During the last decade or so, dozens of books have been written and hundreds, maybe thousands, of seminars have been offered that focus on understanding learning style or working style as critical to getting the most out of a student, a subordinate, a colleague, or a spouse. In the last few years, dog trainers have incorporated the same principles into training programs. A founder with husband Jack Volhard of the so-called motivational method of training, Wendy Volhard attended a Schutzhund seminar taught by German trainer Jorg Silkenath. She became intrigued with the concept of drives and did further research before writing a series of articles for Off-Lead Magazine. Thus some dogs obey with almost whispered commands, and others need firm words and stern expressions.
Some dogs panic at quick movements and others stand their ground.
Some dogs need wide space and others are not happy unless leaning against the master's leg. Drives defined The four drives outlined by Volhard include prey , pack , fight , and flight reactions. The prey drive includes those behaviors that highlight hunting and foraging behaviors. The Pack drive involves a dog's affinity for humans or other dogs. The Fight drive is defensive and indicates a dog's self-confidence in stressful situations.