Intro: What Affects Our Dogs’ Behavior
I believe the biggest factors that affect our dogs behavior include genetics, drives, hormones, nutrition, training and our lifestyle we have with our dogs.
1. Genetics: Just as genetics play a role in a dog’s physical characteristics, such as size or coat color, they also have a certain degree of influence on a dog’s behavior. Samantha reviews a few ways that genetics affect a dog’s behavior, including breed specific behaviors, temperament, genetic disorders and trauma.
2. Drives: All dogs have basic drives. Samantha expands on the three drives frequently referred to in dog training and that she believes are important to focus on: prey drive, pack drive and defense drive. She reviews a few different ways of harnessing these drives and the importance of/how to build pack drive.
3. Hormones / Nutrition: Samantha explains how hormones and nutrition play a significant role in a dog’s personality and behavior. She explains the connection of the gut with hormones and neurotransmitters with a special focus on nutrition and what role that plays in each.
4. Training/Lifestyle: “Genetics, background/experiences, breed (breed-specific traits), and nutrition/hormones all significantly influence a dog’s personality and behavior. However, a commitment to training and appropriate lifestyle, that takes these factors into consideration, can be of the most influential.” In this section Samantha covers the training and lifestyle practices that are most fundamental to forming and addressing/modifying behavior. These practices include crate, place, leash + yes work, exercise, conditioned relaxation, desensitization and more!
It's important to note that while all of these factors can impact behavior, they can also interplay with each other. For example, a dog's genetic predispositions may influence their drives. Conversely, a well-structured environment and proper training can help manage and direct those drives in a positive way. Understanding our dogs behavior, body language, what affects their temperament (drives, genetics, lifestyle, training) helps us better understand our dogs to set them up for success.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your dog's psyche, paving the way for enhanced training outcomes and a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with your canine companion.
The full ebook and more like it are all available on the membership page or for individual sale.
