Drive

The propensity of a canine to exhibit instinctual behaviors when faced with particular stimuli. Drives are triggered by these particular stimuli (e.g., food or retrieve) and expressed in a typical and predictable way that is associated with the particular stimulus. Drives can be enhanced or diminished through experience (e.g., training, environment, etc.), but they cannot be created or eliminated. Traditionally defined in the working canine literature as an exaggerated, instinctual response to certain stimuli and situations. Drive is most narrowly and clearly defined as a willingness, vigor, or enthusiasm to engage in certain behavior, contexts, or situations. (See food drive, rank drive, retrieve drive, and survival drive)