Nature vs Nurture – Its a dog’s world out there (not literally!)

Image courtesy – Spark Paws

I read an article yesterday that infuriated me. The article, from the Times of India dated Feb 21st 25 is titled – “These two dog breeds will be banned in Goa.” It speaks about banning Rottweilers and Pit Bulls in Goa.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/pets/these-two-dog-breeds-will-be-banned-in-goa-heres-what-pet-lovers-have-to-say/articleshow/118446743.cms.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant revealed this decision, citing serious public safety concerns following several distressing incidents involving these breeds. The ban will prevent import, sale and breeding of these dogs in Goa. (sic)

My brother has raised Rottweilers for the past two decades. They are some of the gentlest dogs that I have encountered. In fact, my brother’s daughters (since childbirth) have been raised alongside these dogs who are as much family as the human members. There has never been an untoward incident with the family or any visitors. I also had a friend who had a pit bull. Yes, he was hyperactive and feisty but he was a darling. In fact, in my current society also we have someone who owns a pit bull and these is much hulla-gulla with respect to walking that dog in the society even though he is gentle, has never attacked anyone and in fact he prefers to keep his distance from humans. Smart bugger, I say!

Yesterday my husband shared that his subordinate has filed a complaint with the management of her society w.r.t a Golden Retriever (her neighbour’s). The dog barks at everyone and attacks people. He bites. Can you believe that of the Golden Retriever? It is scientifically the gentlest breed on earth and recommended for families with infants. My parents had one and even on his death bed, in great pain (due to kidney failure) he would lovingly cuddle up to my infant daughters. He was their fiercest defender. But the reason the other Golden Retriever is so violent is because he is always tied up on a short leash which doesn’t enable him to lie down or sit comfortably. He is fed restricted meals and has never known any love. It’s not his nature but his nurture that has made him so ferocious.

That brings to mind the debate between nature and nurture. I agree, nature does have a role to play as much as DNA does. The hunter/seeker/retriever breeds in dogs – Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, various hounds, Beagles, etc are all very hyper-active by nature. That’s their DNA. They need to be exercised more, allowed to run to expend the extra energy. The DNA of Huskies hardwires them to be hyper excitable. Remember, this is a sled-drawing breed that can run for miles in the arctic. They need an enormous amount of exercise. I have a friend who owns Huskies and has a treadmill in the house on which the trainer makes the dogs run daily for exercise.

Now that’s love. That’s how you understand and treat a dog. If you show them love, they will give you unconditional love and loyalty. But you have to be patient in training them. They are like infants. How you nurture them will ultimately reflect in their nature.

Do you agree?