Breed Stereotyping

Dogs are often stereotyped according to their breed. While it’s true that certain breeds tend to display particular traits, such as Collies and their instinct to herd, many other behaviours, including excessive barking, aggression, stealing, or pulling on the lead, are far more often the result of a communication gap between humans and dogs.

As a behaviourist, I repeatedly hear the same quote; “It’s the breed, they all do that,” and with social media constantly reinforcing these beliefs, it’s easy to understand why owners might think this way. Yet ask anyone who has more than one dog of the same breed, and they’ll tell you just how different those dogs can be. Dogs are not born with “bad” behaviours. They are shaped by their environment, their experiences, their genetics, and crucially their relationship with their owners. It’s important to remember that behaviour is a dog’s way of communicating. Every bark, every paw lift, every moment of avoidance or excitement, is your dog trying to tell you something. When we shift from reacting to our dog’s behaviour to listening to it, we open the door to a partnership built on understanding, rather than frustration. By tuning into the subtle cues, body language, stress levels, energy, and context, we can respond in ways that support, reassure, and guide our dogs toward better choices.

Blaming the breed may feel like an easy explanation for unwanted behaviour, leading some owners to believe they must simply ‘live with it’, but you really don’t have to. With patience, guidance, and the willingness to learn, even long-standing behaviours can be changed. When you invest time in understanding canine communication and recognise how profoundly your interactions influence your dog’s emotional state, confidence, and choices, you unlock the potential for significant and lasting transformation. The result is a more joyful, harmonious, and trusting relationship for both you and your dog.

Training also plays a vital role, but it goes far beyond teaching commands. True training involves meeting your dog’s physical and emotional needs, providing structure, stability, and helping them feel safe in a world that often doesn’t make sense to them. With the right approach, what once felt like ‘problem behaviour’ becomes an opportunity to deepen your bond and learn more about the incredible animal that shares your home.

Ultimately, understanding the ‘why’ behind a behaviour, is the key to changing the behaviour.