[Luisa]

Originally Posted by Veracity

In my opinion, there is a lot to be said about how nature (genes) and nurture (upbringing) interact to shape canine behavior. My experiences have taught me to understand and respect every dog’s breed (nature). If I buy/adopt a border collie, just like its ancestors, it will be genetically programmed to herd. It’s very unlikely that I will ever be able to completely train that dog NOT to display herding tendencies. If I don’t live on a farm, and I am very kind and loving to the dog, and I never teach it or expose it to herding (nurture), under certain circumstances, herding tendencies will still surface and the dog will naturally chase, circle, and nip at a moving object (nature). It’s not that the dog “snapped.” It’s just doing what it was bred for. Everyone seems to accept herding behavior from the entire category of breeds called ”collies.” Yet many people deny that the category of breeds called pit bulls, who were bred to fight but raised in a loving home, have the propensity to attack, regardless of how friendly they appear. Just as I will never drink and drive because I won’t jeopardize the safety of myself and others, I will never own a pit bull. If I were ever at fault in an accident that injured or killed another human being (child or adult) after consuming alcohol, I would not be able to live with myself. If I owned one of those sweet pit bulls who “out of nowhere” injured or killed a human or someone’s pet , I would have the same feelings. I cannot fathom any parent taking a pit bull into their home and then allowing their children to climb all over the dog, even into their bed (as described in an earlier post). Why would anyone take a chance of potentially putting their child in harm’s way? Is it me, or are they being totally irresponsible?

Excellent response!