Shaping Temperament

Part 2

By Linda J. Brodzik with Christi Madison of Unleashed Behavior and Training Services

We would like to begin this month's installment by thanking everyone who took the time to respond to our introductory statements in last month's article. Although all comments were not favorable, we do appreciate the input and the discussion that these induce. This can only lead to a broader questioning and understanding for us all.

The subject of temperament is certainly a controversial one. As "dog people" we seem to fall into one of two belief systems concerning this subject. The first group believes that all bad or problematic behavior displayed by dogs is genetically based. These people do not know (or believe) that training can prevent/solve a great variance of behavior problems. The second group believes that nurturing and training can solve everything. These people tend to believe that if they love their dog, this in itself will solve any behavior difficulties present. Unfortunately, the latter group often becomes blinded by their love for their pets and learns to "accept" the ill behavior in their lifestyle.

The reality is that temperament is a combination of genetics and environment. Genes define the limits of how and what an animal can learn. However, experience shapes the moment-to-moment direction and changes of behavior.

Let us focus in first on genetics. Each individual animal is born with a definite tendency toward varying degrees of emotional reactivity. Science has proven that certain traits are genetic such as status seeking, a tendency toward mouthing and shyness (the fear of unfamiliar stimuli). Other considerations should be given to a dog's passive or active defense response and frustration tolerance. We must also consider that some traits become more defined through certain developmental stages. Studies have shown that tendencies toward dominant-related aggression are not visible in early puppyhood when most temperament testing is done. Instead, this tends to develop as the dog moves into his "teenage" stage at 6-18 months of age and becomes clearly defined as the animal approaches maturity at approximately 2-3 years of age. Although genetics clearly plays a part in defining each dog's temperament and attitude, this does not dismiss the effect of experience and learning on an individual's whole. Genetics becomes the basis for an individual, but an education finishes the picture. For example, we know that we can't all be Albert Einstein. But would Einstein have been Einstein without the nurturing, educational environment in which he was brought up? So in our quest to produce and develop a physically appealing and sound individual that displays a stable and sociable temperament, we must first look to the breeders.

Breeders must be conscious when selecting the parentage of an upcoming litter. It is unfortunate that all too often dogs are being bred more for physical traits than for a temperament that would lend itself to a social companion lifestyle. We as breeders must consider the whole of the dog and not sacrifice or blind ourselves to temperamental traits that may cause concerning or even dangerous behavior in the offspring. Although it is the physical attributes that make each breed individual and each individual within that breed a greater or lesser specimen, we must be cautious to never turn our back to temperament when focusing on improving physical traits. There is also a caution when preserving the attributes and distinguishing characteristics and standards of a breed in that once one starts to breed for temperament rather than a physical appearance, said physical appearance may suffer. This is very evident in hunting dogs such as the Springer Spaniel. A true working Springer has little resemblance to that of a competitive show dog. Julia Gasow, renowned for her Springer line, bred specifically to win shows and many of her dogs did, in fact, win at Westminster. She has been quoted as saying that her champions would be ill suited for fieldwork. She did attempt to breed her show line with field dogs only to find that the dogs with the right look could not work in the field, and vice versa. This should not, however, discourage responsible breeders from working in temperament issues into breeding programs. Although genetics is a science, we do not have a complete understanding of how individual parents' dominant or recessive genes may link up in whole to affect each offspring. It must also be acknowledged that even the most conscientious breeding may allow for "flukes" in both temperament and/or physical attributes.

Each generation of breeder is entrusted with the care and development of his/her breed. It is the responsibility of each and every breeder to learn as much about his or her breed as possible. This should include any and all genetic physical and/or temperament problems. Emphasis should be placed on learning as much as possible about available breeding stock. Studs or brood bitches should be carefully screened for both physical and temperament traits that could weaken the individual's line and the breed as a whole. Screening should include not only the individual dog but also that individual's forebearers, related contemporaries and progeny if previously bred. Conscientious breeder are knowledgeable, inquisitive and selective. It is only through the efforts of good breeding that a puppy can be guaranteed the best possible start in life.

Once the individual is born, learning through experience takes over. As breeders retain pups until they are approximately 2 months of age or older, it becomes the responsibility of the breeder to also provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment that will support healthy behavior and emotional growth.

In conclusion, it is both genetics and the environment that shape the temperament of each individual dog. In starting at the beginning to give each pup the greatest chance to develop into a sound and sociable dog, we must first start with a strong genetic package. But once the pup is born it is the environmental experiences that then shape the attitude and reactions within the boundaries of that genetic package.

Next time we will look at the developmental stages through which each dog progresses as it matures. In future articles we will discuss the science of Behavior and Learning Theory and how we can use this knowledge to further shape our dogs' temperaments.

Part 3 ... continued