One thing I’ve learned, over and over again, in all my years working with dogs is this: every single breed comes with instinctual characteristics written into their DNA. These instincts aren’t learned, they aren’t trained, and they certainly aren’t optional. They are the deepest, truest parts of who our dogs are.

And because of that, we can’t remove instinctual behavior.

We can’t train it out of them.

We can only guide it, shape it, and help them use it in a way that fits safely and appropriately into our human world.

But here’s the question I always ask:

Is trying to “override” instinct really the best thing for them?

Because at the end of the day, they’re just being a dog—being who they were meant to be.

When “Bad” Behavior Is Really Just Instinct

I can’t tell you how many times I’m called into a home because a dog’s behavior has become overwhelming, frustrating, or “out of control.” And almost every time, the moment I meet the dog and take in their breed, everything clicks. Their “inappropriate” behavior lines up perfectly with their instinctual breed traits.

Take Labradors, for example.

A family may be at their wits’ end because their Lab is constantly grabbing items, carrying things around, or running through the house with something in their mouth. They see chaos. I see instinct.

Labrador Retrievers were literally bred to pick things up, carry them gently, run with them, bring them back, and retrieve over and over again.

So if we don’t nurture, guide, and direct that instinct, they will do it anyway—just in ways that don’t always work for our lifestyle.

That Lab isn’t “misbehaving.”

They’re doing exactly what they were designed to do.

And if we don’t give them an outlet—maybe by teaching them to bring things to a toy box, to retrieve specific toys on cue, or to carry something appropriate—then the instinct comes out on its own, and suddenly we label it as “bad behavior.”

The Emotional Cost of Ignoring Instinct

I often think about how this applies to us as humans. We all have instinctual patterns too. A mother, for example, has an innate instinct to nurture, protect, and care. If you took away her ability to act on those instincts—but left the desire inside—imagine the emotional turmoil she’d feel.

It’s no different for our dogs.

When we try to suppress or eliminate a dog’s instinctual behavior, we create inner conflict. That conflict often shows up as:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Fear
  • Frustration
  • Even aggression

They feel the urge to do the thing their DNA is guiding them to do—but they’re punished or prevented from doing it. That’s a recipe for emotional distress.

I think about myself as a mother. My instinct to protect my child is hardwired. It is deep, primal, and if someone took away my ability to protect him but left the instinct burning inside me… I honestly think I would lose my mind.

Dogs feel that same internal pull.

So instead of trying to shut down instinct, we need to honor it and help them express it in safe, healthy, appropriate ways.

Choosing a Puppy or Adult Dog: Why Instinct Should Guide Your Decision

When bringing a new dog or puppy into your home, it’s so important to remember that every breed—and every mix—carries instinctual behaviors specific to the breeds in their DNA.

And today, most dogs are mixed, whether intentionally or unintentionally. That means you may have a puppy who herds, retrieves, digs, watches, or vocalizes… not because they’re being “bad,” but because it’s simply who they were born to be.

Before choosing your new companion, take time to think about:

  • What instincts you’re prepared to live with
  • Which behaviors fit your lifestyle
  • What outlets you can realistically provide
  • The emotional needs tied to the breed traits in that dog’s background

Choosing a dog is not just about looks, size, or popularity.

It’s about choosing a match—a dog whose natural instincts and emotional needs align with the life you can offer.

When we honor that from the very beginning, we set both the dog and the family up for a lifetime of success and understanding.

How to Use Your Dog’s Breed Instincts in a Productive, Safe, Emotionally Healthy Way

Here are some simple, powerful ways you can channel instinctual behaviors so your dog feels understood, fulfilled, and balanced—without turning your home into chaos.

Retrieving Breeds (Labradors, Goldens, Spaniels)

  • Teach “put it in the toy box.”
  • Fetch with clear cues.
  • Allow carrying soft items on walks.
  • Offer daily retrieval tasks.

Herding Breeds (Border Collies, Aussies, Shepherds)

  • Have them “herd” toys into baskets.
  • Use brain games and scent work.
  • Give them small, structured jobs.

Hounds (Beagles, Coonhounds, Dachshunds)

  • Let them sniff—often.
  • Create nosework games.
  • Use scent-based enrichment.

Terriers (Jack Russells, Westies, Schnauzers)

  • Provide digging outlets.
  • Use tug toys to satisfy prey drive.
  • Offer chase/search games.

Guardian Breeds (Mastiffs, Shepherds, Rottweilers)

  • Give calm “watching” jobs.
  • Use predictable routines.
  • Teach appropriate alerting and settling.

Working Breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Boxers)

  • Incorporate pulling sports or obstacle play.
  • Provide bursts of high-energy exercise.
  • Add purposeful tasks to their day.

At the Heart of It All: Let Them Be Who They Are

When we embrace a dog’s instincts instead of fighting them, everything changes.

Their behavior improves.

Their stress decreases.

Their emotional world becomes more balanced.

And the relationship between you and your dog becomes deeper, calmer, and more connected.

Honoring who they are—truly are—is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

Ready to Welcome a New Puppy or Adult Dog Into Your Family?

Choosing the right breed for your home really comes down to understanding your daily lifestyle, your energy level, your family dynamics, and the natural instincts bred into each type of dog. Every breed—whether purebred or a mix—comes with instinctual behaviors that will show up in your home, so it’s important to pick a dog whose needs and tendencies align with what you can realistically provide. If your home is calm and quiet, a high-energy working or herding breed may struggle, while a busy, active family might overwhelm a sensitive or low-energy breed. Look at the instincts, the emotional needs, and the natural behaviors of the breed, not just the appearance, and choose a dog whose hardwired traits will thrive in your daily world.

I’m always cautious when talking about breed tendencies or matching dogs to certain family types, because every dog is an individual with their own personality, strengths, and quirks. This isn’t about saying a certain breed can’t succeed in your home-only about helping you understand the environments they naturally thrive in so you can make an informed decision. If your home doesn’t perfectly match the ‘typica’ fit, that’s okay; it may simply mean giving your puppy or adult dog a little extra support as they settle in. Here is a quick guide to some well-known breeds, including their hardwired traits and the types of homes they typically thrive in. Click the link below https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5onTuqoc/Fx4mrCMiG8HTa6mTRaFa4A/edit?utm_content=DAG5onTuqoc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Want Help Honoring Your New Puppy’s or Adult Dog’s Instincts?

If you’re preparing for a new puppy or adult dog or navigating the early stages right now, Bark Side Manners is here to help you start off with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

✨ Ultimate Puppy Prep Blueprint – everything you need to prepare your home and your heart before your puppy arrives.

✨ Calm and Confident Dog Masterclass – learn how to understand your dog’s body language, instincts, stress responses, and how to guide them with empathy and science-based methods.

To get personalized support and access to these programs, just reach out to Bark Side Manners Dog Training.

Let’s build a calmer, more connected life for you and your dog—starting with honoring who they truly are.