Hi, Candi...
Yes, I've owned or worked with sight hounds, scent hounds, and critter dogs. Only 40+ years, not 70. Geez, I didn't realize you were in your eighties! And this IS a fun discussion, not an argument.

I readily acknowledged that dogs with extremely high prey drive have stronger instincts that can guide them in prey drive. The overall point that I was trying to make was that many dogs with prey drive can be trained in specific points in the drive, and that drive can be manipulated and developed. Even a dog who instinctually kills can be taught to do it more efficiently or in a specific manner. Your dogs that killed naturally probably got better at it as they did it more often.

Case in point... You said that most of your dogs had a natural point. Well, even bird dogs that are bred to point receive training to refine that skill. Almost every hunting dog I've ever seen was trained in some fashion, or at least had a chance to practice or run with a pack of seasoned dogs. Sure, you can turn a terrier loose and he will kill on his own, but his littermate might want to thrash and play with the kill instead of relinquishing it and returning to the hunt. My brother's father-in-law has two dachshunds, both purebred from the same lines. One kills mindlessly; the other, not so much.

You used the example of communication. Man is born with the ability to talk. Two men can meet, with no instruction, and communicate effectively. However, they would not be able to speak to everyone in their family or tribe if they did not learn some universal speaking skills and structure, nor would they be able to learn any other language foreign to their own. As I said before, wild predators are born with loads of prey drive and will kill, but Momma still teaches them how to use that drive.

I still think that your terriers and sight sounds had better developed prey drive than your Dobie does, even if only guided by instinct, but that's JMO, and that's why we're here.

Peace and love,
Duane

 Quote: Duane Hull

Hi, Candi...I didn't realize you were in your eighties! And this IS a fun discussion, not an argument.

I'm only pushing 70 not 80, but at my age, who's braggin' (LOL) Glad you've also enjoyed our chat here, Duane

 Quote: Duane Hull

The overall point that I was trying to make was that many dogs with prey drive can be trained in specific points in the drive, and that drive can be manipulated and developed.

Yes, point taken, thanks...

 Quote: Duane Hull

Sure, you can turn a terrier loose and he will kill on his own, but his littermate might want to thrash and play with the kill instead of relinquishing it and returning to the hunt. My brother's father-in-law has two dachshunds, both purebred from the same lines. One kills mindlessly; the other, not so much.

You betcha...

 Quote: Duane Hull

Man is born with the ability to talk...but they would not be able to learn any other language foreign to their own without lessons.

Correct-o-Mundo...

 Quote: Duane Hull

I still think that your Akita and hounds had better developed prey drive than your Dobie does, even if only guided by instinct...

YES, no question about THIS -- And I'm still thinking that when my Dobermans bark & lunge at critters on our property, it seems as if they are motivated more by "drive Invaders AWAY" mode (Is that called Territorial Drive or what?) rather than True PREY Drive ... Moot point in practice maybe, but I operate in extreme "intellectual curiosity drive" about all things DOG

 Quote: Duane Hull

Peace and love,
Duane

And right back atcha, Bro !!!

Candi said

"I'm only pushing 70 not 80, but at my age, who's braggin' (LOL) Glad you've also enjoyed our chat here, Duane smiley for


Hey, when we are no longer able to brag, it's not a good sign.

70 comes this Sept for me!

 Quote: Bob Scott

Candi said

"I'm only pushing 70 not 80, but at my age, who's braggin' (LOL) Glad you've also enjoyed our chat here, Duane


Hey, when we are no longer able to brag, it's not a good sign.

70 comes this Sept for me!

You've definitely earned those Braggin' RIGHTS, Bob !!!