Dog’s Bred For Purpose (Genetics)

 

Dog’s Bred For Purpose (Genetics)

Dogs became useful to humans to aid with our own desires. As time progressed, we moved from "working dogs" to "pet dogs".

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) for example was originally bred for herding sheep. This means, the better the dog performed its job, the more likely this dog would be bred for future work.

Other jobs of GSDs include disability assistance, search and rescue, and police/military roles.

Through years of selective breeding, we continue selecting genes (traits) that serve us. This has led to specialized temperaments. While not all dogs show every temperament of their breed, it gives us an overview of the breed's typical genetic tendencies.

The temperaments of the German Shepherd Dog include self-assurance, willingness to learn, and an eagerness to have a purpose. They can be overprotective. A study shows that purebred German Shepherds from 1971-2018 produced the most bites requiring hospital treatment. (Source: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)

Now, remember we have selectively chosen GSDs who were protective and likely to display and act out aggressive behaviors. They have now been placed inside homes with active families, loads of sensory stimulation, and sometimes little to do. This high-performing dog is now understimulated due to their natural needs and desires being unmet. This can result in many undesirable behaviors such as "reactivity" type behaviors.

I love German Shepherds, they are only used here as an example, given the popularity of the breed.

The point I want to make is every dog has their own interests and history. By meeting their needs we have a dog whose welfare is maximized. By improving a dog's welfare, we also eliminate unwanted behaviors in the process.

Chad Mackin summarized it well... "Your dog is not being a problem, your dog is having a problem."

“Be a friend. Not an owner.”