When my first dog came home, a Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Thor, I thought I had a cute little lap dog.
What I got instead was a tiny tornado — the personality of a lion, the observation skills of a detective.
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it wouldn’t be about commands or equipment — it would be this: understand the story of your dog's breed first.
The Years I Spent Fighting Who He Was
I’ll be honest — I didn’t have the sense of humour that terriers apparently require.
I spent years frustrated, embarrassed, and exhausted, trying method after method to “fix” Thor’s behaviour.
I labelled him reactive, stubborn, overly protective. I tried to suppress every growl, bark, and instinct that made him… him.
Then I discovered Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and canine behaviour consultant. Her groundbreaking work developing the concept of L.E.G.S (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self) completely shifted my perspective. For me, the biggest “aha” moment was when she explained the “G” — Genetics — and breed tendencies. Suddenly, everything clicked.
Working With His Natural Instincts
Instead of trying to suppress his instincts, I started working with them.
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His protective instincts weren’t aggression — they were normal terrier behaviour.
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His quick decision-making wasn’t defiance — it was exactly what terriers were designed for.
I used his default behaviours — like sitting or looking at me — to guide him.
The change was magical. When I stopped fighting against who Thor was and started honoring what he was designed to be, he became more confident, less anxious, and more responsive to training.
Why Breed Matters
Your dog’s genetics don’t guarantee exact behaviours, but they give you a roadmap to their inner world.
Think about it: we spend hours researching cars for performance and safety… yet, we often choose dogs based only on looks or size.
Every breed group comes with its own built-in operating system — instincts, drives, and tendencies that shape how they see and interact with the world.
Quick Breed Insights
Here’s a taste of what we’ll explore in detail over the coming weeks:
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Terriers – Independent decision-makers, quick to act, bred for pest control.
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Toy Breeds – Velcro companions, happiest close to their people.
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Guardian Breeds – Natural protectors, born to assess threats.
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Retrievers – Social optimists, eager to please.
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Herding Breeds – Alert organisers, need a “job” to feel content.
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Sighthounds – Gentle athletes, thrive with bursts of speed and open space.
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Scent Hounds – Persistent trackers, ruled by their nose.
Understanding Your Dog’s Core Needs
Breed tendencies reflect core needs. When those needs aren’t met, dogs can become frustrated, anxious, or reactive.
Understanding these needs is the first step towards harmony.
Your Next Step: Get Curious
If your dog’s behaviour feels challenging, try shifting your perspective:
Instead of asking, “How do I stop this?”
Ask, “What is this behaviour telling me about my dog’s needs?”
Your dog’s breed story is a guide to understanding them better. Explore it with curiosity, and you’ll discover just how amazing and capable your dog truly is.
What’s Coming Next
Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive deeper into each breed group:
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Retrievers – loveable optimists who struggle with mouthiness, jumping, and enthusiasm.
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Toy Breeds – bred to be your shadow.
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Guardians, terriers, herders, sighthounds, and scent hounds — each with their own unique drives.
You’ll get practical insights into what makes your dog tick, why they do what they do, and how to work with their instincts rather than against them.
Want Personalised Help?
Whether you're navigating life with a new puppy, thinking about getting your first dog, or working through challenges with your current companion, I'd love to help you build that special bond.
I offer one-to-one online consultations tailored specifically to your dog (or future dog!) — always focused on curiosity, understanding, and building trust between you and your four-legged family member.