The PronouncedK9 training program is based on the concept that there are four basic drive types and that each has their own strengths and weaknesses:
PREY
PLAY
DEFENSIVE
AGGRESSIVE
The easiest way for each type to develop to their full potential is by using their strengths to overcome their weaknesses.
Traditional training methods have taught most bitework trainers that training in prey is easy but training in defense is scary for all young dogs. Making prey the preferred way to start young or inexperienced dogs. This thinking is based on the belief that prey work involves less stress. Less stress in the beginning is better for the dog and increases its chances for success.
This method also teaches that less stress in the beginning is better but splits from the traditional thinking about what creates stress. The trainers teaching this method understand that the least stressful way to train a dog is in line with his natural way of reacting.
Each type has its own way of reacting to a stimulus that comes natural to them. Understanding this natural reaction and using it to cause them to make the choices we want them to make in future training is the key to this program.
Think about a defensive type dog being approached by the typical prey trainer. He sees a stranger in front of him making fast, odd moves from side-to-side. These moves have no value to him. They seem to make him uneasy and unsure about what to do. The prey trainer sees this unsureness and does everything in his power to convince the dog that he is not a threat and just wants to play a little tug-of-war.
This is the most stressful thing most commonly done to defensive type dogs. Trying to convince a naturally defensive type dog with instincts that tell him you are a threat—that you are not—will usually result in him becoming unsure. His instincts are telling him that you are bad and he shouldn’t trust you. Your actions are telling him that you are good and that he should trust you. This conflict of information makes the dog unsure about what to do, causing him stress. This stress makes him react in a less that confident way. It is much less stressful for the dog in this situation if you act in a manner that validates his natural thinking. If he thinks you are bad, be bad. If he thinks you are a threat, be a threat. By acting in the way that the dog’s instincts are telling him you should be acting, you create sureness that allows the dog to react in his most confident way. Defensive dogs love to chase bad guys away.
The PronouncedK9 training program shows you how to use this information to make defensive dogs do all the same things that good prey dogs do:
Be active in drive without stimulation; Bite full and calm and pursue with speed.
Each type can be taught all of these things. Defensive dogs can do the sport, and play dogs can do civil street work.
Achieving a balanced dog takes a trainer / helper who can read and identify the 4 types. Then, balance the dog in the area it’s lacking.
Balanced dogs are more likely to be proactive and will not Rely on stimulus from the helper. That is the goal
Hi guys, I have a question regarding the 4 different behavior types… I hope it isn’t dumb..
I believe I have a pretty good understanding of the difference between a prey dog and a defensive dog but am a little unclear when it comes to the aggressive vs defensive types, and even more so unsure with the differences between a prey dog vs play dog…Fine line? Splitting hairs? Just looking to have a more clear understanding of the differences…would any of you guys care to elaborate? Thanks and keep up the good work both here and on the field!
In simple terms, the prey dog is active while the play dog is reactive. Similarly, the aggressive dog is active while the defensive dog is reactive.
So upon first introduction to a dog we will try to categorize him according to his dominant natural response to various stimuli. In order to categorize each dog we begin with several basic stimuli…in no certain order: fast movement, playful & friendly postures, dominant postures, physical threat, etc. The “prey dog” notices quick movement and his natural response to that stimulus is active and he moves forward and chases movement in a instinctive effort to catch prey. While the “play dog” sees the same fast movements and his natural response may not show he is strongly compelled to chase. We try some playful gestures to get him engaged. His response to these gestures is reactive in that he offers friendly displays in response to our gestures looking for positive social interaction. He is interested in playing with the helper and often will play a friendly game if the helper initiates one. The “aggressive dog” may see the previous two stimuli (movement and playful gestures) and may not be very responsive, but when he sees a dominant posturing stance from the helper his active natural response is forward with dominant posturing of his own. His response shows he is interested in dominance and maintaining an alpha position over this new helper. The aggressive dog is motivated to maintain his position and make the opponent show avoidance. A defensive dog sees the previous three stimuli and may not be very responsive, but now with an actual threat, he reacts strongly to defend his territory, his handler, or himself by making an aggressive response. His goal is to make the threatening individual leave.
The differences can be subtle, but if you look closely theyre there.
Make sense?
Yes, John, very much. Thank you for making that post.
My question is that I believe my dog is more defense driven what is the best method for building her up mentally to work on the street?
The best method for preparing ANY type of dog for any venue (patrol, sport, pp, etc) is teaching the basic Ten Steps outlined on this site… http://www.pronouncedk9.com/method.php From the very first step of focusing on the adversary to initiating a fight with the adversary to leaving the handler to make a chase bite to generalizing all these behaviors to varied situations/positions/environmental stresses. All these steps are crucial to developing a well-balanced dog. I don’t believe a dog is ever really “strengthened mentally.” What I do believe is that dogs are opportunistic and fully obedient to the “laws of learning.” That means they will learn how things work and always choose the most direct path to success. If your training CONSISTENTLY shows the dog how he can satisfy his drives (prey, play, aggression, defense) AND shows him how to overcome pressure (NOT WITHSTAND PRESSURE) offered by the adversary…your dog will develop an understanding of how everything works and be empowered. With consistency he will learn how to win and learn how to overcome pressure and be empowered and emboldened to work at even higher levels. If this is what you mean by becoming mentally stronger, I can agree with that result.
One other point that can be misinterpreted here is that we “prefer” a defensive dog. We don’t necessarily prefer a defensive dog…we prefer a balanced dog. The trend in helperwork across the country over the past decade has been to always encourage and focus on the easy stuff which is prey and play and then hope the dog “has it” when it turns 2yrs old. We believe in balanced training and we believe the aggressive and defensive dogs are truly needed for the gene pool and the long term viability of our various working breeds.
Right on John , another good read.
Thanks for the information I will put it to good use