Text by: David Harris
Video and Training by: Cindy Jacobs
Featured puppy: Gus von Prufenpuden
www.vonjacobs.com
Click here to view the prey drive clip.
This is a very short clip about developing prey drive in a puppy. It comments on Schutzhund, but prey drive development is also important for any dog that is going to be competing in a sport. Prey drive is very instrumental is agility, obedience, tracking, search and rescue, retrieving, or just about any activity that involves high levels of motivation. So, if you want to build drive, build and willingness to please and work hard for rewards, then developing prey drive is a good first step. Once you have high levels of prey drive (the desire to bite and tug) then you can use it to replace food based motivators.
In the sport of Schutzhund the quality of the grip is important. So, that was the primary purpose of Cindy’s video, but I just wanted to comment that prey drive is a very, very good thing to develop in any puppy if sports activities are in your future.
One sure way to kill drive is to give the puppy constant access to toys. I recommend keeping the toys put up. Bring the toy out, play with the puppy, then stop and put the toy away before the puppy becomes bored with the event. This will leave your puppy wanting more. If you play with the puppy or expose the puppy to toys to the point of boredom, you will see the drive for toys and prey go down. Great for a couch potato, but not so great for the development of a working dog.
Please feel free to ask questions or make comments.
David Harris
6 responses so far ↓
1 Amy // Feb 21, 2008 at 8:56 am
What fun! Anika is doing the same thing. She loves playing tug and really loves chasing a ball.
2 David // Feb 21, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Developing drive in puppies is so fun, but really, really important also. Keep up the good work.
3 Sandi // Mar 24, 2008 at 9:09 am
I noticed the recent movies are in .wmv format. I cannot open those is there any other way to view these.
I have been working this weekend with my10wk old German Shepard Mixed puppy from the first couple of videos and am just amazed at the speed at which she is learning.
4 Cindy Jacobs (Cyd) // Mar 24, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hi Sandi,
Actually I changed the format to flash video and the links should start playing automatically. If now try hitting pause and play again. You do have to have updated web browser applications to view them.
5 Sandi // Mar 24, 2008 at 10:57 am
We are going to try this with our new puppy since all the others behaved as you stated. After they out grow puppy play they quit playing with any of the toys.
So if we are not playing or training should she be kenneled or are there other things we should be doing with her? My son 18 also wants to take her running with him is there a good way to teach her to match his pace or will this come with time and practice. Should we start with heel and walking first?
6 Cindy Jacobs (Cyd) // Mar 27, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Hi Sandi,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, we have been down with the flu. I am not sure I understand your question. I gradually work my pups out of a crate. However, it is always a nice time out area safe for them when I don’t have time to watch them. You would need to start leash training your pup, try hooking him to the leash, and just let the pup drag the leash as you do your hand feeding to get used to it.
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