappear in seconds. They may encounter venomous snakes, mountain lions, coyotes, or other dangerous wildlife. They could also become lost, injured, or stuck in inaccessible terrain.

Legal consequences are another consideration. Many national and state parks have strict leash laws, and a failure to comply could lead to citations or bans. Responsible hiking with a Rhodesian ridgeback means recognizing these risks and taking proactive steps to keep your dog under control, both for their own well-being and for the safety of the environment and other trail users.

Training techniques for managing prey drive

Managing a dog’s prey drive on hikes requires consistent, long-term work that begins well before you ever hit the trail. Here are some proven training strategies that can help your dog resist the impulse to chase and instead focus on you.

·       Impulse control training—Start with impulse control commands like “leave it,” “wait,” and “stay.” These commands can help to interrupt your dog’s instinct to chase and redirect their focus back to you. Practice in low-distraction settings first, then gradually increase the level of distractions (such as training in public areas with other dogs, birds, and squirrels) to simulate real trail conditions.

·       Recall training—Recall training is a key skill for any outdoor setting. Teaching your Rhodesian ridgeback to come immediately when called can prevent it from bolting after wildlife. Use treats or toys, and keep your tone positive. Use a long line in a safe, enclosed space, then slowly increase the level of distraction. Consider using a distinct whistle or a word that’s only used for recall to make it stand out.

·       Desensitization and counterconditioning—Desensitization and counterconditioning are also useful for managing prey drive. If your Rhodesian ridgeback becomes overstimulated by wildlife or fast movement, introduce those stimuli at a safe distance and reward calm behavior. Over time, the dog learns to associate those triggers with a calm focus rather than excitement or a chase.

·       Engagement training—Engagement training can help to build focus and reduce the likelihood of sudden reactivity. Games like “find it,” where you toss treats into the grass and ask your dog to sniff them out, channel your dog’s hunting instincts in a controlled, satisfying way. “Watch me” is another simple, but powerful command, as asking your dog to make eye contact with you helps to interrupt its fixation on prey.

Practicing good trail etiquette is obligatory for any dog owner, but those with prey-driven dogs have an added responsibility to avoid potentially dangerous incidents.

Keep your dog leashed

Even if your Rhodesian ridgeback is well-trained, wildlife encounters can trigger a sudden urge to chase. Leash laws exist for good reason, both to protect wildlife and to prevent conflicts with other hikers and dogs.

Give right of way

When passing others, step off the trail to the side and keep your dog close. This is especially important when approaching people who may be nervous around large dogs, or when passing hikers with children or other dogs.

Avoid hiking during peak wildlife activity

Many prey animals are more active around dawn and dusk, and Rhodesian ridgebacks may be especially reactive during these hours because they pick up on the scent of wildlife. Mid-morning or early afternoon hikes often have a lower chance of sudden wildlife encounters.