The Theory Behind GT Dog Training: Why Understanding Drives Matters

At GT Dog Training, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to dog training. Every dog is an individual, shaped by their unique combination of genetics, environment, and experiences. The key to unlocking their potential? Understanding what truly drives their behaviour.

What Are Drives?

Drives are the innate, instinctual motivations that influence your dog’s behaviour. These drives - like prey, defense, play, and pack drives - exist in all dogs to varying degrees and dictate how they respond to different situations. Think of drives as the "why" behind your dog’s actions, from chasing a ball to barking at the postman.

Understanding these drives isn’t just about controlling behaviour—it’s about working with your dog’s natural instincts to create lasting, meaningful change.

The Foundation of Effective Training

Training that ignores drives is often superficial and temporary. It may rely on distractions or quick fixes that don’t address the underlying motivations. But when you work with a dog’s drives, you’re addressing the root cause of their behaviour, creating solutions that last.

For example:

• A dog with a strong prey drive might struggle with recall because they’re hardwired to chase. Instead of trying to suppress this instinct, we channel it into structured games and exercises that satisfy their need to chase while reinforcing recall.

• A nervous dog in defense drive might react aggressively to perceived threats. By building their confidence and teaching them how to manage stress, we can help them feel safer and respond calmly.

Tailoring Training to the Dog in Front of You

Even within a breed, the variety of traits and levels of drive can vary wildly. Every dog is different, and their drives create a unique behavioural profile. That’s why I start by getting to know the individual dog in front of me, their strengths, challenges, and instincts. This approach allows me to tailor training methods that make sense for that specific dog, rather than forcing them into a generic mould.

Why This Matters for You

For owners, understanding drives isn’t just about improving your dog’s behaviour—it’s about deepening your connection. When you understand what motivates your dog, you can communicate more clearly, build trust, and create a partnership that works in harmony with their instincts.

Science Meets Real-World Results

The science of drives isn’t just theoretical, it’s the foundation of the real-world results we achieve at GT Dog Training. By tapping into what motivates your dog, we can:

• Transform challenging behaviours into cooperative responses.

• Build confidence in nervous or reactive dogs.

• Strengthen the bond between you and your dog through mutual understanding.

Beyond the Basics

At GT Dog Training, I don’t just teach commands, I teach understanding. Because when you know why your dog does what they do, you’re not just solving problems, you’re creating a partnership that thrives in any situation.

Curious about how understanding drives can transform your relationship with your dog? Let’s start exploring their potential together.