🧬 How Dog Genetics Influence Behaviour (and Why Breed Fulfilment Matters)

raecanine
Aug 15
2 min read

When we bring a dog into our lives, we often focus on their personality, looks, or lifestyle fit—but one of the biggest influences on your dog’s behaviour is something we can’t see: genetics.

At Rae Canine, I strongly believe in training the dog in front of you—but understanding where they came from helps you better meet their needs, support their wellbeing, and avoid frustration for both of you.

Let’s talk about how genetics shape your dog’s behaviour—and why breed fulfilment is key to raising a happy, balanced companion.

🧬 Genetics: More Than Just Looks

Every dog, whether purebred or mixed breed, carries inherited traits that influence:

Energy levels
Social tendencies
Sensitivities
Prey drive
Learning styles
Working instincts etc

These traits were carefully shaped by humans over generations for specific jobs: herding, guarding, retrieving, hunting, companionship, and more.

So while your Border Collie might never step foot on a farm, they still carry the mental and physical needs of a working dog—just in a modern world.

🐶 What Is Breed Fulfilment?

Breed fulfilment means giving your dog outlets that satisfy their natural instincts and genetic drives.

It doesn’t mean rehoming your spaniel to a grouse moor or sending your Malinois into the military. It means incorporating meaningful activities into their daily routine that tap into what they were bred to do.

Examples:

🧠 Border Collies: Engage with problem-solving, movement control games, or herding-style play or agility.
👃 Spaniels: Use their incredible noses with scent games or searches.
🐕 Jack Russel Terrier: Provide chase games or flirt poles in controlled
environments, barn hunt and tug games.

When we ignore these needs, dogs often find their own outlets—like chasing joggers, barking excessively, or destroying furniture. But when their needs are fulfilled, they become calmer, happier, and easier to live with.

💡 Genetics Aren’t Excuses—They’re Clues

Sometimes, owners feel frustrated that their dog doesn't act like the "ideal family pet" or that certain behaviours seem “out of nowhere.” But often, these behaviours are tied to breed-specific drives that just need redirection.

Understanding genetics helps you:

Set realistic expectations
Choose appropriate outlets and training
Build empathy and patience
Prevent problem behaviours from escalating

🐾 “Train the Dog in Front of You”

While genetics give us a blueprint, every dog is an individual. Environment, early experiences, socialisation, and training all shape behaviour too. That’s why we always advocate for a personalised approach.

At Rae Canine, we help you:

Understand your dog’s instincts
Provide breed-appropriate outlets
Build training plans tailored to your dog’s needs
Adjust your lifestyle and routine to set your dog up for success

❤️ Final Thoughts

Your dog’s behaviour isn’t random. It’s a combination of instinct, history, environment, learning, lifestyle and health.

By recognising your dog’s genetic needs and making space for them in your daily life, you’re not just improving behaviour—you’re honouring who your dog is at their core.

Need help understanding what drives your dog’s behaviour or how to fulfil their breed needs?

📲 Book a 1:1 session or join the 6 week puppy course to unlock your dog’s potential—in a way that works for you both.