How breed can influence dog behaviour: A case study

Breed does not dictate a dog's behavior 100% of the time, but breed can have a powerful influence on what a dog needs to be fulfilled. Every dog feels the beckoning of its genetic code, and the more purebred the dog, the more seductive the call.

Gracie came into the Grogans' life after the loss of their beloved dog Marley. Although initially calmer and more relaxed than her predecessor, Gracie began to exhibit signs of frustration whenever she was let outside to roam on their wide-open property. She ran wild and refused to come when called, responding only to bribes of bologna slices, and frequently frozen in hunter mode, stalking and devouring anything small enough that moved into her territory. Eventually, even a pair of the family chickens (which the Grogans also regarded as beloved pets) fell prey to her predatory instinct. Gracie's obsessive stalking behavior meant that the chickens could not be let out to graze any longer, and the Grogans were becoming distressed.

Simply put, the family had not taken into account that when they adopted Gracie, they had adopted a purebred Labrador retriever and that with her came the code hardwired deep into her subconscious that drove her to hunt. Once the Grogans understood that, they set out to find a trainer who could redirect Gracie's hunting instincts. Missy Lemoi and her Labrador partner Hawkeye answered the call admirably, and within six months were able to desensitize Gracie to the family fowls and take her through basic obedience and field trials.

Today, Gracie's instincts have found constructive outlets, and she has become a well-adjusted member of the Grogan family — and a perfect illustration of the fulfillment formula at work.