The definition of instinct is to behave in a way characteristic of a species, a natural, unlearned, predictable response to stimuli. Instinctual actions are in contrast to actions based on learning.
So, whose instincts am I talking about here, ours or our dog’s?
The dog is just being a dog. He comes hardwired, but we download new programs to help him assimilate into human society. On the other hand, our instincts are controlled by our more remarkable ability to reason and our intelligence, conscience, experience, insight, emotions, and need for accountability. Yet, we will make an informed decision to ignore our gut feelings and instincts in imminent danger. It has been documented that a woman will decide to ignore her gut feelings and enter an elevator with a stranger even if she’s fearful of bodily harm from that person.
More often than I care to think about, I receive calls from people whose households are terrorized by their dogs. These people are terrified of the dogs they live with. The more times I say that out loud, the more I can’t believe it. The dog may follow its instinct to control the pack by mouthing, biting, barking, jumping, and scratching. The person ignores their instincts to be afraid and makes an informed decision to accept the dog’s behavior and live with the fear and sometimes the ultimate reality of being bitten, scratched, and tormented by the dog. It’s not always possible to read a dog’s body language. Many people believe a dog is friendly when it wags its tail, but that is not always true. It’s not always easy to determine if a dog that looks like it wants to play will charge you.
I have often wondered why anyone would choose to live with a dog, cat, other species of animal, or even another human they are afraid of.
How many of us seek the thrills of a scary movie or an amusement park ride, even though our hearts may beat a little faster? We may sweat, close our eyes, or even scream, but we know there’s a safety valve waiting in the wings because when the lights go on or the ride slows to a stop, we will be okay. But believe me when I tell you there is no safety valve on your dog. If he bites relentlessly or shows persistent hostility as a puppy, he will not outgrow it. The cute stage will diminish rapidly when you or a family member becomes the target of a dog’s uncontrollable instinct to bite.
You must learn to pay more attention to your instincts, as the signs are undeniable. Please don’t ignore 
them. If you think your dog’s behavior is more than just the normal puppy prankster stage, the teething stage, or the adjustment to a new home stage, talk to your veterinarian, the breeder the dog came from, or a professional trainer. Don’t dismiss the too-rambunctious nipping stage with the belief that it is only a stage and that he will grow out of it. Furthermore, by ignoring this negative, unwanted, and potentially harmful behavior, you are “validating” it.
Caution: don’t rely on “happily ever after” TV families depicted as perfect dog/kid relationships. Not every kid completes a dog, and not every dog completes a kid. They are two very distinct personalities, and it’s not improbable that they can sometimes clash. Many breeds falsely acclaimed as the “perfect dog for children” have been unfortunately dethroned due to random and unprovoked bouts of aggression, primarily directed at the children of the household. Surprisingly enough, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles have made the list. The rise in popularity carries an increase in “not characteristic to the breed” behavioral issues. It has tarnished the “Golden” reputation of the beloved Retriever and his close best friend, the Lab.
Is this less-than-desirable behavior due to overbreeding and in-breeding? I would guess that it probably has a lot to do with it. The circumstances in which the puppies live during their first two (2) months of life probably also play a big part in their development. Overcrowding and lack of individual human attention, as well as taking puppies away from their mothers before they are ready to face the world or before they have learned from their litter mates as well as their mother to know their role in a pack society, can cause emotional problems and the inability to adjust to new environments.
A new puppy should be a joyful addition to your family. If your heart tells you this is not the right situation for your family, and you are concerned about leaving your children in the same room with your dog, trust your instincts.
