Behavior isn’t breed or size-specific.

We've already spoken to this before, but it bears repeating after a few instances that crossed our awareness recently. This is how we see things…

BEHAVIOR

Behavior is not breed, nor is it size specific. Do genetics play into behavior? Absolutely, but they are just one of countless other impacting and influencing ingredients.

Behavior can be simply defined as “a response to a stimulus”, and is broken down into 2 categories: innate and learned. Innate behavior is genetically induced and is what we’re born with. Learned behavior is just that. Learned. Most behaviors we engage in and practice are in fact, learned, and are influenced by our environment (information sources, culture, surroundings) and experiences.

DRIVES

When it comes to dogs, another influential aspect (that’s more innate in nature) is that of their 3 primary drives…

: pack drive (a dog’s longing and preference to be with people and/or other animals and seeks them out),

: prey drive (hunting and foraging behavior; we can see this in dogs who get triggered by movement which then prompts chase, those who “hunt and kill” their toys or other objects - grabbing and shaking vigorously, stalking, etc.), and

: defense drive (which includes: fight, flight, freeze, bluffing / hoodwinking, and avoidance).

Dogs are constantly shifting from drive to drive to drive given both internal (sensitivity, self and world concept, internal programming and filters, etc.) and external (surrounding energy, calm or commotion) circumstances and stimuli. Some dogs will be higher in drive than others, though each dog will have a certain percentage of each kind of drive.

TRAIT, BEHAVIOR, AND RESPONSE / REACTION

There's a difference between trait, behavior, and response / reaction…

: traits are characteristics and attributes that are genetically determined,

: behavior can be innate or learned, and is a patterned, intentional or unintentional response, and

: response / reaction is how we approach or address something that directly or indirectly engages us. Usually, responses and reactions are more social in context, meaning we take others into account. There is a difference between a “response” and a “reaction”, though. Responses come from a more grounded, calmer, more collected headspace, whereas reactions stem from an unbalanced, emotional headspace. The common denominator here is * energy *: calm, grounded, and balanced vs. emotional, excited (remember, there are different shades of “excitement”), and unbalanced.

We can further explain this using “aggression”. Many people have varying definitions of “aggression”, most of which are inaccurate assumptions based on mis- or lack of understanding of their dog as individual and/or canine behavior as a whole. There are, however, various shades of “aggression”.

“Viciousness” is a trait, and very, very few dogs are born with the intent to kill or cause harm to everything and everyone around them.

“Aggression” is a learned behavior, patterned response, and manner of coping, and usually stems from insecurity, fear, frustration from one or more of their needs not being met and provided for.

“Reactivity” is a socially induced, “readily-given”, momentary, and an excitement-fueled response. It’s a choice that can be easily be altered with education and training. These types of dogs tend to be quite sensitive in nature, hyper in tune to the energy around them (nervous, anxious, frustrated, impatient, uptight, edgy humans?) and easily overwhelmed by sights, sounds, movements, and other stimuli.

While a repetitive reactive practice can become a more patterned response (aggression), “reactive” dogs tend to be great with others when off leash and disconnected from their human (important ingredient to look at here).

THE PIT BULL TERRIER

Now, to turn our attention back to behavior and breed, let’s consider the argument of the Pit Bull Terrier. This group of dogs is often portrayed as “highly aggressive”… the argument being they were “selected for aggression”… but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Actually, according to the American Temperament Test Society, the Pit Bull Terrier ranked among one of the most tolerant breeds (above countless other tested, popular breeds who are favored “family pets”). But, as we all know, “behavior” isn’t “breed-specific”, as countless ingredients factor into, impact, and influence it.

Yes, this group of dogs were selected and bred for their **ability** to fight a few hundred years ago; but there is a difference between “ability” and “will” or “desire”. Just because they can doesn’t mean they will. Case in point, human beings have the potential to kill other human beings… but just because they all can, doesn’t mean they all will.

I’ve seen documentation of “pit bulls” in dog fighting rings who are there * against their will *, and are trying to escape the entire time. They don’t want to fight… they want to avoid the intensity and conflict… but are being restricted, confined to the ring, and forced to do so.

I, personally, don’t agree with breed-labeling and judging. As Cesar Millan states, “the most dangerous dog is the one that has been made that way by a human.” This, I fully agree with.

DOGS

Dogs are a breakdown of: animal, species, breed or mix of breeds, and personality / individual, and are also a reflection of: their environment, genetics, the amount of time and energy we’re investing in educating and training them, whether or not their instinctual needs as both a dog and a specific breed (or mix of breeds) of dog are being provided for (structure, rules and boundaries, adequate physical exercise, mental stimulation, socialization and exposure, leadership, nutrition, etc.), whether or not their individuality is being respected and honored,

… and they’re, most definitely, a reflection of their owners. Often mirroring and reflecting the parts of ourselves we accept, are in touch with, and are open to; and also the parts we’re avoiding, denying, and refusing to address.

Much like our children, we are our dogs’ primary source of information in this world. Everything between us is a conversation and some form of dialogue, and we’re in a constant state of exchange with them. This information is shaping their self and world concepts, beliefs, filters, and associations.

BLAME AND JUDGMENT

As human beings, we don’t like uncertainty, and the patience level of many has been on a stiff decline – especially with the rise of technology. We want fast and easy answers, and we want them yesterday. The problem with this, is we’re often very quick to label, judge, and blame in an effort to find answers, and also create story to fill in the blanks. Particularly when it comes to things we don’t understand… such as our dogs and dog behavior.

Breed is the first thing we blame when we're looking for answers in behavioral situations, and - sadly- the bully breeds are the first to have the finger pointed in their direction, often the subject of discrimination. Blaming an entire breed of dog for an individual event is like blaming the color of one’s skin or an entire culture of people for an isolated event.

Next, comes the excuses and stories such as: “the dog’s a rescue” (a popular one) or “we think the dog was abused before he came to us” (… although this may have taken place 6 years ago).

Whether truth or assumption, we must leave the past in the past and work with the dog we have in front of us. When we keep story or assumption alive, we prevent forward movement and progression. Just like humans continue to evolve throughout their lives, closing one chapter and beginning another, we must allow our dogs to do the same- providing information, guidance, and support along the way.

We don’t have a dog problem. We have a human problem. Our inability to accept responsibility and accountability, our level of denial in the face of hardship and misunderstanding, and our level of laziness and passivity when it comes to dealing and handling (or lack thereof). When we live in denial, we live in limitation. We prevent ourselves, and all who depend on us, to live our lives to the fullest, grandest expression.

Dogs don't change their behavior until we do. We're such an influential ingredient in their conditioning, shaping, and understanding of themselves and the world around them; so, what we're doing and not doing factors into behavior greatly. What we're allowing vs. not allowing. What we're addressing vs. not addressing. What we're providing vs. not providing. What we're following though with vs. what we're not. And the type of energy we're consistently showing up with in their space. It's all a bigger, ongoing conversation.

We simply can't generalize when it comes to dogs or breeds of dogs. We must consider all facets and dimensions of the individual in front of us, and make the effort to teach, guide, support, and help heal, so they can become the best version of themselves they can be. As their guardians, companions, and caretakers, this is our responsibility.