There are literally hundreds of books
and resources dedicated to understanding the best way to train
your dog. Most dog trainers will agree that training your dog
based on instinctual attitudes and the individual personality
of the dog is the most effective way to accomplish your goals.
Each dog, as with humans, has its own personality. Taking this
into account, along with an understanding of the inborn tendencies
of the particular breed, the trend in dog training is to tailor
an individual plan to train the dog according to its own style
and personality traits.
The concept is not a new one, and is a relatively simple training
method.
The techniques that work well with one breed of dog will not
always work with other breeds. There are four main personality
traits that are considered when designing a training plan for
dogs. These traits are referred to as drives. The prey drive
includes behaviors such as hunting, foraging, chasing moving
objects, and stalking. The pack drive involves a dog's fondness
for other dogs and humans. The fight drive entails a defensive
nature and a protectiveness of his territory. A flight drive
indicates a general lack of confidence and a timid nature in
regard to humans and other dogs.
Every breed of dog should be taught the meanings of commands
and be given adequate time to learn to understand the commands.
After the dog has reached an understanding of the various commands,
reprimands should be issued according to the drive of the particular
dog and the dog's individual personality. Some dogs will respond
to a firm tone of voice while other dogs may hide or cower if
spoken to harshly. In developing a training plan for you special
dog, consider the breed and the type of drive your dog possesses.
Training is most effective when the dog is treated according
to his drive and personality type.
