Brian Agnew The Balanced Dog: Switching Drives with T

T is an insecure dog with a very high prey drive which makes him reactive to other dogs. Playing a structured  game of "find it" helps T experience a different level of prey drive compared to a “fetch” game which boosts his prey drive to a much higher level. Playing with a ball or bumper with him is not a good idea. Instead, by getting him to “find it” I create the opportunity for him to feel a low level, middle ground, prey drive compared to an overloaded prey drive. I’ve been working with him on place work and scent tracking, and repeating the “find it” game has helped to bring his extremely high prey drive to a lower level which, in turn, will make it much easier to move on to getting him around dogs.

For my information about prey and pack drives see the extract from Dog Training for Dummies (1-3rd edition, Wiley Publishing, 2001-2010 ©) reproduced in my Newsletter:
- with permission of Jack and Wendy Volhard.
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[GusI]

This guy is 100% right. I’ve had a dog like this and correcting them when they’re like that just adds frustration. I didn’t know what the word for it was but the pack drive concept is the solution 👍🏼

[jenniferberhow]

My dog has similar levels. I have never needed to roll up past 7. These videos are extremely helpful for helping me understand how I can work with him more effectively. This is amazing, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[DougHinVA]

I see a lot of my male 'game type' APBT in this dog 'T'. Strong prey/retrieve drive and insecure and will fight a dog that comes in close. This helps me a lot.

[jimallen]

Wow...this is my dog exactly...thank you. He gets over stimulated alot. Now i know i have to cap this....Thanks

[antoniskrd]

So if we train a dog with high prey drive you suggest to do nosework games and not play fetch or tug because we reward the same state of mind that puts the dog in trouble ? makes sense but will be this enough for the dog to drain his energy regularly and be more calm inside the home ? thanks for the vids they are really helpfull !