01/07/2024 - Blog
Working with high drive dogs, especially those in sports and dealing with behavior problems, can be quite a challenge. Many trainers and owners often confuse high drive with arousal, which can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in training. In this blog, we’ll dive into what it means for a dog to have a high drive, how it differs from arousal and anxiety, and how understanding these differences can improve your training approach.
High drive in dogs is often misunderstood. It’s not just about energy levels or enthusiasm but about a dog’s ability to stay in the game under various adversities. High drive dogs remain focused and engaged even when the conditions are less than ideal. They continue to perform when it’s hot, when they’re in pain, when the training is confusing, and even when they’re not being rewarded with treats or toys.
Understanding the differences between drive, arousal, and anxiety is crucial for effective training:
Drive: Drive is about having a focal point – a specific goal or task that keeps the dog engaged. High drive dogs have a clear objective and will persist despite challenges.
Arousal: Arousal is the fuel behind the drive. It’s a natural response to any emotion, such as excitement or frustration. Arousal without a focal point, however, can lead to frantic and purposeless behavior.
Anxiety: Anxiety can mimic high arousal but lacks the purposeful direction of drive. It often results in unfocused, jittery behavior that is difficult to channel into productive activity.
High drive dogs can exhibit different levels of drive depending on the activity:
Agility and Sports: In sports like agility, high drive dogs excel because they stay focused on the task despite distractions. However, some dogs may have high drive for specific tasks but not for others. My young border collie Samba took to sheep herding and absolutely loved it, whereas her drive for agility has taken longer and I have had to use different rewards and a lot more of them for her to start to love the sport. We are getting there now with it. The problem is she is a super sensitive soul and doesn't like to get things wrong. She also patterns exceedingly quickly so I have to change it up for her all the time.
A great example is a terrier with a high drive for hunting critters. This dog may seem uninterested in typical training tasks but will tirelessly search for mice for hours. Understanding this drive can help trainers channel it into productive activities.
Another example is an agility dog like a spaniel for example that becomes distracted by birds because of a past experience. This single incident can activate their genetic predisposition for hunting, making it challenging to focus on agility tasks.
To effectively train high drive dogs, it’s essential to:
Identify the Focal Point: Understand what motivates your dog and use it to your advantage. If your dog is obsessed with a ball, incorporate it into your training.
Manage Arousal Levels: Ensure that your dog’s arousal is at an optimal level for learning. Too much arousal can lead to unfocused behavior, while too little can result in a lack of motivation.
Adapt Training Techniques: Tailor your training methods to suit the individual dog’s drive and arousal levels. This might involve using different rewards or changing the training environment to minimize distractions.
High drive dogs can be both a challenge and a joy to train. By understanding the nuances of drive, arousal, and anxiety, trainers and owners can develop more effective training strategies that leverage their dogs’ natural inclinations. Whether you’re working with agility dogs, herding dogs, or any high drive breed, recognizing and harnessing their drive is key to successful training and a happier, more engaged dog.
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll not only improve your dog’s performance but also build a stronger, more rewarding relationship with your high drive canine companion.