What Motivates Your Dog?

If you’re in the kitchen, is HE in the kitchen? This might be a sign that your dog has a strong food drive. However, your dog might find a job well done - such as an advanced sport like dock diving - much more fulfilling. Each dog has their individual personality, and will exhibit certain behaviors to match. These behaviors can sometimes mean that your dog is bored or anxious, but a good portion of the time - they have a much deeper meaning. Breed and age can play a key role in your dogs behaviors, but other things may be individual to your pup and their particular life experiences.

Quick story - Traeger has been sucking on pillows since he was tiny. I thought he would grow out of it - but it’s become such a habit that we had to purchase him his very own pillow. He doesn’t tear it apart or rip the stuffing out like he does with regular toys, but instead holds it in his mouth and flexes his paws into it. With a quick Google search, I found out that this is a nursing behavior and is done for comfort and security (which explains why he’s such a snuggle bug). Not to mention - he will do absolutely anything for some beef sticks. Based on just these two behaviors, I know that my dog has a strong food drive, and a strong… pillow drive. Based on his breed, Australian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees, as well as his necessity to always be under our feet or on top of our feet, he also has a strong pack drive. Here are a few different types of motivations - do any of them sound like your dog?

• Play Drive: This refers to your dog's enthusiasm for games and playful interactions. Do they consistently bring you a toy and stare into your soul? Do they go absolutely bonkers when you squeak a toy? 

• Food Drive: This is the strong desire for food, which can be used as a powerful motivator during training. Does your dog consistently raid the trash bin? Does he whine while you’re eating dinner, or beg nonstop? Or, does he/she simply turn into an Angel when the treats come out?

• Fight Drive: This encompasses your dog's instinct to defend itself or its territory, showcasing assertiveness. Is your dog wary around strangers entering your home or approaching you in public?

• Activity Drive: This highlights your dog's need for physical exercise and engagement in activities. Does your dog get bored often, and gain pleasure from brain puzzle games or scent work? Does fulfilling a specific task give your dog confidence and joy?

• Pack Drive: This represents your dog's instinct to be part of a group or family, emphasizing social connections. Does your dog seem anxious when people are missing from your home, or when you are doing things in separate sides of the house? Does your dog follow you every time you leave a room, seemingly in hopes for some grand adventure?

• Prey Drive: This is the instinctual urge to chase and capture prey, reflecting your dog's hunting instincts. Is your dog constantly having “squirrel!” or “bunny!” moments? 

Understanding what motivates your dog will allow you to not only adapt to their behavior, but also change it if it is negatively impacting you or your dog's well-being. Acknowledging your dog's good behavior by providing rewards is essential to their training and their basic etiquette. No matter whether you’re training a working k-9 or a new family puppy, finding the perfect motivation is crucial to your success. 

One dog may be ready to die for a high-value treat, whereas another dog might do just fine with the universally accepted kibble reward.Although dog kibble is commonly used as a training treat, it is generally thought of as a lower value reward. It works great while you’re reinforcing your pups current skills in the comfort of your home, but taking kibble onto the bustling streets could be a no-go. The perceived value of a reward could potentially change depending on the situation - kibble or a regular dog treat might be a top choice during home practice, but in a training class or on a walk through the neighborhood where there are a ton of distractions, you might need something a bit more convincing to capture their attention.

Another dog may be willing to spin around in a circle 1,000 times if it meant he could just have that slobbery toy in your hand, but cares nothing for kibble OR high-value treats. Another dog might specifically require bacon to do absolutely anything you want them to, and they even seem to know if it’s not organic. When determining how best to reward your pup, be sure to consider their specific interests when it comes to treats, verbal praise, and playtime, and use these to enhance their training. Whether it’s hot dogs, cheese, saying “good boy” repeatedly, or a squeaky ball - finding out what your dog's cues are will enhance your relationship with your pup inside and outside of training sessions!