Nature, Nurture, and Your Dog: Why Your Dog Acts the Way They Do

Why Your Dog’s Behavior Isn’t Random

It’s me again—your dog. You know, the one you’re constantly trying to coax into things I have zero interest in, like meeting your overly touchy friends or ignoring that glorious squirrel in the yard. You’re over there saying, “Come on, don’t be like that,” and I’m over here thinking, “Do you even know who I am?”

I’m not trying to make your life harder (okay, maybe a little when you forget my dinner). But the truth is, if you don’t really understand who I am—what drives me, what stresses me out, and how I see the world—it’s going to feel like we’re always out of sync.

And honestly? It’s not just about me. Your personality, your energy, and the world you’ve created for us play a big role too. The more we both understand what makes us tick, the easier it’ll be for us to figure each other out and thrive together.

Grab your coffee—oh wait, who are we kidding? Go ahead and pour yourself a glass (or bottle) of wine—and let’s get into it. We’re talking about the important stuff: trust me, figuring this out will make life a whole lot easier—for both of us.

Genetics: The Baggage I Was Born With

I wasn’t just born to be cute (though, obviously, I nailed that part). I was bred for something specific. Maybe it was herding sheep, guarding livestock, or diving into holes to flush out rodents. Those instincts didn’t just disappear when you brought me home.

If I’m a guardian breed, don’t be shocked when I’m not thrilled about strangers waltzing into the house. If I’m a herding dog, chasing the neighbor’s kids on their bikes is practically my Olympic sport. And if I’m a terrier, well, that squirrel better watch its back.

The Fix:

Take a little time to learn about my breed—or breeds, if I’m a mix. Google is free, my friend. Once you understand what I was designed for, it’ll make sense why I do some of the stuff that drives you nuts. And don’t worry—good training can help manage my instincts. Will it turn me into a Golden Retriever if I’m a Doberman? No. But it can help me tolerate things I can’t control.

Temperament: My Doggie Personality

Fun fact: my temperament started developing before I was even born. Yeah, while I was chilling in my mom’s belly, her stress, diet, and living conditions shaped my future vibe. If she was stressed out, I might struggle with stress, too.

Once I was born, the first 8 weeks of my life added even more layers to my personality. Was I in a safe, comfortable environment? Or was it chaos? These early experiences shaped how I handle life today.

Just like humans, I have my own unique personality. Maybe I’m an introvert who hates parties, or maybe I’m the life of the doggy social scene. The key is understanding who I am and meeting me where I’m at.

The Fix:

Let’s keep it real: if I’m nervous in crowds, don’t try to turn me into the doggy version of a Vegas showgirl. Training can help me feel safer and even chill out a bit in those situations, but it’s not going to make me the life of the party. And honestly? That’s fine. Not everyone’s cut out for karaoke night.

 Environment: My 24/7 Classroom

Your house? Your neighborhood? That’s my classroom, and every sound, smell, and weird thing happening is like a pop quiz I didn’t study for. If my environment is pure chaos—kids screaming, loud noises, squirrels running their tiny smack-talking mouths outside the window—how am I supposed to focus? It’s like trying to watch a movie with someone narrating every scene—completely distracting.

The Fix:

Ask yourself these questions:

•Is the house super loud while I’m trying to learn?

•Do I get bombarded by 20 dogs and their humans every time we step outside?

•Am I set up to succeed, or is my environment working against me?

Sometimes, just making a few small tweaks—like giving me a quiet spot to focus—can completely change the game.

Management: The Art of Not Letting Me Fail

Here’s the hard truth: without good management, training me is basically you sprinting on a hamster wheel—lots of effort, zero progress. Management is about setting me up for success by making sure I have more “Yay, I’m crushing it!” moments and fewer “Oh no, I’m a disaster” ones.

The Fix:

This might mean:

•Using a crate or baby gates to keep me out of trouble.

•Closing blinds so I don’t lose my mind barking at everything that moves when you aren't home.

•Driving to a quieter neighborhood for leash training instead of tackling the chaos of your crowded street.

Think of it this way: if you’re trying to teach me not to bark at other dogs, but every time we step outside I’m surrounded by barking dogs, I’m not learning anything. How could I, when all the dogs around me are talking trash about me like it’s a neighborhood roast?

Understanding Yourself: Yep, You’re Part of the Problem

Alright, human, let’s talk about you. Just like I have a personality and temperament, so do you. And sometimes? Our vibes don’t match. Maybe I’m a confident, pushy dog, and you’re softer and more reserved. Or maybe I’m nervous and you’re coming on too strong. Either way, we’ve got to find balance.

The Fix:

Learn to adapt. If I’m soft and sensitive, don’t bulldoze me with big energy. If I’m pushy and confident, don’t let me walk all over you. Step up and show me you’ve got this.

Let’s put it this way: If I were a roommate, am I the one who quietly reads books or the one throwing impromptu dance parties at 2 a.m.? If you’re a bookworm and I’m over here blasting The Rolling Stones, yeah… we’re gonna clash.

The key is balance. Match my energy in a way that says, “I’ve got your back.” Whether it’s dialing things down so I feel safe or hyping me up just enough to handle a challenge, it’s about keeping me in the zone—not making me feel like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt.

Closing Time: Let’s Get This Right

Alright, human, hopefully me breaking all this down has cleared up some of the confusion. So next time your overly touchy friends come over, maybe skip the awkward introductions and just let me hang out in my own chill spot. Trust me, I’ll thank you for it (probably by not barking at them from the other room).

Explore our training resources for practical, step-by-step support.

👉 Grab a copy of my Building Food Motivation PDF on Etsy to start building your dog’s engagement and focus.

👉 Dive into our Online Course at Training Dogs Online, where we walk you step by step through proven training strategies for real-life success.

👉 Curious about who we are? Learn more about us, our philosophy, and why we’re passionate about helping dogs and their owners thrive.

-Cher Wood

Street Wise Canine