These next few blogs are going to be a series focused on meeting our dog’s needs. It is a huge part of setting the stage for our dogs to be their best selves; actually, it’s the foundation of it. If we aren’t meeting their basic/inherent needs, we can’t expect them to thrive in our human-centric world/lives. 

In my mind there are 5 sections of this foundation. Genetics, Health, Nutrition, Exercise, & Enrichment. Let’s start by talking about genetics and the role they play in our dog’s lives. That is the best place to start.

When talking about genetics we tend to think about the breed’s looks. But genetics don’t just play a role in what dogs look like. They play a role in their behavior as well. 

If you have an Australian Shepherd, it is more likely that you see herding behaviors. If you get a Golden Retriever, it is more likely that you will see them grabbing and holding items in their mouth. If you get a Dachshund it is more likely that your dog digs a lot. These behaviors are all a product of their genetic tendencies. We bred them to have these traits for jobs like herding, retrieving hunting game etc... Notice that I say more “likely” to do these things. It’s not a guarantee but the chances are much higher depending on what their breed is designed for. 

We won’t get deep into it, but we are now learning more and more about Epigenetics too. Which is a more zoomed in lens of the effect genetics can have on our dogs. Did mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa do certain things/have certain traits? The chances are higher that their more closely connected offspring do as well. 

Whether we like it or not, genetics always play a role in our dog’s behavior and are something we need to keep in mind. Doing so could give you a better understanding of some of your dog’s behavioral tendencies.

Want to talk about this topic with other dog owners? Join my online learning community, Evolved Dog School! Use the link below.