Shy Dogs Are Dogs That Were Not Properly Socialised?

[Rom]

It's been shown that human neural pathways can be changed somewhat during brain growth and development ...

I have read that the socialisation and learning experiences we expose our pups to in the critical period actually does have an effect (or affect, depending on whether the experiences have been + or -) so profound that it alters the shape of the brain as it develops. The shape of the brain is 'set' (for want of better word) once the dog reaches 16 weeks of age.

There is I expect an amount of development that we can (and need) to produce in pups especially in an effort to counter genetic propensity. But I don't believe the genetic component (the "leaky hose" as in Kelpie-i's post) is altered and that under duress the genetic tendancy is likely to re-appear. The difference will be that with broad and good social experiences (the "tape" as in Kelpie-i's post) inside that critical period, the reactivity (in this instance, shyness) threshold may be lowered than if those social experiences were absent.

Still thinking on this.....

I wonder if the neutralised dog who has also had confidence developed in positive drives has developed stronger neural pathways to that end and even if it did possess neural pathways that led to negative reactions, they have been weakened through lack of use? Is it the same with neural pathways as it is with muscles....that which isn't used atrophies? And is it that the sooner that you prevent activation of the negative neural pathways in a puppies developement, the less likely they will be relied on when the puppy matures?

ETA: And, is this the process that is occuring in a dogs brain when we talk about response prevention during desensitisation work? IE, weakening an neural pathway by preventing its use?

Edited September 7, 2007 by Rom