There are various approaches that try to explain canine aggression. The nature approach argues that canine aggression is inherited from the parents and therefore part of the dog’s genetic make-up. As Fogle states, ‘Dominance aggression is primarily influenced by genetics…the dog’s natural genetic predisposition is to find his place in the pecking order, the dominance hierarchy.’ (Fogle, 1990, p. 11-12)

This would indicate that the behaviour is innate and therefore difficult to resolve. Fisher asserts that ‘There are two areas of aggression where a complete cure is almost impossible, we can only improve the behaviour. One is where the behaviour is genetically acquired, the other – which can also be inherited – is where the dog is nervous.’ (Fisher, 1990, p. 141). This idea is supported by Price who argues ‘In a high number of cases, a dog’s behaviour has a predominantly genetic root…fighting breeds…in general, can have a particularly relentless and severe form of aggression towards other animals, or anything else, if provoked.’ (Price, 2008, p. 7)

However, the nurture approach argues that canine aggression is not inherited but learned. For example, Fogle claims that ‘Fear aggression is defensive and primarily a learned behaviour…if a pup is not properly socialized to his environment…then he can develop a fear of the unusual.’ (Fogle, 1990, p. 119).

Fisher supports this by arguing that ‘Puppies learn at an incredible rate during the first few weeks of life, in fact by about seven to eight weeks they are transmitting adult brain waves. A lot of their behaviour is copied –monkey see, monkey do. If a bitch is aggressive to strangers, then it is likely that the puppies will copy her behaviour. If that bitch had become aggressive because she was never socialised properly…then the puppies’ behaviour has not been genetically acquired, it has been learned.’ (Fisher, 1991, p. 137)

Fogle offers an example of how this fear aggression can be learned by stating that ‘Fear aggression can be caused by a previous painful experience…some dogs can even develop a fear of children because they have previously been disciplined or scolded in the presence of the child and associate that child with that experience.’ (Fogle, 1990, p. 120). This approach implies that the aggression is learned and therefore more easily changeable.

There is yet another approach which tries to explain canine aggression and this is called the interactionist approach. This approach argues that inherited behaviour and learned behaviour are equally important in explaining canine aggression.

This approach argues that whilst genetics are hard-wired, the environment the dog is reared in, will affect how the dog behaves.

Jean Donaldson states ‘As Dr. Ian Dunbar has said, once the gene team has had its turn, rearing practices are all that’s left to manipulate. In other words, there’s no crying over spilled milk: an individual dog very well may have unhelpful genetics, but there’s nothing that can be done about it with current technology. The focus, once sperm meets egg, must be on environment.’ (Donaldson, 1996, p. 55)

Dunbar further supports this by arguing that ‘…understanding the forces that shape the dog’s development enables us to modify behaviour and temperament and prevent otherwise predictable problems. By focusing solely on the genetic causes of behaviour, our options are extremely limited…by emphasizing the role of experience in changing the dog’s behaviour, the options are endless.’ (Dunbar, 1999, p. 5) He suggests that before conception ‘the [breeding] pair’s genetic constitution is the single most important consideration for the prevention of behaviour and temperament problems…However…once the pups have been born, socialization and training are the only possible methods available for the prevention and treatment of behaviour, temperament and training problems.’ (Dunbar, 1999, p. 9-10)

From this evidence, it is possible to conclude that genetics and environment are equally important factors to be considered when trying to explain canine aggression. It is entirely possible that the dog has inherited aggressive tendencies from the breeding line, but also possible that the environment has contributed to the dog reacting aggressively to a stimulus, especially if the dog has associated this stimulus with something bad or painful.

Bibliography

Donaldson, J. (1996). The Culture Clash. California: James & Kenneth Publishers.

Dunbar, I. (1999). Dog Behaviour. New York: Howell Book House.

Fisher, J. (1990). Think Dog : An owner’s guide to canine psychology. UK: H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd.

Fisher, J. (1991). Why Does My Dog…? London: Souvenir Press Ltd.

Fogle, B. (1990). The Dog’s Mind. London: Penguin Books Ltd.

Price, C. (2008, July). Nature or Nurture? Your Dog, 6-9.