Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in shaping a dog's behaviour, and it’s often an overlooked factor when dealing with behavioural issues. While training and environment are essential, some dogs are hardwired to exhibit certain traits due to their genetic makeup. This is particularly true for dogs that come from generations of street life or harsh environments, where survival instincts are passed down through their lineage.
For example, street dogs—whose ancestors have spent generations living independently—are more likely to show behaviours like suspicion of strangers or heightened alert barking. These are not behaviours that can simply be "trained out"; they require ongoing management because these dogs are genetically predisposed to such responses. It’s important to recognise that training can only go so far when genetics play a significant role. In cases like this, you’re not just dealing with learned behaviour, you’re managing an animal's instincts, which have evolved for survival.
This concept can be better understood through a study conducted on rats by researchers at Emory University. In this study, scientists exposed rats to the scent of cherry blossom while delivering mild electric shocks to their feet. The rats quickly developed a fear-based response to the scent. What was remarkable, however, was that their offspring, who had never experienced the shocks, also displayed the same fear response when exposed to the scent of cherry blossom. This study highlighted that trauma and behavioural responses can indeed be passed down through generations, showcasing the profound impact of genetics on behaviour.
Similarly, in dogs, traits like fear, anxiety, or aggressive tendencies can be passed down, making it a challenge for owners dealing with behavioural issues that seem deeply ingrained. While training and consistency can help manage these behaviours, understanding the genetic factors at play is key. The goal isn’t to “fix” a genetically driven behaviour but to manage it in a way that builds trust and reduces stress for the dog, or even channel it into something productive (a breed fulfilling activity for example).
The old nature versus nurture argument prevails also in dog training, where it becomes "it's all in how you raise them". Just as with humans it is a combination of both, the training and raising of the dog is important, however, you can not fight strong genetics, you will never make a pitbull act like a spaniel. Similarly on a smaller scale many behavioural issues such as crippling anxiety or aggression issues seen in pet dogs are not purely down to the owner, many of them come pre-disposed to these traits from their genetics. Making it an uphill battle for the owners from the start.
What all of these situations have in common, at their core, is a lack of understanding combined with an unfortunate and excessive sense of optimism—an unshakeable faith in the notion that any dog can be moulded into the perfect pet for any owner’s particular lifestyle, as long as they’re “raised right.” That every eight-week-old puppy is a formless mass of behavioural clay, ready to be imprinted with whatever characteristics and personality traits are most convenient for their living situation and the wishes of their new family. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth is, your dog’s genetic background plays a tremendous (and often undervalued) role not only in what inborn skills they might have but in who they are—whether they are friendly or reserved with strangers, tolerant of other animals or not, a high-drive athlete or a snuggly couch potato, easily startled by loud noises, or relatively “bombproof.”
When Natalie visited her own dog’s breeder, she paid careful attention to the behaviour of the parents. Were they calm, sociable, confident or vocal? Genetics plays a significant role here too. If your dog has inherited traits like barking or reactivity, it’s important to recognise that these are part of who they are. Understanding this is essential for setting realistic expectations and creating a training plan that respects their natural tendencies.
Let’s use a car analogy to illustrate this further. Imagine getting a working dog like a border collie or a working-line spaniel. It’s like buying a Lamborghini. You don’t buy a Lamborghini just to run errands around town—you get one to enjoy its high-performance capabilities. Similarly, working dogs are bred with specific traits and drives for a purpose. Their genetics tell them to work and fulfil tasks that align with their breed’s instincts. Expecting a working dog to thrive without satisfying these needs is like expecting a Lamborghini to perform optimally without ever taking it on the open road. The machine—and the dog—needs to be used in a way that aligns with its design.
If you’re reading this before bringing a puppy home, take this advice: look into getting a dog from a breeder with a strong track record of producing dogs with the traits you need. This is your best chance at finding a companion suited to your family’s lifestyle. Many owners need a dog that is reliably gentle with children, has low prey drive to coexist peacefully with smaller pets, or is low-energy and easygoing to accommodate an elderly owner or busy working lifestyle. Alternatively, adopting an adult dog from a trusted source that knows the dog well—like a breeder or a reputable rescue—can also be an excellent option.
When talking about dog behaviour, genetics is a major piece of the puzzle. While we can work with a dog's environment and training, it’s crucial to acknowledge the genetic foundations that shape who they are.
Take a look at the short clips below and notice how the first two videos feature very young puppies, just 6 to 8 weeks old. At this age, it's impossible for them to have learned such strong behaviours through experience. This can only be attributed to one thing: genetics.
8 week old GSP puppy pointing
9 week old BC herding sheep
BC herding 800+ kg bull
PreNatal
"The influence of the environment does not start with birth" - Dr. Melanie Uhde
Prenatal Influences on Puppies: The Hidden Foundations of Behavior
When we think about what shapes a puppy’s behaviour, genetics, early training, and socialisation are often the first factors that come to mind. However, the environment a puppy experiences before birth can also have a profound impact on their temperament, learning abilities, and overall development. Two key prenatal factors that play a significant role are the mother’s stress levels and her diet.
The Impact of Prenatal Stress
A pregnant dog’s emotional well-being can directly influence her puppies. When a mother experiences chronic stress during pregnancy, her body releases elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with the stress response (read more about cortisol and stress). This cortisol crosses the placenta, exposing the developing puppies to stress signals even before they’re born.
The effects of this prenatal stress can include:
Elevated cortisol levels in puppies: Stress-exposed puppies may carry higher cortisol levels throughout their lives, making them more prone to anxiety and hyper-reactivity, and even illness as the immune system is dampened.
Reduced stress resilience: These puppies often struggle to cope with challenges or recover from stressful situations.
Slower learning: Stress can impact cognitive development, resulting in puppies that take longer to learn or solve problems.
It’s important to note that these effects are not genetic. Instead, they stem from the prenatal environment and how it influences the expression of genes—showing just how crucial it is to minimise stress for pregnant dogs.
We have a case study showing exactly this effect: Orla, the wirehaired galgo. Orla is from a reputable breeder, all the dogs are health and temperament tested, the parents and previous litters have shown no unusual behaviour problems. However, the mother was for unknown reasons unusually stressed during her last pregnancy and many of the puppies, including Orla, have shown all of the effects named above. Orla's owner went above and beyond with exposure and socialisation training as well as ensuring solid genetics, however, Orla struggles with slow learning and very little stress resilience most likely due to the prenatal stress the mother experienced.
The Role of Diet in Prenatal Development
A pregnant dog’s diet is equally critical in shaping her puppies’ future. Proper nutrition supports the mother’s health and ensures her puppies develop strong, healthy bodies and minds.
Protein and Essential Nutrients: High-quality protein is essential for muscle, organ, and brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are especially important for neurological development, influencing learning ability and memory in puppies.
Vitamin and Mineral Balance: Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, or magnesium, can lead to physical and cognitive challenges. Conversely, excessive supplementation can also cause issues, such as skeletal abnormalities from too much calcium.
Long-Term Effects: Poor prenatal nutrition can affect puppies’ immune systems, learning capabilities, and even their temperament. A well-balanced diet tailored to the needs of a pregnant dog can lay the groundwork for healthy, confident, and adaptable puppies.
Other Prenatal Influences
In addition to stress and diet, other prenatal factors can also shape puppies’ futures:
Exposure to Toxins: Exposure of the mother to certain medications, pesticides, or chemicals can disrupt the puppies’ development.
Maternal Health: Chronic illnesses or untreated conditions in the mother can impact the growth and resilience of her litter.
Exercise Levels: Moderate exercise promotes good circulation and ensures adequate oxygen and nutrients reach the developing puppies, while extremes of activity (either too much or too little) can pose risks.
Understanding Epigenetics
These prenatal influences often work through a process called epigenetics, where environmental factors like stress and diet alter how genes are expressed. This means the prenatal environment can have lifelong effects on learning, emotional stability, and even disease resistance in puppies.
By creating a calm, enriched environment and providing balanced nutrition for pregnant dogs, we can help ensure their puppies have the best possible start in life. Supporting mothers during pregnancy isn’t just about their health—it’s about shaping the next generation of happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dogs.
Learned Behaviour Before 8 Weeks
This section of the blog explores the critical early stages of a puppy’s life—what they experience and learn from birth until they’re collected at eight weeks old—and how these experiences shape their future behaviour. While genetics and prenatal lay the foundation, the environment and interactions during this early life period play an equally vital role in moulding a puppy’s personality and resilience.
Early Learning and Imprinting
Puppies are like sponges during their neonatal and early socialisation periods, absorbing information from their environment, their littermates, and most importantly, their mother. The behaviours they observe and mimic during this stage can have a lasting impact on their development. For example, if a mother dog reacts nervously to visitors, barking or avoiding interaction, her puppies may pick up on these cues and internalise similar responses. This learned behaviour can compound with a genetic predispositions, creating a strong tendency toward anxiety or fearfulness.
Research supports the importance of early-life experiences in shaping behaviour. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science demonstrated that puppies exposed to varied environments and handled frequently during their early weeks were more adaptable and less fearful in novel situations compared to those raised in more isolated or less stimulating conditions. These findings highlight the importance of intentional and positive experiences during this formative period.
The Role of the Breeder
A responsible breeder can significantly influence a puppy’s early development by providing a nurturing and stimulating environment. One standout example is Taylor Dossett, who bred a litter of Cane Corsos in December 2024 specifically for working homes. Watch the videos below to see how intentional early experiences, guided by Taylor’s methods, can significantly influence a puppy’s behaviour and build their resilience:
These practices not only build confident and well-rounded puppies but also help ensure they are better equipped to handle the challenges of their future environments.
Understanding the Influence of Learned Behaviour
It’s crucial for prospective owners to recognise how much a puppy’s early environment matters. For example, puppies that experience calm, confident interactions with humans and other animals are more likely to develop into sociable and adaptable dogs. Conversely, if their environment is stressful or chaotic, or if their mother exhibits fear-based behaviours, they are more likely to develop similar issues.
One aspect that is often overlooked is the mother’s own behaviour toward her puppies. Was she a good mother? Did the breeder observe her rejecting any puppies or overcorrecting them? These experiences can have a profound impact on a puppy’s future behaviour. Similarly, interactions within the litter also matter. Do the littermates bully each other? For example, our colleague Nikita adopted a puppy named Rosie from a litter where all the other puppies bullied her. As a result, Rosie arrived in her new home extremely nervous and shut down, and to this day, she remains nervy and mistrusting of new interactions. Such dynamics within the litter can leave lasting effects on a puppy’s confidence and ability to adapt.
Red Flags to Watch For
When visiting a breeder, pay close attention to the behaviour of the parent dogs. Do they seem relaxed and sociable, or do they exhibit nervous or aggressive tendencies? If the mother is overly reactive, barking at visitors or avoiding interaction, this is a warning sign. Puppies from such an environment may not only inherit these traits genetically but also learn them directly from their mother. This dual influence can make addressing these behaviours more challenging for new owners.
Practical Takeaways
Choose a breeder carefully: Look for one who prioritises socialisation and provides a stimulating environment for their puppies. Ask about their methods for preparing puppies for their new homes.
Ask about the parents’ behaviour: Calm and confident parent dogs are a good indicator of puppies with similar potential.
Ask about the mother’s caregiving: Inquire whether the breeder noticed the mother rejecting or overcorrecting her puppies. This can hugely impact their behaviour and future development.
Provide continued positive experiences: Once the puppy is home, build on their early learning by exposing them to a variety of people, places, and situations in a controlled and positive way.
By understanding the impact of learned behaviour and early experiences, you’ll be better equipped to set your puppy up for success and create a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership.
Comments