When I first started in the dog world, it was through the shelter system. I was deeply embedded in rescue, fostering, and the belief that every dog could be saved. That if we just loved them enough, gave them structure, and put in the work, we could fix anything.
I believed we could save them all.
But after more than 15 years in this field, after hundreds of dogs, hours of training, and more late-night behavior deep-dives than I can count, I’ve had to face a hard truth:
You can only reach the full potential of the dog in front of you. And that potential is shaped by more than just training.
It’s shaped by genetics.
Nature and Nurture
We love to talk about how much training can do, and trust me, it can do a lot. Structure, boundaries, clear communication, and emotional regulation can absolutely change a dog’s life. I’ve seen dogs go from full-blown reactivity to calm, focused walks. I’ve helped dogs who came in anxious and shut down learn to explore the world with confidence.
But I’ve also worked with dogs who, even after weeks of consistent work and real progress, still need a high level of management. Who might never be comfortable in busy public places. Who can’t live with other dogs. Who don’t want strangers in their space, and likely never will.
And that’s not a failure.
That’s genetics.
Think About It Like People
Here’s the human parallel: imagine a kid who’s incredibly shy and introverted. With supportive parents and the right environment, they can build confidence, learn to speak up, and function well in social situations. But they’re probably never going to be the life of the party, and that’s okay. That was never their wiring to begin with.
Now imagine trying to train that child to be an extrovert. To be loud, outgoing, and always eager to meet new people. You’d probably do more harm than good, not because you didn’t try hard enough, but because you were working against who they are at their core.
It’s the same with dogs. Training can bring out their best, but it can't rewrite their blueprint.
You’re Not Starting With a Blank Slate
Every dog comes into this world with a genetic predisposition, temperament traits that are baked in long before training begins. Things like:
Nervous system sensitivity (some dogs are more easily startled or aroused)
Social thresholds (some dogs are more tolerant of other dogs or people)
Prey drive
Energy level
Frustration tolerance
Noise sensitivity
You can influence these traits. You can shape behavior. You can absolutely help a dog live a more balanced, fulfilled life.
But you can’t train a Border Collie to stop being hyper-aware.
You can’t teach a livestock guardian breed to not be territorial.
And you can’t expect a fearful dog to suddenly become social and bombproof just because you want them to be.
Training Isn’t About Fixing, It’s About Revealing
The more experience I gain, the more I see my job not as “fixing” dogs, but as revealing who they really are and helping them thrive within that framework.
It’s about building a relationship rooted in acceptance. About meeting the dog in front of you where they are, not where you hoped they’d be.
That shift, from fixing to understanding, has been one of the most important changes in my career. It’s allowed me to let go of the pressure to make every dog “perfect” and instead celebrate the wins that actually matter: progress, stability, confidence, and communication.
Final Thoughts
Genetics matter. They always have. And once we stop fighting that reality, we open up the door to real, sustainable success.
Because when we stop trying to make every dog into an idealized version of what we think they should be, we can finally start honoring them for who they actually are.
And when we do that?
The training sticks.
The stress decreases.
And the relationship deepens.
That’s not giving up. That’s training with respect.