Nature vs. Nurture - Page 1

it was brought up that HD was 20-30% genetic (according to the sv) although most people seem to think it should be higher. i am wondering how much nature vs. nurture plays into other aspects of our dogs? opinions welcome, studies or other scientific data greatly apprecitated. Handler Aggression? Defense? Allergies? just to name a few john

OK I'll bite, probably get gutted for it but what the heck I'll give it a shot. Handler Aggression, It has been my "understanding" that this behavior is taught or should I say "taunted". Defense, Another one that I "understand" to be environmental/training/socialization or lack thereof caused. In my own expeiriences I have seen people make they're dogs Defensive aggressive by pushing too hard, by making corrections when they should have just stood there and ignored what was taking place as the actions did not warrant correction but maybe the opposite, I saw a guy whack his dog for greeting a familiar party. To me that absolutely promoted this dog to be more "defensive" of his behavior which was not out of line in the first place. Allergies, "understand" that to be a combination of environmental and or genetics, We know that allergies can be genetic and we also know they can be environmentally caused as well, So this would be a combination potential. gonna go hide in the weeds now, to avoid that baited hook. :-)

IMO, super deep 105 degree or greater Norberg angled OFA excellent hips are 100% genetically determined, but will not breed as a single dominant gene, since they are polygenic. Environment does not to make these better or worse as they are obvious to be great early on (about 4-8 weeks) and tend to be resistant to injury and arthritis. On the other hand, clean hips with a shallow socket can be turned bad by environmental variables. These GSDs need to have food and exercise restricted and should be fed glucosamine/chondroitin suppements from the first xrays on.

Preston, I tend to agree with that assessment, and subsequently further complicates just breeding certifications to certifications. You must have a deeper knowledge than the fair, good ,excellent, to have an improved chance of predicting the offspring....JMO