Liesje
Posted : 7/5/2010 8:52:25 AM
I agree with Anne, oppositional reflex is not drive and does not create drive. A dog either has drive(s) or not; the handler's job is to figure out which ones are strongest naturally and use them to his or her advantage. I've never once seen or heard of oppositional reflex referred to or used in the same way as a dog's drives (hunt, prey, defense/civil, fight, pack, etc).
The only thing I can think of that I've seen similar to this would be the forced hold for the retrieve where pressure is applied both directions (so the dog doesn't move one way or the other to escape pressure) until the dog learns to open his mouth to escape/turn off the pressure.
I have seen and heard of the dog pulling weight with a harness to teach more collection and power in the dog's rear, but only in the context of show, not for heeling.