Can You Train Against Genetics? Understanding Your Dog’s DNA and Behaviour
Whenever I hear someone say puppies are a blank slate, I wince. It sounds nice and hopeful but it is not true. Every dog arrives already wired with generations of selective breeding
Genetics is the word you are looking for. It is the blueprint that runs through every fibre of your puppy and determines their health, temperament and instincts.
The Myth of the Perfect Blank Slate
You can shape behavior. You can teach a recall and reward calmness but you cannot train a spaniel not to sniff or a collie not to stare. Just like you would not ask a pug to round up sheep or expect a bulldog to win an agility championship.
Think of dogs like tools. you don't pick up a hammer and expect it to act like a paintbrush.
Breed Matters.
If your idea of exercise is a gentle wander to the park, do not pick a Working Line German Shepherd or Malinois and wonder why they want to noise up other dogs. Do you want a calm sofa buddy? Skip the collies and spaniels.
That is not prejudice. It is respect. For them and for you.
Collies are made to chase things that move. They will nip and herd. That is the DNA talking.
Spaniels love to quarter ahead through fields. They do not naturally walk beside you in a straight line.
Guardian breeds do not like strangers in their home. They are not being bad. They are doing their job.
Check out my Blog: Good Dog, Wrong home: Why So many Dogs Struggle
Genetics Is Not Just Drive
Good breeders do not just put two pretty dogs together. They test for health, genetic issues and temperament and only breed sound dogs. They know that reactivity, anxiety, hip/elbow dysplasia and a myriad of problems can all be inherited.
If both parents are sound and stable your odds improve. If they are nervous or untested then, yes, your puppy could inherit health and behavioural issues.
Common Breed Groups and What Their Genetics Mean for You
Terriers
Genetic drive: Hunt and kill vermin. Dig find chase and work alone
Health: Patellar luxation. Skin issues. Legg Calve Perthes
Behavior: Tenacious. Vocal. Independent. High prey drive
Bullys
Genetic drive: Grip work and guarding and human attachment
Health: Joint problems. Breathing issues. Skin allergies
Behavior: Affectionate with humans. Physical play. Can be dog selective
Herding Dogs
Genetic drive: Control and move livestock through eye stalk chase and nip
Health: Hip dysplasia. Epilepsy. Eye disorders
Behavior: Quick to react. Hypervigilant. Needs mental work
Guardian Breeds
Genetic drive: Protect home and property
Health: Joint issues. Heart problems. Bloat
Behavior: Reserved with strangers. Strong bonds. Needs careful socialising
Sighthounds
Genetic drive: Chase by sight at high speed
Health: Heart murmurs. Bloat. Fragile skin
Behavior: Calm indoors. Explosive outdoors. Sensitive
Spaniels
Genetic drive: Quarter ahead. Flush and retrieve
Health: Ear infections. Eye issues. Hip problems
Behavior: Busy. Nose down. Hard to teach loose lead walking
Retrievers
Genetic drive: Retrieve game to hand. Work with handler
Health: Obesity. Joint issues. Ear and skin infections
Behavior: Biddable. Mouthy. Food driven
Pointers
Genetic drive: Point and hold game. Cover ground fast
Health: Hip dysplasia. Epilepsy. Bloat
Behavior: Intense. Sensitive. High prey drive
Mastiffs
Genetic drive: Guard property and family
Health: Joint problems. Heart issues. Short lifespan. Skin folds
Behavior: Steady. Loyal. Low energy. Wary of strangers
See The Kennel Club for more info
Can You Train Against Genetics?
You cannot train genetics out of a dog. You can only give your dog appropriate outlets so those instincts do not find their own destructive way out.
Fail to give a spaniel a job, don't be shocked when they go self employed. Deny a collie stimulation and their mental health will suffer. Ignore a guardian breed’s suspicion and its good luck with unannounced visitors.
The only way to beat genetics is to break the dog and we are not doing that.
What If You Are Already Deep in it?
If you have already got your puppy or dog and you are thinking this is more work than I thought...take a breath. You are not doomed. You just need the right outlets and a plan.
Every dog can thrive when their instincts are understood and supported. You do not have to figure it out alone. I can help you work out what activities will suit your dog’s genetic blueprint and your lifestyle. There are lots of options now; scentwork, tracking, mantrailing, herding games, pet gundog training, breed specific workshops. Activities that make your dog feel seen and make your life easier.
You want to enjoy your dog. Your dog wants to enjoy life. A little advice can make that happen.
If you want some tailored guidance, book a training session with me. No pressure just honest advice with practical steps you can use.
You can find me here at PENTLANDS DOG TRAINING