Behavior Sources

Although this is grossly simplified, dog behavior can be said to consist of differing amounts of four basic components: animal behavior, species behavior, breed tendencies and personality influences. The differing blends of these components are what make every dog a unique individual.

Animal behavior includes basic survival skills such as a willingness to pursue and grasp prey with the mouth. It also involves the defensive skills, such as the willingness to confront a threat or run from one. In other words, the “fight or flight” instinctive responses all animals rely on for survival.

Species behaviors are those behaviors employed by canines specifically, and in the case of domestic dogs, pack behaviors. These include canine methods of communication and canine social rules. Some were discussed in the posts concerning PIBs.

Breed behaviors are those behavioral tendencies common to certain breeds. It’s important to note that these behaviors are tendencies only and not behavioral rules carved in stone. Animal and species behaviors are behavioral rules carved in stone.

The personality influences are obviously those behaviors that are the result of the individual dog’s physical, emotional and mental characteristics determined by the dog’s genetics.

Every dog is a unique blend of these four behavioral sources. Some dogs are much more primal (animal) than others, while some are more social (species) than others. Some display both behaviors in a placid way while others are more volatile. What’s important here is that all dogs will present animal and species behaviors that are then influenced by breed and personality traits. Most dog owners are well aware of their dog’s personality and many become acquainted with the tendencies of their dog’s breed. For some reason denial sets in concerning animal and species behaviors. We often want our dogs to be little humans so badly that we become convinced they’re not animals at all. However, the animal and species behaviors of dogs are the two behavioral sources that determine what all dogs are most likely to do at any given time. The breed and personality traits are merely influences that affect how the dog will present their animal and species behaviors.

The PIBs discussed in earlier posts are brief descriptions of species behaviors that dogs instinctively rely on and these are the behaviors I most often teach customers experiencing unwanted or dangerous behaviors with their dogs. In my opinion, these are the things rescue groups should be teaching dog owners. This knowledge will result in a much better understanding of dog behavior and how to control it.