10/01/2024
What's Your Dog's Drive and Why Aversive Tools Aren’t the Answer
I can still remember the first time I was told by a trainer that a dog’s “drive” was too high. The trainer said it with a mix of pity and finality, like a doctor delivering bad news: “This one’s got a lot of drive—there’s no way to control it without a prong collar or something stronger....” Back then, it was almost as if “drive” was this mystical force that made some dogs inherently problematic, something that needed to be managed, restrained, or worse, shut down entirely. This was the beginning of my aversive journey trying to beat the Monster called 'DRIVE"
But as the decades went by, as I worked with dogs considered “unmanageable” by traditional standards, I began to see things differently. Those high-drive dogs weren’t out of control—they were misunderstood. They were expressing themselves in the only way they knew how, but they lacked the guidance and support to channel that energy - fueled by frustration, injustice and trauma- constructively. And here’s the most surprising thing: once you build a relationship based on trust and understanding, and help them overcome their emotional struggles, those so-called “high-drive” dogs become some of the most reliable, attentive, and connected companions you’ll ever meet.
So, why is it that we keep using drive as an excuse to reach for aversive tools like shock collars and prongs? Why are we still treating dogs as if they’re prisoners of their instincts, as if the only way to control their behavior is through pain or discomfort?
The truth is, dogs aren’t just reactive beings propelled by some invisible force. They are incredibly intelligent, sensitive creatures capable of learning to manage their own impulses—if we take the time to show them how.
What Drives a Dog?
Imagine you’re walking through your neighborhood when a squirrel darts across the street. Instantly, your dog’s head snaps up, muscles tense, and you can feel the energy coursing through the leash. You know what’s coming next: the pull, the chase, the complete oblivion to anything you say. “High prey drive,” someone might remark, shaking their head as if to say, “There’s no fixing that.”
But what are we really seeing in that moment? Is it just drive? Or is it the manifestation of years of selective breeding, combined with an instinctual response to movement, and a burst of pure, unfiltered energy that’s looking for an outlet?
Drive is more than just a singular motivation—it’s a complex cocktail of instinct, excitement, and focus. It’s what makes a Border Collie herd, a Labrador retrieve, or a Terrier dig. But it’s not a reason to give up and reach for forceful methods. Because drive, no matter how strong, is something that can be shaped, channeled, and even tamed—without resorting to pain or fear.
Why Aversive Tools Miss the field where the target is set?
There’s a persistent myth in the dog training world that strong drives require stronger methods. Trainers often argue that high-drive dogs won’t listen without a “correction,” that they’re too stubborn, too driven, too… something, to respond to positive reinforcement. But that mindset ignores one very important fact: dogs are not robots wired to obey based on the level of discomfort they feel. They are sentient beings who learn best when they feel safe, respected, and understood.
When we slap a shock collar on a dog to “control” its prey drive, we’re not teaching the dog anything except to fear the consequences of acting naturally. We’re not helping them develop self-control or emotional regulation; we’re just silencing the symptom, like covering a wound with a bandage instead of addressing the underlying infection.
I once worked with a Belgian Malinois named Zeus, whose drive for chasing cars was almost legendary. His previous trainer used a shock collar in an attempt to make him stop. And it did—for a while. But the drive was still there, simmering beneath the surface, and when that shock collar came off, Zeus became even more unpredictable and reactive. He wasn’t learning to control himself; he was just becoming more conflicted, torn between his urge to chase and his fear of pain.
It wasn’t until we began working with Zeus in a way that honored his natural drives, rather than punishing them, that we saw real change. We used his love for chasing and redirected it into games that allowed him to express his drive safely. We taught him impulse control through positive reinforcement, helping him learn to pause and think before reacting. And eventually, Zeus wasn’t just a dog with “too much drive”—he was a partner who could channel that energy into a balanced and joyful life.
Are Dogs Just Driven by Drive?
We like to believe that dogs are simply creatures of instinct, that they’re bound by their drives in a way that leaves no room for conscious choice. But I believe dogs are far more evolved than that. They have an ethical compass, a sense of right and wrong that comes into play when they feel secure and connected to their human family.
Think about the dog who will chase every cat in the neighborhood but will never so much as raise an eyebrow at their own family’s feline. Or the high-energy Labrador that will drop into a calm, almost meditative state when lying next to a sick child. These are not just behaviors conditioned by food or force; these are decisions made based on a deep sense of attachment and empathy. It’s as if, once a dog builds a secure attachment, they begin to operate on a more human-like level, where their drives become less about urges and more about choices.
Helping Dogs Manage Their Own Drives
When a dog feels understood and supported, they don’t just follow commands; they begin to exercise self-control. They start choosing not to chase that squirrel because they’ve learned that staying by your side is more rewarding. They choose to ignore the cat because they’ve internalized the boundaries of their home and family. They are capable of incredible self-regulation—something that aversive tools will never help them achieve.
Here’s how we can help dogs master their drives without suppressing their spirit:
Give Them Purposeful Outlets: Every drive needs a release. If your dog has a high prey drive, create structured games that allow them to chase, catch, and release safely. Tug games, flirt poles, or even agility can provide that outlet without putting your dog or others at risk.
Teach Them to Pause and Think: Use positive reinforcement to build impulse control exercises. Teach them to “wait” or “leave it” using treats, toys, or praise, rewarding them for the moments they choose to stop and think before reacting.
Build a Secure Attachment: When a dog feels securely attached, they begin to trust you as their guide. They look to you for cues, not because they fear the consequences of ignoring you, but because they want to maintain that connection. This creates a foundation where their drives no longer rule their behavior—they’re just one part of a larger relationship.
Create a Structured Environment: High-drive dogs thrive in environments where they know what’s expected of them. Consistency, routines, and clear boundaries help them understand what behaviors are appropriate and when it’s okay to let loose.
Engage Their Minds and Bodies: High-drive dogs aren’t just physically active—they’re mentally sharp, too. Scent work, puzzles, and advanced training can keep their minds engaged, preventing them from becoming frustrated or overstimulated.
Drive: Not a Problem to Be Fixed, But a Gift to Be Guided
Drive is not a problem—it’s a gift. It’s the part of a dog that fuels their enthusiasm, their joy, and their zest for life. When we embrace it, when we learn to work with it rather than against it, we see a side of our dogs that is truly magical: a side that is capable of self-control, choice, and a kind of partnership that transcends mere obedience.
So, the next time you hear someone say, “This dog has too much drive,” remember: it’s not about how much drive they have—it’s about how we help them channel it. Because in the end, drive isn’t a force to be feared or suppressed; it’s a doorway to understanding the incredible depth of our dogs’ potential.
In the hands of someone who sees drive for what it truly is, a high-drive dog isn’t a challenge—they’re a partner, waiting to show us just how far they can go. And with the right guidance, the answer is always: further than we ever imagined.
Need help achieving your goals? Message me to discuss how I can help you.
