Not every behavior that frustrates us is a “problem.” Sometimes it’s a mismatch between what we expected and what the dog was bred to do. Dogs were developed for specific jobs: - Herding breeds notice movement - Terriers dig and chase - Hounds follow their noses - Guardian breeds monitor and alert - Sporting breeds carry and retrieve - Working breeds seek tasks and stimulation When those instincts show up in daily life, it can look like: - Reactivity - Stubbornness - Hyperactivity - Selective listening - Obsessive sniffing - Barking at sounds But often, it’s not defiance. It’s genetics doing their job. So what’s the difference? A behavior problem: - Causes distress or risk - Escalates beyond typical expression - Interferes significantly with safety or daily life - Doesn’t improve with appropriate outlets A breed-typical trait: - Is predictable based on genetics - Can be redirected or channeled - Improves when needs are met - Makes sense when you look at the dog’s history The goal isn’t to erase instinct. It’s to understand it and work with it. A helpful reframe Instead of asking:❌ “How do I stop this?” Try:✅ “What was this dog bred to do — and how can I support that safely?” Meeting instinct with structure, enrichment, and training often reduces frustration on both ends of the leash. 💬 What behavior used to frustrate you that now makes more sense when you consider your dog’s breed or genetic background? Understanding changes everything 💚