Prey and Play Drives

Prey drive- chasing and biting animals.

Play drive- chasing and biting tug toys.

Some dogs that exhibit strong prey drive do not exhibit strong play drive, so a distinction can be made between the two.

For a typical guard dog owner, play drive is the most important drive to consider for protection training.

Play drive is useful for teaching bitework and as a motivator for obedience and protection training. It is also a great way to bond with your dog so you should try to tap into your dogs play drive even if the drive is weak. Dogs with strong play drive, i.e. who will play in any environment, are considered potential sport dogs and working dogs.

Some dogs with excellent play drive have no defensive drive, however (see previous post). This type of dog is called a "sleeve happy dog" and can not be used for serious personal protection work. They can be used as "bluff" dogs, however, if they look intimidating and are trained to bark and growl on command. Bluff dogs are the classic all bark and no bite dogs. Bluff dogs can also function as sport dogs, particularly in Schutzhund, but they are not considered ideal.