A few weeks ago I wrote a post about high drive dogs called ” why did he chew off his tail and break his teeth?” I was asked several follow-up questions on Facebook, and I agreed to do a Facebook live (which you will find here) to discuss some of the following questions:
OCD Vs. Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors; Drives; what that means to different people; Breeding for drive vs. breeding for anxiety and movement; Movement versus stillness in relation to drives; Responses to punishment regarding stressing up and stressing down for working bred dogs versus the general pet population.
You can find that FB live here. You may also wish to follow me on Facebook or follow the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Facebook page if you’d like to see more live video presentations.
After (or before!) you watch, you may also enjoy this learning quiz, to test your knowledge and maybe pick up something new: Learning quiz
If you’re struggling with arousal and a High Drive dog, check out this class for next term: Optimal Arousal; Consent and the Working Dog
Awesome FB live!! I have 2 “high drive” herding dogs of the same breed that display obsessive “behaviours” that are very typical, and expected of their breed. Your explanations differentiating between movement and drive….great info. This really helps putting things into perspective whilst training these wonderful, and willing creatures. I fell I understand them even better:)) Thanks for this.
One of my golden retrievers is what I think of as a high drive dog – by your description. He loves retrieving (bumpers or dummies). However, if he scents deer or sees movement in the distance – he’s off to chase – and goes deaf. This is a big problem for me, as it restricts where we can go. I’ve allowed this behaviour by poor training, but have you any suggestions on how to remedy this?
I have a working line malinois who exhibits anxiety in a variety of situations. After investigation I have found it is genetic. She is seeing a vet behaviourist and taking medication but just wondering how you would approach training with her and how best to teach her to calm herself?
Thank you
I’m really sorry you’re going through that. You’re going to need to work with a professional trainer, because when dogs are struggling with anxiety to the point that they need medication, you need a carefully laid out training plan that addresses your exact situation.