Practical Application
By looking at your dog’s Profile, you will know which training techniques work best and are in harmony with your dog’s Drives. You now have the tools to tailor your training program for your dog.
Prey – more than 60. Your dog will respond well to the use of a treat or a toy during the teaching phase. A firm hand may be necessary, depending on the strength of the Defense Drive (Fight) to suppress the Prey Drive when in high gear, such as when chasing a cat or spotting a squirrel. These dogs are easily motivated, but also easily distracted by motion or moving objects. Signals will mean more to this dog than commands. There is a premium on using the body, hands and lease correctly so as not to confuse the dog.
Prey – less than 60. Your dog is probably not easily motivated by food or other objects, but is also not easily distracted by moving objects.
Pack – more than 60. This dog responds readily to praise and touch. Your dog likes to be with you and will respond with a little guidance.
Pack – less than 60. Start praying. Daisy probably does not care whether she is with you or not. She likes to do her own things and is not easily motivated. Your only hope is to rely on Prey Drive in training. Limited pack Drive is usually breed-specific for dogs bred to work independently of people. Dogs that exhibit and over abundance of Prey or Pack are also easily trained, but you will have to pay more attention to the strengths of their Drives and exploit those behaviors most useful to you in training. You now have the tools to do it!
Defense (Fight) – more than 60. Your dog will not be bothered too much by a firm hand. Correct body posture is not critical, although incongruent postures on your part will slow down the training. Your tone of voice should be firm, but pleasant and non-threatening.
Important hint: If your dog is high in Defense (Fight), you need to work especially diligently on – and review frequently – your leadership exercises. If you dog is high in Prey you also need to work on these exercises, not necessarily because your dog wants to become pack leader, but to control her around doorways and moving objects. If your dog is high in both, you may need professional help.
Defense (Flight) – more than 60. Your dog sill not respond to force training and you will have to rely mainly on the other Drives. Correct body posture and a quiet, pleasant tone of voice are critical. Avoid using a harsh tone of voice and any hovering, either leaning over on toward your dog. There is a premium on congruent body postures and gentle handling.
The Couch Potato – low Prey, low Pack, low Defense. Difficult to motivate and probably does not need any training. Needs extra patience if training is attempted since there are few behaviors with which to work. On the plus side, this dog is unlikely to get into trouble, will not disturb anyone, will make a good family pet and does not mind being left alone for considerable periods of time.
The Hunter – high Prey, low Pack, low Defense. This dog will give the appearance of having an extremely short attention span, but is perfectly able to concentrate on what she finds interesting. Training will require the channeling of her energy to get her to do what you want. Patience will be required because the dog will have to be taught through Prey Drive.
The Gas Station Dog – high Prey, low Pack, high Defense (Fight). This dog is independent and not easy to live with as a pet and companion. Highly excitable by movement and may attack anything that comes within range. Does not care much about people or dogs and will do well as a guard dog. Pack exercises such as heeling need to be built up through Prey. A real challenge.
The Runner – high Prey, low Pack, high Defense (Flight). Easily startled and /or frightened. Needs quiet and reassuring handling. Not a good choice for children.
The Shadow – low Prey, high Pack, low Defense. This dog will follow you around all day, and it is doubtful that she will get into trouble. Likes to be with you and is not interested in chasing much of anything.
Teacher’s Pet – medium (50-75) Prey, Pack and Defense (Fight). Easy to train and motivate. Mistakes on your part are not critical.