Understanding the Factors Influencing Dog Behaviour

RFFDMSUK
May 29, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Mar 2

Understanding Canine Behaviour: A Complete, Science‑Led, Holistic Guide

Behaviour is one of the most common topics raised across our community. While our core focus is nutrition and natural health, many guardians ask whether raw feeding can influence behaviour. Behaviour is never shaped by one factor alone. It emerges from genetics, prenatal and postnatal development, early socialisation, training, health, environment, lifestyle, and nutrition working together.

We are not qualified behaviourists, and we always recommend working with certified professionals such as:

🔹 Find an APBC Member – APBC

🔹 INTODogs Behaviourists

One of our RFFDMSUK co‑founders, Vic, is currently studying canine behaviour, giving us deeper insight into how nutrition interacts with emotional well‑being and cognitive function. This guide explores the science behind behaviour and how nutrition supports the systems that underpin emotional balance.

1. Genetics: The Biological Blueprint Behind Behaviour

Genetics form the foundation of every dog’s behavioural tendencies. They influence how a dog processes information, responds to stress, interacts socially, and learns — but they do not determine behaviour. Instead, they create a behavioural “range,” and environment shapes where within that range a dog ultimately lands.

🧬 How Behavioural Traits Are Inherited

Dogs inherit thousands of genes from both parents. Many influence:

Neurotransmitter pathways (serotonin, dopamine, GABA)
Hormone regulation (cortisol, adrenaline)
Sensory processing (sound sensitivity, visual focus)
Stress reactivity
Sociability and bonding tendencies
Impulsivity and frustration tolerance

These inherited traits form the dog’s natural behavioural baseline.

🧠 Polygenic Traits

Most behavioural traits are polygenic, meaning they are influenced by many genes working together. This explains why:

Littermates can have different temperaments
Two confident parents can produce a cautious puppy
Breed alone cannot predict behaviour

🧬 Neurogenetics: How Genes Shape the Brain

Genetics influence the development and function of:

Amygdala — fear processing and emotional intensity
Prefrontal cortex — decision‑making, impulse control
Hippocampus — memory, learning, stress regulation
HPA axis — the body’s stress‑response system

These systems influence how quickly a dog becomes aroused, how they recover from stress, and how they interpret new experiences.

🌱 Epigenetics

Epigenetics refers to how genes are expressed, not the genes themselves. Experiences can “switch” certain genes on or off.

Influences include:

Stress
Nutrition
Early handling
Trauma
Enrichment
Environmental stability

🐕 Breed History and Selective Breeding

Breeds were developed for specific tasks, shaping behavioural tendencies:

Herding breeds — sensitivity to movement, quick decision‑making
Retrievers — sociability, cooperation
Scent hounds — independence, persistence
Guarding breeds — vigilance
Terriers — tenacity, fast reactions

🧩 Temperament Clusters

Research suggests canine temperament can be grouped into:

Fearfulness
Aggression‑related traits
Sociability
Playfulness
Trainability

🔄 Gene–Environment Interactions

Behaviour emerges from the interaction between biology and experience:

A genetically cautious dog raised in a calm, enriched environment may become confident.
A genetically bold dog raised in a chaotic environment may develop anxiety.

Genetics provide the blueprint; environment builds the house.

2. Maternal Environment: Influences Before and After Birth

A mother’s physical and emotional environment plays a major role in shaping her puppies’ behavioural foundations.

🤰 Prenatal Influences

Maternal stress — Elevated cortisol during pregnancy can influence how puppies respond to stress later.
Nutrition — The mother’s diet supports neurological development and growth.
Toxin exposure — Environmental pollutants can affect neurological development.

🍼 Postnatal Influences

Early handling — Gentle human interaction supports confidence and adaptability.
Maternal behaviour — Calm, attentive mothers model emotional stability.
Environmental stability — Predictable, low‑stress environments support healthy emotional development.

🌿 Indirect Influences

Inherited stress responses
Behavioural modelling
Environmental enrichment for the mother

A strong behavioural foundation begins long before puppies leave for their new homes.

3. Early Puppy Socialisation

Socialisation is one of the most important developmental stages in a dog’s life.

Key Principles

Weeks 3–14 are critical
Socialisation should be positive and structured
Avoid overstimulation
Limited exposure may contribute to fearfulness later

Thoughtful socialisation supports emotional resilience and balanced behaviour.

4. Training and Behaviour

Training helps dogs understand expectations, build trust, and navigate the world safely.

Training Supports:

Confidence
Emotional regulation
Communication
Predictability
Stress resilience

Positive reinforcement and consistency create a secure learning environment.

5. Nutrition and Behaviour: Supporting the Body Systems Behind Emotion

Nutrition supports the biological systems that influence emotional balance, cognitive function, and stress regulation.

🥩 Protein

Raw diets typically contain 16–19% protein, aligning with FEDIAF’s 18–21% recommendation.

High‑quality protein supports:

Neurotransmitter production
Muscle maintenance
Immune function
Stable energy levels

💧 Hydration

Raw foods contain 60–70% moisture, supporting:

Digestive comfort
Nutrient absorption
Hydration

See our blog for more information on energetics of food

🌿 Vitamins & Minerals

Minimally processed foods retain natural micronutrients that support:

Cognitive function
Immune health
Cellular repair

🐟 Fats & Omega Balance

Omega‑3 supports neurological development and natural inflammation regulation.
Omega‑6 supports skin and immune function.
Balanced ratios support overall well‑being and mood stability.

🧠 Serotonin, Gut Health, and Behaviour: The Gut–Brain Axis

Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters involved in emotional regulation, impulse control, sleep, appetite, and overall mood stability. While serotonin is often associated with the brain, around 90% of it is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.

How Serotonin Supports Emotional Stability

Serotonin contributes to:

Emotional balance
Stress resilience
Sleep regulation
Impulse control
Cognitive processing
Appetite regulation

The body relies on nutrients such as tryptophan, B‑vitamins, magnesium, and omega‑3 fatty acids to support normal serotonin synthesis.

🦠 Gut Dysbiosis and Its Impact on Serotonin

Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, it can influence:

Serotonin production
Tryptophan metabolism
Inflammation
Digestive comfort
Stress responses
Behavioural stability

Read our microbiome blog for more information

How Dysbiosis Disrupts Serotonin Pathways

Reduced beneficial bacteria can impair tryptophan conversion.
Overgrowth of certain microbes may divert tryptophan away from serotonin pathways.
Gut inflammation can reduce nutrient absorption.
Compromised gut barrier function may increase systemic inflammation.
Altered vagus nerve signalling can influence emotional responses.

These changes do not “cause” behavioural problems, but they can influence the physiological systems that underpin emotional regulation.

🧪 How a Microbiome Test Can Help

A microbiome test provides insight into the composition of the gut microbiota. It can help identify:

Overgrowth of specific bacterial groups
Low levels of beneficial bacteria
Microbial patterns associated with inflammation
Digestive imbalances that may influence behaviour indirectly

This information can guide decisions around:

Dietary adjustments
Probiotic or prebiotic support
Ingredient sensitivities
Feeding strategies that support digestive comfort

A microbiome test does not diagnose behavioural conditions, but it can highlight digestive imbalances that may influence the systems involved in emotional stability.

🌿 Supporting a Healthy Microbiome Through Nutrition

Nutrition plays a central role in shaping the gut microbiome. A balanced, minimally processed diet supports:

Microbial diversity
Efficient nutrient absorption
Healthy gut barrier function
Reduced inflammation
Stable digestion
Optimal tryptophan availability

Whole‑food diets naturally rich in tryptophan, omega‑3s, and bioavailable micronutrients support serotonin pathways and overall well‑being.

6. Health, Pain, and Behaviour

Pain is a major contributor to behavioural change. Dogs often mask discomfort, so subtle shifts may be early indicators.

Pain‑Linked Behavioural Changes

Irritability
Avoidance
Reduced tolerance for handling
Restlessness

Supporting Assessment

Online gait analysis
Veterinary assessment
Behaviourist support

Addressing pain is essential for behavioural stability.

7. Weight, Mobility, and Behaviour

Weight influences comfort, mobility, and emotional well‑being. See our blog body condition scores for more details

PDSA Paw Report 2023 Highlights

44% of guardians did not know their dog’s ideal weight
46% of dogs were overweight or obese
40% gave treats daily
46% gave treats “because it makes them happy”

Excess weight can contribute to discomfort, reduced mobility, and irritability.

8. Environment and Behaviour

A dog’s environment influences emotional stability and stress resilience.

Key Environmental Factors

Physical comfort
Predictable routine
Calm interactions
Mental stimulation

Enrichment Ideas

Sniffing walks
Puzzle feeders
Scent games
Natural feeding methods

Check out our enrichment blog for more information

9. Exercise, Socialisation, Age, and Guardian Influence

Exercise

Supports stress reduction, mobility, and energy regulation.

Socialisation

Supports confidence, adaptability, and emotional resilience.

Age

Behaviour evolves with life stage. Sudden changes warrant veterinary assessment.

Guardian Influence

Dogs rely on predictability, calm interactions, and clear boundaries.

Final Thoughts: Behaviour Is Always Multifactorial

Behaviour is shaped by a combination of:

Genetics
Prenatal and postnatal influences
Socialisation
Training
Nutrition
Health and pain
Weight and mobility
Daily environment
Guardian interactions

Supporting each of these areas helps dogs develop into confident, emotionally balanced companions. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement create the foundation for a well‑adjusted life.