Nature Vs Nurture

[Fleuri]

I too believe it is mostly nature.

You can see a dog who has been tied up, ignored, fairly ill treated and not socialised and it can still be trusting, affectionate, friendly etc.

Then there are dogs (many on here ) who have been very well 'brought up' and still have plenty of issues.

Genetics plays a huge part in all make ups, and if we take a look at humans who have been separated etc. , maybe twins, and had completely different upbringings, but are still very alike, I think this proves genetics have the major input.

Studies have been done, I think on english pointers if I remember correctly, on how the dams' input can change temperament and it appears this also has credence. It is not clear if the behaviour of the dam is because the pup is born physically or mentally 'weak' (for want of a better word), or if the pup turns out that way through the dams' behaviour.

THe dam or other siblings may make it difficult for one or two pups to feed, or bully them, or not give them as much touching etc. , leading to temp problems later.

They also studied fearful, timid etc. temp dogs and their offspring over a few generations, and found that one or two fearful animals could turn into dozens by the fifth generation. ie. a slightly timid dam could throw 3 timid pups, who then throw 5, who then throw 6 etc. so if 3 pups each throw 5 timid pups, you have 15 animals out there throwing more of the same. Nurture can help manage this, but does not change it.

Temp comes from genes, personality can be changed through ill treatment or good treatment, but the genetics are unable to change. This is very obvious to guide dog, police dog etc. trainers and behaviourists who I'm sure could add an awful lot of interesting posts here if we had any on Dol.

Agree

Edited October 4, 2010 by Fleuri