Rethinking Prey Drive

A Relationship Led Approach

Prey drive is often approached as something to control, interrupt or train away. But predatory behaviour is far more complex than a dog simply choosing to chase, and conventional training doesn't always address the motivations and processes behind it.

What if, instead of concentrating on stopping the behaviour, we explored how dogs experience and respond to the world around them, and how we might work more collaboratively with their natural instincts?

Through the lens of Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD), this masterclass takes a different approach to prey drive, exploring the roles of communication, understanding, autonomy and emotional regulation in developing a more cooperative relationship with our dogs, without overlooking the importance of safety and responsible management.

A Different Way to Approach Prey Drive

  • Understanding Motivation

    Explore what drives predatory behaviour, looking beyond the chase itself to understand each dog's instincts, experiences and individual motivations.

  • Communication Over Control

    Discover how meaningful, two-way communication can help us move beyond commands, rewards and behavioural suppression.

  • Collaboration Through CDD

    Explore how Canine Dialogue Dynamics supports autonomy, understanding and cooperation, helping us work alongside our dogs rather than against their instincts.

Who Is This Masterclass For?

Whether you're a dog guardian struggling with chasing behaviours, a trainer or behaviourist looking to broaden your approach, or simply someone fascinated by canine behaviour, this masterclass offers an opportunity to explore prey drive from a different perspective.

It's designed for those who want to look beyond conventional training, deepen their understanding of predatory behaviour and explore more relationship-led, dog-centred ways of working.

No previous knowledge of Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD) is required. All you need is curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to question familiar approaches.

What Makes This Masterclass Different?

Most approaches to prey drive focus on managing or modifying behaviour through training, often relying on obedience, rewards or techniques designed to interrupt or discourage chasing.

Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD) takes a different approach. Rather than concentrating solely on what a dog does, we explore the motivations, experiences and natural instincts influencing their behaviour, and how meaningful communication can help us develop greater understanding and cooperation.

Throughout this masterclass, we'll explore how CDD can be applied to predatory behaviour, placing emphasis on communication, autonomy, emotional regulation and collaboration rather than simply teaching dogs to respond to commands.

No force, no aversives, no behavioural suppression. Our focus is on working with dogs, respecting their natural instincts and developing safer, more thoughtful ways of living alongside them.

What We'll Explore

Across eight live masterclasses, we'll take an in-depth look at how Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD) can be applied to predatory behaviour, moving beyond conventional training to explore practical, relationship-led approaches.

We'll examine predatory motivation and individual differences, how to introduce meaningful communication around prey-related interests, and how to recognise and interpret a dog's responses as their attention, arousal and engagement change.

We'll also explore how the five phases of dialogue can support understanding, choice and collaboration, how to approach more challenging situations safely, and how to integrate these principles into everyday life.

Our focus throughout will be on developing a deeper understanding of the individual dog and finding realistic, ethical ways to work alongside their natural instincts.

We Start In

Limited To 30 Participants

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How It Works

Beyond the Chase: Prey Drive Redefined includes eight 60-minute live masterclasses, delivered across December 2026 and January 2027, with a dedicated period of independent exploration between the two teaching blocks.

Each session begins at 8:30 pm (UK time) and offers an opportunity for in-depth learning, discussion and questions.

December 2026

  • Tuesday 1 December, 8:30 pm

  • Thursday 3 December, 8:30 pm

  • Tuesday 8 December, 8:30 pm

  • Wednesday 9 December, 8:30 pm


Independent Exploration: 10 December to 4 January

You'll have time to revisit what we've covered, explore the supporting resources and begin applying your understanding through observation, reflection and everyday interactions with your dog.


January 2027

  • Tuesday 5 January, 8:30 pm

  • Thursday 7 January, 8:30 pm

  • Tuesday 12 January, 8:30 pm

  • Thursday 14 January, 8:30 pm


Your Learning Platform

Everything will be accessible through our dedicated online learning platform, including introductory mini-lessons, supporting resources, session links and recordings.

All eight masterclasses will be recorded, so you don't need to attend live to benefit from the programme. You can catch up and revisit the teaching at your own pace.

Your learning begins as soon as the introductory materials are released, with the first live masterclass taking place on 1 December.

Secure Your Place

Join us for Beyond the Chase: Prey Drive Redefined, an eight-part live masterclass series exploring a different approach to predatory behaviour through Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD).


Your enrolment includes:

  • Eight 60-minute live masterclasses, with opportunities for questions and discussion.

  • Access to recordings of every session.

  • Introductory mini-lessons covering the foundations of prey drive.

  • Supporting learning resources and practical guidance.

  • A dedicated period of independent exploration between December and January.

  • Access to your own online learning area.


Your introductory resources and learning materials will become available on 1 December 2026, the day of our first live masterclass.

£125 | One-Off Payment

Limited to 30 participants

Secure your place now and join us as we explore how understanding, communication and collaboration can transform the way we approach predatory behaviour.


Ready to Explore Prey Drive Differently?

Bethany Bell

Founder

I've been working with dogs and their guardians since 2010, beginning my career as a dog trainer before becoming increasingly fascinated by the emotional, social and cognitive lives of dogs. In 2016, I became degree qualified in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and in 2017 I began working professionally as a behaviourist, specialising in reactivity and separation anxiety, both of which I've also experienced personally through my own rescue dogs. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with thousands of puppies, adolescent dogs, adults and seniors, as well as welcoming rescue dogs and foster dogs into my own home. Those experiences continually reinforced one simple belief: behaviour can never truly be understood in isolation from the individual experiencing it. I was professionally accredited for a period of time, but eventually chose to step away. As my understanding evolved, I realised I didn't want to reshape the ideas I was developing simply to fit within someone else's framework. Instead, I wanted the freedom to continue questioning, learning and following the evidence wherever it led. In 2020, my perspective on dogs changed profoundly. I began looking beyond behaviour itself and exploring communication, emotion, attachment, cognition and relationships in far greater depth. Between 2020 and 2023, those ideas gradually developed into what is now Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD), which officially launched in October 2023. Today, CDD is at the heart of everything I teach. Rather than focusing primarily on changing behaviour, it encourages us to understand the dog behind the behaviour, building communication, confidence and trust through everyday life. My work combines scientific understanding with practical guidance, helping people develop thoughtful, compassionate relationships that support dogs from puppyhood through to their senior years. Above all, I believe our role isn't simply to train dogs what to do. It's to help them understand the world they live in, develop confidence in themselves, and build relationships where both dogs and humans can learn, grow and thrive together. That philosophy underpins every course, article and live session I create. My own rescue dogs have been among my greatest teachers, continually reminding me that understanding and compassion achieve things that techniques alone never can. Everything I teach is guided by my belief that dogs deserve to be understood, not controlled. My work is firmly rooted in fear-free, force-free and tool-free principles, with a strong commitment to protecting both emotional and physical wellbeing. I believe the all meaningful relationships are built through communication, trust and compassion, and I advocate against the use of aversive methods and equipment in all aspects of life with dogs.

FAQ

  • Do I need previous experience with Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD)?

    Not at all. This masterclass is suitable for those who are completely new to CDD, as well as those who are already familiar with the approach. Introductory resources will help you understand the foundations before we explore their application to predatory behaviour in greater depth.

  • Is this suitable for dog guardians or just professionals?

    Both! Whether you're a dog guardian experiencing challenges with chasing behaviours, a trainer or behaviourist looking to broaden your understanding, or someone with a particular interest in canine behaviour, you're very welcome. The teaching will be accessible to everyone, while offering enough depth for those with professional experience.

  • Will this masterclass teach me how to stop my dog chasing wildlife?

    This isn't a conventional prey drive training programme focused on teaching commands or suppressing behaviour. Instead, we'll explore the motivations and processes behind predatory behaviour and how Canine Dialogue Dynamics can be applied to develop communication, understanding and greater cooperation. Safety and responsible management remain important throughout, and we'll consider how to work realistically with each dog's individual needs and circumstances.

  • Do I need to attend every session live?

    No. All eight masterclasses will be recorded and made available through your online learning platform. Although attending live gives you the opportunity to participate in discussions and ask questions, you'll still be able to follow the entire programme through the recordings if the scheduled times don't suit you.

  • Will there be opportunities to ask questions?

    Yes! Each live masterclass will include opportunities for questions and discussion, allowing us to explore the material in greater depth and consider how the principles relate to different dogs and situations.

  • What happens during the break between December and January?

    The independent exploration period is an opportunity to absorb what we've covered, observe your own dog's behaviour and begin considering how the principles of CDD might apply to everyday situations. You'll have access to supporting resources and previous recordings, giving you time to reflect and explore at your own pace before we return for the final four sessions in January.

  • When will I receive access to the learning materials?

    Your introductory mini-lessons and supporting resources will become available on 1 December 2026, the day of our first live masterclass. All learning materials, session links and recordings will be accessible through your dedicated online learning platform. More will be added throughout December and January.