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Top 5 High Drive Puppy Tips

12/28/2016

Echo demonstrating the intensity characteristic of high drive puppies.

Top 5 High Drive Puppy Tips
Liza Rader, Daycare Attendant and Trainer at Dog Utopia

Even for experienced puppy raisers, high drive puppies can present a unique set of challenges. A high drive dog is one that exhibits a high level of focus on the object or task they find rewarding combined with above average energy and a strong desire to work. High drive is different than high energy in that the dog is not just energetic. They are driven to complete a task, and will not give up until it is completed to their satisfaction. When harnessed, a high drive dog makes an excellent sport or working companion. But those same characteristics can make for a difficult dog to live with. A puppy that is highly invested in getting what they want can be a real challenge.
All puppies need guidance and for their handlers to be fair and consistant. Set your puppy up for success by focussing on teaching them what to do, rather than what not to do. Of course all puppies are different and have differents skill sets, but these are some general tips to make life easier with your high drive puppy. For more in depth training, sign up for one of our classes or contact one of our trainers for a private session!

Break behaviours into small pieces. High drive dogs are usually easily overstimulated, so breaking behaviours into very small pieces is very useful. Let puppy perfect one small piece of a behaviour before adding something new. Before asking them to sit calmly in a busy space, first reward for any calmness at home, then for calmness outside, then 100 feet away from something interesting. Let them master each step.
Focus on impulse control. Impulse control is extremely difficult for all puppies, but especially high drive ones. Calmness is not an inherent skill for high drive dogs, it must be taught. Teaching them to ask permission, to leave it, and to relax all help your puppy learn alternatives to just leaping headfirst into things.
Utilize your puppy confinement area. A gated off hallway, large crate or x pen are all excellent ways to safely confine your puppy. When puppy is not being receptive to training and is over threshold, give them a 5 minute time out in their safe area. Do not punish them in this area, there is no need for harsh words or handling. Simply plop them in and walk away. Do not return for any screaming or barking. Alternatively, you can play with your puppy in their safe confinement area and step outside of it when they are overstimulated or otherwise being rude.
Don't be prey. For most puppies, the most effective way to teach bite inhibition is to squeal as if you were another puppy who was hurt. For many high drive puppies, their only reaction to this is to play harder. “Oh goodie”, they say, “this is fun!” Instead, use a firm “OW” and remove yourself from them. Step over a babygate, put them down, pop them in a crate or otherwise remove yourself from them. Never push your puppy away or run from them, as these are just fantastic games that build drive instead of decreasing it.
Give puppy a job. Puppy's job can be anything from searching out their food in boxes or food toys, to achieving socialization goals, to trick training on walks and learning a puppy safe dog sport such as rally obedience or nosework. You can't rely on physical exercise to tire a high drive puppy out. Using their brain is the best way to teach them new skills and most importantly tucker them out. A tired puppy is a good puppy.

High drive puppies are a challenge! It's normal to feel frustration or to see very little progress at first.
Be patient and trust the process!

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