INSTINCTS
As we know, dogs cannot link cause-and-effect relationships the way humans do. They compensate for this gap with their “holistic perception” (smell, hearing, sight) and instincts developed over hundreds of thousands of years. The intensity or weakness of these instincts in a dog determines its role and function in our lives. No training can completely eliminate these instincts. The trainer’s task is to understand how suitable the dog is for the desired tasks and, if appropriate, suppress undesirable instincts while supporting the desirable ones.
Let’s outline the most effective and defining instincts:
Temperament:
Determines the dog’s attitude and responses to new conditions, the environment, other animals, and humans.
Courage Instinct:
Mental and moral strength; resilience against danger, fear, or adversity.
Trainability Instinct:
The ability to be trained; the desire or joy to please the pack leader.
Herding Instinct:
Emotional and social communication with pack members. Dogs with a strong herding instinct are very social. They enjoy interacting with humans and other dogs, and tend to be calm, cooperative, and non-confrontational.
Defense and Combat Instinct:
Dogs with a strong combat instinct are usually naturally dominant. They are protective, rarely fearful, stand tall, and watch humans and other dogs carefully. They enjoy competition and physical challenges, and when a threat to their personal space arises, they may react aggressively and bite decisively. Combat instinct does not imply constant aggression.
Fight-Avoidance Instinct:
A defensive reflex driven by fear in dangerous situations. Dogs without a strong combat instinct may expose their belly, tuck their tail, or urinate when tense. They may also attempt to flee while delivering warning bites.
Protection Instinct:
Confidence in defending their own pack.
Endurance Instinct:
Toughness and resilience. Avoid overharsh treatment, as excessive force can lead to resistance and disobedience.
Herding Control Instinct:
The drive to keep and control everyone together and protected. Highly active, sometimes appearing obsessive.
Play Instinct:
Enjoyment of physical contact and rapid movements. Dogs with play and prey instincts enjoy chasing and capturing.
Activity Instinct:
The need to move and react. These dogs get bored easily and can be exhausting. They require plenty of physical stimulation and work. The opposite is a lazy dog.
Affection/Attachment Instinct:
Approaches for communication, seeking closeness and bonding.
Alertness Instinct:
Aggressive response to genuine threatening stimuli. Quick and willing to bite, sometimes leading to insecurity or fear.
Hunting Instinct:
Tracking and pursuing objects.
Scent Tracking Instinct:
Following a scent trail on the ground.
Retrieve Instinct:
Bringing objects back to the owner. The stronger the instinct, the more compelled the dog is to retrieve.
Air Scenting Instinct:
Following scents carried in the air.
Prey-Play Instinct:
The drive to bite or kill prey. Not the same as aggression. Dogs with a high prey-play instinct require significant mental and physical stimulation to maintain obedience and focus. Moving objects are strong motivators, and these dogs never tire of chasing. They are safer as guard dogs and may dig holes or bury items.
Guarding Instinct:
Barking and even biting to protect territory from intruders, theft, or trespassers. Includes protection of toys and food.
Rank (Hierarchy) Instinct:
The drive to rise in the pack hierarchy using dominance, often combined with aggressive tendencies.
Belonging Instinct:
Cheerful, obedient, and naturally receptive to commands. They tend to be very empathetic and enjoy direct, prolonged eye contact.
Feeding Instinct:
High feeding drive belongs to dogs that are food-motivated. They will behave eagerly and excitedly for even small amounts of food (rewards).
Sociability Instinct:
Desired for dogs that are relaxed, social, and calm around strangers and in new environments.