On/Off Switch. All genetic or not? - Page 1

I was having the conversation about this and wanted to know some various opinions on this.
Is a dog having a onn/off swtich all genetic?  Can it be really taught and if so does genetics play any part in it or is it all a matter of training?
Is there a difference between off/on switch in the house as opposed to on the field?  Can a dog have it in one venue and not the other?

I think so, but I also think that training can affect it's expression.  Also, there are different ideas about what having an "on/off" switch means, so perhaps it should be defined for the purpose of this thread as how you refer to it.  I recall some people saying that the switch doesn't really exist, or maybe that it's part of "normal" behavior, and that a dog without that ability is the un-natural norm.

Hi Ace:

I had the unfortunate or should I say heartwrenching experience of having a GSD without an "off" button.  This poor dog was a combo of German WL and American SL - so apples to oranges breeding.  The behavior began to manifest itself when our girl was a  baby and increasingly worsened as she aged.  The behavior finally expressed itself as OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder.    She would "pattern run" endlessly to the point of not eating or drinking water.  In other words, IMO the lack of an "off" button  at the very basic level affects a dog's survival not to mention excluding them as a partner and family member.   It turns out that most of the litter lacked an "off" button.  When I notified the breeder about our issue - her response " that comes from the mother and maternal grandfather - ask your vet for prozac".  My response "no can do".

Fortunately, I found GSDs with "on/off" button and have since bred such dogs.  These are dogs that I suppose people refer to as being "clear headed".  They can  distinguish when it's appropriate to work and when it's time to relax.  They can distinguish between friend/ foe and act appropriately.  They do not waste their energy needlessly but preserve it when for when it's needed - i.e. work, play or protect.

Based on my experiences, having an on/off switch is genetic.  IMO having this ability to turn on/off is exhibited in all aspects of the dog's life.

Cassandra

I have a puppy who wouldn't stop on her own--she just started ramping up when she got tired. I have enforced "naps"--calm crate time and she'd just crash when I made her "stop" -- and now, at 6 months, when loose in the house, she calms herself nicely and often naps when loose. I think it would have been easy to have this girl be a dog who wouldn't stop. So, I think there is an element of learning here--and it started early.

Christine

My experience is the same as Christine's. I wonder if responsible crate training coupled with appropriate outdoor exercise helps teach a young dog to have an off-switch in the house. My two GSDs (1.5 years and 17 weeks) both understand that they chill inside the house but are always ready to rumble the second we go outside.

Yeah--it was and is crucial to give this puppy lots of exercise *and* mental stimulation. She's a very smart puppy as well as being high energy. I think that if I hadn't given her lots to think about and lots to do--as well as defined "downtime" periods, she would have come up with something on her own--maybe even an OCD type behavior. That isn't to say that all OCD-behaviors can be avoided--but they definitely can be "fostered" by not giving the dog appropriate outlets.

Christine

My dog does the OCD pacing... if we let him. Heard it comes from the Arminius lines...but I could have that wrong. He can be commanded to stop, and he will, but left to his own devices would track a perimeter, endlessly, no doubt. People need to recognize this kind of behavior early on, and deal with it appropriately for the off switch to be ingrained... or learned. The on switch I believe is innate.

Agreed. Working adults' and puppies' minds is essential. I'm typing this as the pup is snoring loudly beside me and we only practiced a neat, tuck sit for 5 minutes.

I think it also has to do with the owner.  If the dog is never allowed to be "on", or not "on" enough, then they can never truly turn off.  I think some people, especially pet owners who don't do work or sport, complain about dogs not having an "off switch" because the dog isn't really ever allowed to be "on."  

Well, I'd think just the oppostite, because a pet is more likely to be a free ranger and thinker, since the containment level, and therefore restriction isn't there. My pet any way. lol

Also, with any OCD type of "on" switch, I don't think the level of exercise has much to do with it. It helps in other aspects of the dog's well-being and learning of manners, and general obedience, but with OCD's like the pacing, my experience tells me, no: you need to condition them to stop. If you do that, it is no big deal. IMHO