The Role of Breed Tendencies in Training

When it comes to dog training, one of the most important — and often misunderstood — factors is breed tendency. Every dog is an individual, shaped by a mix of genetics, environment, experience, and training. Yet, understanding breed tendencies can give us powerful insight into how a dog thinks, learns, and reacts to the world around them.

Breed type is only one factor in an individual dogs behavior and isn't the be all, end all of defining who they are or how they act.

🧬 What Are Breed Tendencies?

Breed tendencies are natural instincts and behavioral traits that have been selectively bred into dogs for generations. For example, Border Collies are known for their intelligence and herding instincts, Retrievers for their love of carrying and fetching, and Terriers for their persistence and high prey drive.

These tendencies don’t define who a dog is, but they influence what comes naturally to them. A Beagle may have a stronger instinct to follow a scent than to respond to a recall cue — not because they’re “stubborn,” but because their nose is wired to lead the way.

🧠 Why Breed Awareness Matters in Training

Understanding breed tendencies allows trainers and guardians to work with a dog’s natural instincts instead of against them.

• Respecting Instincts: Asking a Husky not to pull is like asking a fish not to swim. Instead, we can channel that energy into structured exercise, sled work, or controlled leash training that satisfies their drive.

• Realistic Expectations: Knowing that a livestock guardian breed is naturally wary of strangers helps us set realistic goals for socialization and reduce frustration.

• Tailored Motivation: Different breeds are motivated by different rewards. While a Labrador may work for food, a Malinois might be driven by play or work opportunities.

When we train with this awareness, we stop labeling dogs as “stubborn,” “lazy,” or “too hyper.” We begin to see them as individuals expressing their genetics.

❤️ Balancing Breed Traits with Individual Personality

While breed tendencies give us a foundation, no two dogs are the same. Early experiences, trauma, socialization, and environment shape behavior just as strongly as genetics.

A Cattle Dog raised in a calm household may behave very differently from one living on a working ranch. Likewise, a Poodle rescued from a stressful situation may display anxiety that has nothing to do with its breed tendencies and everything to do with emotional history.

The key is to balance understanding of breed tendencies with compassion for the individual dog in front of you.

🐾 Training with Respect and Realism

Training becomes most effective when we align it with what a dog was bred to do.

• Redirect, Don’t Suppress: Give a Terrier an outlet to dig — a sandbox or enrichment game — rather than punishing them for following instinct.

• Use Instinct in Your Favour: Channel a Retriever’s natural fetch drive into reliable recall training.

• Encourage Thinking: Herding breeds thrive when mentally challenged. Puzzle toys, agility, and scent games provide healthy outlets.

To learn more about how to train your specific breed, while including other influencing factors, contact me by call/text: 250-688-5392 or email: celestegoodhope@live.ca

dog training cranbrook

dog training cranbrook