Why is biological fulfilment so important

This puppy was never taught to herd. And yet - here he is. A 5 month old border collie naturally displaying behaviours that were selectively bred for generations:
 the slow stalk, the ability to match the sheep’s movement, the problem-solving when the flock splits. Herding isn’t a skill that was taught, it’s biology 🧬

When new clients begin working with me, one of the first questions I ask is how they fulfil their dog’s natural breed instincts. Most people look confused - or tell me they use a snuffle mat once a week with some kibble. I regularly see terriers labelled as having “too much prey drive,” spaniels that won’t engage outdoors, or bully breeds that become intense and reactive around other dogs. But when I look deeper into their lives, a pattern is almost always clear: the dog is not biologically fulfilled - sometimes not at all.

This is why understanding the breed of dog you have is so important.
Understand what they were bred to do.
 Understand which traits may become problematic if they’re suppressed.
 And understand how to meet those needs in appropriate, structured ways.

When a dog’s needs aren’t met, genetic instincts don’t disappear - the dog simply finds another outlet. That’s why an unfulfilled border collie may chase cars or shadows. Why a bull breed may become frustrated and reactive on walks.

I’m not saying you need to buy your collie a flock of sheep because that isn’t realistic for most households. But I am saying you should honour the breed you chose and help them become the most fulfilled version of themselves. 
Teach a herding dog to stalk a moving object.
 Offer scent work.
 Explore gun-dog training, bite work, or other breed-appropriate outlets.

You cannot use obedience to train away natural instincts. But you can meet them in a structured, appropriate way - and when you do, behaviour often improves. Fulfilment won’t always erase behaviour completely, especially if the behaviour is positively reinforcing to the dog. But it gives you a regulated, satisfied dog - and then you can work through the behaviour, stress, and training with clarity.

You cannot out-train biology.
 And fulfilment is a need, never a luxury! 💫🧡