Why Chasing Birds and Wildlife Isn’t Good Enrichment for Dogs

At first glance, watching your dog joyfully sprint after birds might seem like harmless fun — they’re just “being a dog,” right? But while chasing movement is instinctive, it’s not actually healthy enrichment. In fact, it can lead to long-term behavioural, emotional, and even safety problems.

🧠 The Science Behind the Chase

When a dog chases, their body floods with adrenaline, the stress hormone linked to excitement and arousal. This gives them that powerful “rush” — but what’s missing is dopamine, the chemical that brings calm satisfaction and fulfilment. Because the chase never ends with a reward (like a successful hunt in the wild), the dog’s brain doesn’t receive closure.

Instead of becoming calmer, they become more wired and frustrated. Over time, this can make them more reactive to movement — such as joggers, cyclists, or other dogs — and can even lead to obsessive behaviours or anxiety around outdoor stimuli.

⚠️ The Safety Risks

Chasing wildlife isn’t just mentally unhealthy — it’s dangerous. Dogs can:

• Run off or get lost, especially when adrenaline overrides recall training.
• Injure wildlife, disrupting native ecosystems and causing harm to small animals.
• Get hurt themselves, by running into roads, fences, or rough terrain.

Even a well-trained dog can make impulsive choices when their prey drive takes over.

🐾 Better Ways to Channel the Instinct

The good news is that we can give dogs safe, satisfying outlets for their natural instincts without the risks. Try:

• Rolling puzzle toys and interactive feeding toys that encourage problem-solving and mimic the “hunt” for food.
• Scent games and nosework, which trigger the same tracking instincts but release dopamine, promoting calm focus.
• Chase and recall games with you as part of the reward — a safe, controlled outlet for movement.
• Treat toys for dogs, like LickiMats and KONGs, to help bring arousal levels back down after play.

💡 True Enrichment Builds Calm, Not Chaos

Healthy enrichment should leave your dog mentally satisfied, not over-aroused. By replacing high-adrenaline chases with thoughtful, structured activities, you’ll help your dog build focus, confidence, and emotional balance — while keeping both them and wildlife safe.