“Why does my dog do that?”
This is one of the most common questions I hear from dog owners during training sessions. The answer usually comes down to two key factors: nature and nurture.
Nurture: How Environment Shapes Your Dog’s Behavior
Your dog’s environment and experiences—especially early in life—play a critical role in shaping behavior. Dogs go through fear imprint periods at two major stages:
- 8 to 12 weeks old
- 6 to 14 months old
Stressful or traumatic experiences during these windows can lead to behavioral challenges later on. For example, a puppy who is handled roughly by a hat-wearing relative might develop a fear or aggression response to adults wearing hats.
Nature: Genetics Determine Breed Traits
Your dog’s breed and genetic background are also key influences. Certain behaviors are hardwired based on what the breed was developed for:
- Terriers are naturally active and determined, originally bred to hunt. It’s no surprise when your Australian Terrier goes wild at the sight of a squirrel.
- Boxers, bred as working dogs, are protective and territorial—so barking at strangers at the door is in their DNA.
Why Understanding Nature & Nurture Matters
Knowing your dog’s breed traits and history helps explain behavior and can guide more effective training. For my own mixed-breed rescues, I use Embark DNA testing to learn about their genetic background. It has been invaluable in understanding and correcting behavioral issues. A good example is my latest rescue- Bonnie. She was found wandering the streets by our local police department. Domestic Animal Services thought she was a Plott hound. Embark gene analysis revealed she was Boxer, German Shepard and Golden Retriever. This explained her extreme guarding behavior. She also had over the top prey drive typical of retrievers and semi-feral dogs who have to scavenge and hunt for their meals.
Free Dog Breed Analysis & Behavior Consultation
Curious about your dog’s behavior? Want to know what’s behind those quirky, annoying, aggressive, or fearful actions?
📞 Call me today at 239-963-7676 for your free breed analysis.
Together, we’ll uncover the “why” behind your dog’s behavior—and create a plan to correct unwanted actions with compassion and positive reinforcement-based training.