Learned vs Innate Behaviors
Pet Parents often wonder about how much genetics has to do with dog behavior, and how much of their behavior is learned, the old "nature vs. nurture" debate. In fact, ALL behavior is affected by both genetics (nature) and environment (nurture).

Some behaviors are called innate behaviors, and they lean much more to the side of "nature" (inherited behaviors). An innate behavior is one that can be exhibited without the benefit of, or need for, prior experience. For example, chewing is an innate behavior for puppies. They don't have to learn how to chew. They are born knowing it. But chewing, like any behavior, is also influenced by the environment.

Learned behaviors are those that are acquired through interacting with the environment, the "nurture" part of the equation. For example, while all healthy, able-bodied dogs can lie down without being taught how, it is not innate for a dog to lie down on cue. In the example above, a puppy can be taught what items are appropriate - and inappropriate - to chew.

It is important to be patient with your dog, and understand that he is very capable of learning new behaviors, but that they are all new to him and will take some time. Before you know it, sitting on cue will be like second-nature your to dog!

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