What is the proper amount of 'drive' a GSD should have? - Page 1

I hope I ask my question in a way that is understood. I am trying to understand the drives, and what part they play in making an ultimate dog. I have seen so many differnt levels of drives, from the dog that is 'crazy' in drive, to the dog that helpers have difficulty 'turning on'.

Prey drive is the most easily understood by me. How much should a dog have? When does a dog have too much, and can they have to much? Can too much drive hinder training?

I've come to dislike crazy driven dogs.  I'm not sure though whether it's because they're too much for me, or whether I just prefer a dog that to me acts a little more sensible.  I've not owned one, just known ones owned by others.

Can a crazy prey driven dog also be serious?   Can they ever settle down and work with intensity, but without being hectic?

Is there an amount that makes a dog very intense and focused, without loosing their mind, over a toy/ball?

I'm hoping members will state their preferences, and why they feel (their preference), makes the dog better.

one cup of each :) lol

technically the dog is suppose to be balanced in all three drives but that seems to be lost in the wind..... the level of drive I feel is a personal preference as many new to the sport cannot handle a high drive dog be them balanced or not and yes prey has become the predominant drive in many dogs today.  Sad but true.  Dogs are a varied as people and depending on why you are in the sport has bearing on the dog you have as well, if you just want to have fun - well that is a different realm, if you want to compete and be competitive on a larger scale then you have to delve into that world. 

I think the question is complicated. The "proper drive level" preferred is different for people based on goals, and level of experience. I think alot of people confuse "drive " for stability and clear headedness. I have heard over and over again how some people don't want  a working line dog or a high drive dog because they want a dog that is good in the house. It is not the drive level that makes a dog difficult to live with, it is the clearheadedness and stability. My dog has performed on national level fields many times, yet he is and always has been my house dog. His prey drive is absolutely through the roof, yet here sleeps soundly at my feet. You can have high drive without restless behavoir, crate spinning, and all that other stuff than can drive an owner insane.

If every time I whip a toy out to do training, and my dog can't think straight as it makes his head spin, then that drive doesn't do anybody any good. On the same note, I personally "train" obedience for example, in a lower drive, say using food, and when the exercise is understood, then I use the toy to "proof"  and add drive. speed, determination, etc to the exercise.

Besides drive level, you need the ability to cope with stress, willingness to please, a clear head, environmental soundness, and health. Without all of the above, the level of drive is a moot point.

 

"What is the proper amount of drive a GSD should have" depends on the owner.  I guarantee that the "crazy driven dogs" you don't like would be adored by someone else who thinks it their drive is just right.  Likewise, the "sensible" dog that you like might be thought of as "pedestrian" and not nearly as fun to own and train by someone else.

It's kind of like picking a woman picking a boyfriend.  The energetic and practical joking guy that one woman thinks of as "fun loving" and adores him--- is thought of as stupid and juvenile by another woman.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so is the right amount of drive.

Dogs are also as individual as people--- and also as individual as their owners.  Often a dog that does not settle down with one owner, can learn to do so with another one.  Some people don't care if the dog doesn't settle down, and others don't want a dog to be energetic at all. 

I have dogs that are intense high prey and play drive who can settle down in the house.   I did have one who I could NOT make settle down that way, and rehomed her as a pup...but her new owner think's she's the best dog he ever had. 

Veronica

I do like a dog that has an on and off switch.   All of mine are house dogs as well.   My female is probably the best house dog of all of them, very content to just hang with mom.  I think more so now that I'm pregnant, she's like glue.    LOL  But, can turn it on when the time is right.  Seeing how she turns it on when she's working sheep or on the schutzhund field, one wouldn't think that it was the same dog!  Same for my male, though he can be a bit more a of nudge in the house at times.   LOL  

I'm not the kind that likes the swinging from the chandelier kinda dog!  

Kathy

Everybody go and reread Kandi's post 5 times. She has written holy words. Most spun dogs have been loaded to the crazy level by handlers who have no idea what to do then. Careful what you want in case you get it.

The question is a good one, but too simplistic in and of itself. A high drive dog is not necessarily crazy, and low drive dog is not necessarily easy to live with either. I love having high drive dogs because it is easier to teach a dog house manners and control than it is to try and coax a sluggard dog to action. We have two dogs, a workingline GSD and Malinois, and they both are high prey with good on/off switches. In the house they settle down and chew a rawhide but during training time they are barking and bouncing and banging into us for a chance to play. Working dogs need to have high drives. We should not water down the breed to make them better pets for novices. -Yvette

lets also add that it depends on the person training the dog.   i have seen advanced ( read as trained, titled several dogs of different breeds) able to work  most dogs and get the most out of them.  im sure many people who have been around  for a while have also seen newbies, with wonderful dogs, and not able to get squat if they dont know how to use the "drive" of the dog. 

john

Thanks for the comments.

I like what Kandi says.  And perhaps that is what I mean.  Clearheadedness.  I do like a dog that is very intense for the toy.  But I also want to be able to take a calm walk when not on the field, without the dog running circles around me barking.  I like good house behavior also. 

I also want that toy intensity to be focused (may be my lack of skills), on what I'm asking of him, I need him to hear me through his desire to have his toy. 

The restless behavior is probably what I'm equating high prey drive with.  But so far, I haven't seen one with out the other.  Is  it rare these days to find that kind of drive, and still not have the spinning, hectic behavior?  Or would hective activity be caused by poor training behavior?

I am in the process of buying my first working line pup. So I have many questions, and concerns.  I have gone for  a breeder who states her dogs do not have crazy, hectic drive.   I'm always rethinking what is correct.  Am I asking for the right thing?  Can I actually get a dog with great drive that is not always restless.

I've read many articles that state 'beware of what you ask for'.  I hope I asked for the right kind of dog for me.

I'm sure I'm just having pre-puppy jitters.

Becky