Docile versus not docile dogs or why some dogs obey better than others

Dogs are instinctively hunters and scavengers, some more than others. Even today, the genes of certain breeds howl incessantly from the adrenaline rush of the chase and the thrill of victory from their hunt. Nature endowed them with that extraordinary impulse to continue existing.

Dogs with low prey drive are content to sit on your lap or at your feet with the remote nearby. Over thousands of years, human companionship has diluted that instinct and drive for emotion and survival. He usually gets along well with the other animals in the house. For them, the sound of a can opener is music to their ears and much less tiring than having to chase down a meal every day.

However, there are those dogs with phenomenally high prey drives that only a good chase will alleviate. They are the epitome of the canine hunter/purveyor. Human beings have to take some responsibility for this behavior. In several cases, in order to transform the animal to our needs, we have encouraged and rewarded that drive and behavior.

The term drive means something that your dog finds inherently rewarding and doesn’t need you to provide. It is a natural impulse, for a Beagle, to put the nose to the ground and follow it. No need to persuade him to follow or chase. They are difficult to train to remember, because chasing and hunting are their ultimate reward.

Australian Shepherds and Border Collies have an innate drive to herd and control, but are generally docile for training and rewards. This makes them easy to train. They indulge us by conforming, but retain a degree of intelligent disobedience, should they need it.

offerable vs. untame is how dogs respond to their inherent instincts and urges, as well as their willingness to interact with their owners or handlers.

A dog or breed considered docile is one that, as a general rule, has a high need for human companionship and leadership. They are obedient and submissive to their human leader. This willingness and desire to please makes them easy to train and control. Praise, a ball or a treat is his ultimate reward. They are also quite liberal in the leniency department.

A dog or breed that requires less need for human companionship and leadership is considered a breed that is not docile. They are less forgiving and more emotionally detached, independent and autonomous. Pleasing his owner/handler is not his priority. Self-reward is your goal. This makes them more difficult to train and control.

Low Loy Unit/Low Bid

Here’s a dog who doesn’t like to chase very much, but isn’t all that excited about being told what to do. He will find many of the companion, guard and herding breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in this group. They prefer to think for themselves, but politely agree when asked. For them, it’s fine, if you insist. They are moderately easy to train, but they hate to admit it.

Low Dam Drive/High Bid

The ideal pet for the inexperienced or average dog owner is one with low prey drive and high in the docile department. Collies and Old English Sheepdogs fit into this group. Their need to please their person makes them easy to train and far outweighs their desire to pursue anything. They, as a rule, play well with others, be it animal or human. This is the perfect dog for someone with minimal dog ownership experience, or someone who has little time or inclination to work with and train their pet. Almost by nature, they make amazing service and therapy dogs. Here’s the dog who just puts up his paws and says, “Whatever makes you happy makes me happy too!”

High Dam/High Bid

This group consists mainly of herding, working and some sporting breeds. Here you will usually find German and Australian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Golden and Labrador Retrievers. These are breeds that have an incredible natural work ethic. They are the dogs that thrive on a mix of human companionship, high docility, and yet maintain just enough intelligent disobedience to keep you on your toes. They require intense physical and mental stimulation, as well as fair, firm, and consistent leadership. To their credit, they do forgive when their owner or trainer messes up! They love to learn and interact with their humans and other animals. Dogs in this group excel at teamwork and trust. In some cases, that union and teamwork can make the difference between life and death. They are fierce competitors and hard workers in herding, shooting, agility, flyball, search and rescue, security, body detection, drug and bomb detection. They make wonderful pets for people who have the time and energy to invest in bringing their pet’s natural passion, as well as willingness to please, to its fullest potential. “Did you see me? Do you want to see me do it again?” It’s how these dogs think.

High Dam Drive/Low Bid

Here are the challengers! You may also be talking to yourself. Terriers, corgis, sight, hearing, and scent hounds are often part of this group. They enjoy human company, up to a limit. They pick and choose who or what they want to listen to, or play with… and it’s usually not the family cat or even another dog in the house. They are unwavering believers in “You’re not my boss!” philosophy. They are generally intelligent, but can be frustratingly difficult to train. They believe that the older we get, the dumber we get. High self esteem is not a problem for this dog! When they are at work, they have exceptionally selective hearing. Ask any Beagle, Corgi, West Highland Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell or Rat Terrier owner…they’ll be more than happy to tell you countless stories about the hours they’ve spent driving, leash in one hand, calling their adored dog that has selective hearing. A dog with a high prey drive and low supply is not for an inexperienced or meek owner. This dog needs fair, firm and consistent leadership at all times. They need to be reminded regularly who’s boss! One look in his eyes tells you they’re thinking, “Whatever!”

Bottom line: To determine the right dog for you, seriously consider the level of your instincts, prey drive, and bid vs. qualities not tenderable. It will make a big difference in how compatible you are with your pet.

When you have a puppy, make sure you meet its parents. That will give you a good indicator for the future. From its parents, you’ll get a fair assessment of pup drive, instincts, and how docile they will be.

Mixed breeds with a combination of what you are looking for can be a great option. Stray dogs often make the best pets!