Misconceptions - Breed Specific Training
On today's episode of "Misconception Monday" we are going to discuss the concept of "breed specific training".
Have you seen statements like “Bully breeds need an assertive and experienced handler”? Or “power breeds” need a strong hand?
Or maybe the opposite, like, “Golden Retrievers are sensitive and easy to train because all they want to do is please you!”
Or trainers who claim to be breed experts?
Most recently, we saw the suggestion of “breed specific training” come up in Calgary Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw review.
This line of thinking leaves us scratching our head.
Every living being learn the same way: by association (classical conditioning) and by consequence (operant conditioning). If we can teach a chicken or a hyena with these core principles, why would there be a difference between dog breeds, which are much more closely related?
When people suggest that they are experts at training specific breeds we are inclined to believe that they are trying to talk about breed TRAITS. Each individual dog will have traits that may or may not fit within their breed standard. When we think about breed specific traits, we might be talking about things like prey drive, dog aggression, herding, tracking, retrieving etc.
We tend to see a higher probability of these traits coming out in breeding programs that breed for purpose and function. However, there is always a chance that even purpose-bred dogs with strong genetics will NOT show these traits. Any breeder will tell you that there can be tremendous variation even within the same litter (think about it – does every human brother/sister have a similar personality?).
An example of this can be seen in service dog and police dog breeding programs. Despite having a specialized, controlled breeding program, many dogs simply do not make the cut because they do not exhibit the necessary traits to succeed. Even with genetics and a controlled environment, the pass rate for these dogs is low.
And of course, in our community we are not typically dealing with dogs from ethical, purebred breeding programs. In fact, it is the opposite. The majority of the dogs in our population are not from purpose-bred litters, are mixed breed, or are from unknown origins. Or all of the above!
So why get hung up on breed specific traits and training methods?
We believe that training programs and owners would be more successful if they addressed the traits of the dog they have in front of them. Whether that dog’s behaviour stems from breed genetics, their individual genetics, or a learned experience, we will almost always use the same steps when developing a training protocol.
There’s one possible exception to this. If you do have a dog that is purpose-bred and you wish to compete seriously in dog sports – scent work, agility, herding, hunting, etc – by all means look for a trainer with deep experience working with the sport and the breeds of dogs that are typically used for it.
Otherwise, there’s no real reason to worry about “breed experience”. Find a trainer that uses humane, science-based methods, has relevant experience, and whose approach clicks with you and your dog.
Have you seen statements like “Bully breeds need an assertive and experienced handler”? Or “power breeds” need a strong hand?
Or maybe the opposite, like, “Golden Retrievers are sensitive and easy to train because all they want to do is please you!”
Or trainers who claim to be breed experts?
Most recently, we saw the suggestion of “breed specific training” come up in Calgary Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw review.
This line of thinking leaves us scratching our head.
Every living being learn the same way: by association (classical conditioning) and by consequence (operant conditioning). If we can teach a chicken or a hyena with these core principles, why would there be a difference between dog breeds, which are much more closely related?
When people suggest that they are experts at training specific breeds we are inclined to believe that they are trying to talk about breed TRAITS. Each individual dog will have traits that may or may not fit within their breed standard. When we think about breed specific traits, we might be talking about things like prey drive, dog aggression, herding, tracking, retrieving etc.
We tend to see a higher probability of these traits coming out in breeding programs that breed for purpose and function. However, there is always a chance that even purpose-bred dogs with strong genetics will NOT show these traits. Any breeder will tell you that there can be tremendous variation even within the same litter (think about it – does every human brother/sister have a similar personality?).
An example of this can be seen in service dog and police dog breeding programs. Despite having a specialized, controlled breeding program, many dogs simply do not make the cut because they do not exhibit the necessary traits to succeed. Even with genetics and a controlled environment, the pass rate for these dogs is low.
And of course, in our community we are not typically dealing with dogs from ethical, purebred breeding programs. In fact, it is the opposite. The majority of the dogs in our population are not from purpose-bred litters, are mixed breed, or are from unknown origins. Or all of the above!
So why get hung up on breed specific traits and training methods?
We believe that training programs and owners would be more successful if they addressed the traits of the dog they have in front of them. Whether that dog’s behaviour stems from breed genetics, their individual genetics, or a learned experience, we will almost always use the same steps when developing a training protocol.
There’s one possible exception to this. If you do have a dog that is purpose-bred and you wish to compete seriously in dog sports – scent work, agility, herding, hunting, etc – by all means look for a trainer with deep experience working with the sport and the breeds of dogs that are typically used for it.
Otherwise, there’s no real reason to worry about “breed experience”. Find a trainer that uses humane, science-based methods, has relevant experience, and whose approach clicks with you and your dog.