How do I know if my German Shepherd dog has a high prey drive?
My GS is 2 yrs. old. She is extremely well behaved, loves other people, other dogs and my two cats. Does not like squirrels, though. We just got a smaller 6 month old Cavachon (a mix Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise). They are fine playing in the house together, but sometimes in the back yard when they are playing the running seems to get a little rough on the part of the GS. The Cavachon plays but will sometimes run to me or the porch to get away. When playing in the house the GS will bite at the little ones feet and body, but it does seem to be a gentle bite. Although just a minute ago, the GS started getting rough and I had to tell her to go lay down. I worry that one day the GS will look at the smaller one while playing outside and turn on her prey drive and hurt her. We have always followed Leerburg and Cesar Milan with regard to training the GS and she is calm and submissive with us. Even on walks, the GS walks just slightly behind, but beside us, ears back...submissive. Thanks.

Your little dog is being bullied & frightened by your larger dog -- If you allow the intimidation & roughing-up to continue, your new dog will end up being terrorized & hurt by your older dog...

Whether this behavior is due to prey drive, rank drive, or both is less important than you putting a stop to it.

I agree,that has nothing to do with High or Low prey drive, I have a high prey drive one year old GSD and he is not rough with our 6 month old cavalier, that is simply not allowed.And he knows not to.Your dog is simply playing the way she would with another big dog, don't allow it she is too strong for a little Mutt(sorry) can't think of that name they gave it. But if you say your GS is submissive to you you should have no problem fixing it.
Simply don't allow it
http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/cadogancna/

Now that you brought it to my attention about just not letting it happen it made me think how I do not allow Lola, GSD, to mess with the cats at all, and she doesn't. I guess I was thinking since the little one is a dog, she would play well with her, which she has for the most part, but I've got to realize it's the one little part that can be harmful to my mutt. I only put her breed in in case anyone had experience with that breed. I just inherited this dog from my parents and am trying to just make it work. They only had her for five months and I don't think proper training was done, so I'm trying to train her. My husband is soooo much better at this than me!! Thank you both!

Oh, I did want to mention, Lola, GSD, was dumped off in the country two years ago at a friend's house. She had heart worms, hook worms, was pregnant, and everything else you can imagine. You could see her bones sticking out all over. She was literally pooping twigs and berries!! My vet, who had a GSD and loves the breed told me he felt like she was a very good dog and worth saving. He gave us a break on the expenses.

So I guess my point is, we never had her when she was a pup. She's happy now, though, and we have been so happy with her.

Laurie,
I quickly wanted to tell you that my young GSD and the King love hanging together , they sleep together and it is soo cute to see this big Gs and our little king, but having our young GS not abuse the little guy makes the king enjoy his company more.I think once you nip that problem in the Butt, you should have no problem having both dogs enjoy each other's company, that way you don't have to be on the edge everytime they are together and let's say you are in the bathroom or walk outside for a bit, I , for mysef know that if I go out to the mail box , my little guy is safe in the house unsupervised for a bit with all the GSD.But I remember when we first brought our King home he was (I think) 10 weeks and our young GS would chase him and try to pick him up with his mouth.I put a quick stop to it or I thought I was going to find the little King dead from a heavy bone GS landing on his back or bite through his lungs.Have them be good friends ,make them respect each other..
Good luck , keep in touch

Angelique, I see exactly what you mean and have started working on both of them. My husband was watching them and he goes, "It's not Lola (GSD) starting anything; it's Tango!" And they do lay down next to each other on Lola's bed and it's soooo cute! Thanks for all your advice. I might email you, if you don't mind, from time to time in case I need your help!! You seem to know a lot about the breed! Oh, I looked at your pics! Very, very cute!! But does one actually like the water??
Blue Skies,
Laurie

E-mail me anytime, they all love the pool and love the mudd they make afterwards, including our little king.I am working on making a picture of all 4 together.The weather has been so windy here not that enjoyable to take pictures (IMO).
I know what you mean about the little one starting "the game" our King loves to play and run around like a crazy rat, but he forgets that he has a 98 lb GS following him for the chase.I try to teach the GS to be gentle and no teeth around the body of the King.My female GS mothers him and loves to play with him but she is very gentle and my older GS he could care less about the other 3 .He is kind of a mommas boy , all he cares is what I'm doing.I love when our King runs and then hides under the table and chairs and the other 2 gs can't get to him, they'll lay and wait , they are fun to watch cause so far they are very gentle with the little one and don't over do it.As for the king charles is unhighly the "king" but he thinks he is