The Power of Following Your Lead: Understanding Dog Drive States

Dog trainers often talk about "drivey" dogs, but understanding drive states is key to effective training and fundamentally changes how we approach common behavioral issues.

• Drive states are innate biological impulses that motivate behavior in dogs
• Pack drive (following the leader) is the most valuable drive for behavioral modification
• Walking drills build pack drive by teaching dogs to follow your lead
• Defense drive manifests when dogs feel threatened and may result in aggression
• Prey drive involves the instinct to chase and is activated during food/toy focused training
• Most dogs don't want to be "front of the pack" – they prefer following a confident leader
• Training exclusively with food/toys (prey drive) explains why dogs may only listen when rewards are visible
• Dogs cannot be in multiple drive states simultaneously – use this strategically for behavior modification
• Structure around doorways, crates, and walks is essential for establishing leadership
• Walking drills should be emphasized before moving to obedience/active training sessions

Our next round of the virtual shadow program for aspiring dog trainers starts on the 26th. Check the website link to learn more.

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