Drives & genetics

Understanding the Natural Instincts and Drives of Dogs

To truly understand the behavior of a dog, you must understand why the breed was developed or preserved in its country of origin. Then it is important to be familiar with natural instincts of a dog, which are often referred to as drives in dog training. These instincts can help us understand why dogs behave the way they do.

One must understand most animals dwell in groups & each having it’s own hierarchy system, thus dog thrive in packs! For the survival of their pack they must have strong instincts.

The three main drives are pack drive, prey drive, and defense drive.

Pack Drive:

The dog’s natural desire to be part of a group is called pack drive. Dogs with high pack drive enjoy living with pack members, human or dog and thrive in a group environment. On the other hand dogs with low pack drive tend to be more independent and prefer to spend time alone. It is important to note that dogs with high pack drive may develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. That’s why it is super important to crate train a puppy, which will help minimize the anxiety! Crate training & obedience training is the key to have a happy pack.

Prey Drive:

To survive the prey drive is a must as without prey drive there is no food! Thus it refers to a dog’s level of motivation or excitement when it comes to hunting or chasing after objects. A full “predatory sequence” of behaviors may be used, including eyeing the prey, orienting towards it, stalking, chasing, grabbing/biting, killing, dissecting and consuming.

Defense Drive:

Every living being has defense drive to defend itself .A dog in defense drive perceive a threat and may display aggressive behaviors such as barking and biting in an attempt to protect themselves or their pack. The ultimate goal of a dog displaying defense drive is to push the threat back or away.

By understanding these natural instincts and drives in dogs, we can tailor our training methods to better suit our furry friends and help them reach their full potential.

Understanding K9 Genetics and Breeding

The creation of dogs today is largely driven by genetics for work or just bred shows. Most dogs were originally bred in their country of origin for specific purposes such as herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship.

Breeding today is a deliberate process, by which each breeder has a specific goal in mind. Some breeders focus on developing specific traits such as prey drive, defense drive, substance, size, or speed, while others may just do it to make money !. However, there are a few breeders who breed for stable and well-balanced dogs that are versatile and can be used for various tasks.

It is crucial to do your research before getting a puppy. If you already have one, it is important to understand the genetic traits that your pup may exhibit. At our academy, we can help you understand your dog and bridge the gap between you and your furry friend, taking into account your end goals.

By understanding genetics and breeding practices, we can ensure that our dogs are healthy, well-balanced, and capable of fulfilling their intended purpose.