In a recent episode of Brain and Behaviour (Episode 10: “Breeding for Behaviour”), Dr. Jessica Perry Hekman, a veterinary geneticist, shared a compelling story that perfectly illustrates the complex interplay between genetics and canine behaviour — and the often surprising consequences of intentional breeding.

A Labrador and a Sandwich

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, dogs are carefully bred, raised in volunteer homes for the first year, and then assessed for suitability as working dogs. During one of these assessments, Dr. Hekman observed a one-year-old Labrador retriever walk away from its handler, hop onto a table, and pry open a sealed container to steal a sandwich.

To Dr. Hekman, this was classic young Labrador behaviour: curious, persistent, and highly food-motivated. But the trainers were stunned — this had never happened before. They didn’t even have a spare container ready. Their dogs, they said, “don’t counter-surf.”

Breeding for Initiative: A Double-Edged Sword

So what had changed? The staff explained that they had recently started to notice a lack of assertiveness in their dogs. For a dog trained by Guiding Eyes for the Blind to be effective, it must be able to make independent decisions — such as refusing to cross a street when it sees oncoming traffic, even if the handler gives the instruction.

To improve this, the breeding programme had begun selecting for greater initiative.

But as it turns out, initiative doesn’t only manifest in work-related tasks. The same trait that allows a dog to make sound independent judgements in dangerous situations can also show up in daily life as opportunism — like deciding to raid a table for snacks. The dogs were showing more initiative across the board, including behaviours their handlers didn’t want.

Not Just Labradors: Initiative in Other Breeds

Counter-surfing isn’t just a Labrador problem — it’s a common complaint among many dog owners. And it’s often misunderstood.

In breeds designed for independent work, such as far-ranging bird dogs, livestock guardians, and scent hounds, what looks like disobedience may actually be a feature, not a flaw. These dogs are often bred to think for themselves, make decisions at a distance, and take initiative without waiting for human instruction.

So, while a counter-surfing setter or pointer might frustrate a pet owner, that same trait could be what makes them excel in the field: exploring terrain, locating birds, or tracking game with minimal guidance. This raises an important question for breeders and dog owners alike: Are we selecting for traits that suit the job — or just the household?

Behavioural Genetics: Trade-Offs and Priorities

Dr. Hekman used the Labrador story to highlight a broader truth in behavioural genetics: there are always trade-offs. Selecting for one desirable trait may come with unintended side effects. A dog that is confident and independent may also be wilful or impulsive.

She also noted the importance of clearly defining what you’re trying to breed for. Trainers often use the term “operationalise” — that is, making abstract traits like “initiative” measurable and observable. Breeders may not always use that language, but they face the same challenge: determining clear goals and understanding the possible consequences of selecting for them.

Takeaway

This story of the sandwich-stealing Labrador isn’t just entertaining — it’s a powerful reminder of the complexity of breeding for behaviour. It shows how genetics, training, and context interact in ways that aren’t always predictable.

Whether you live with a sofa-surfing setter or a Labrador with a nose for snacks, remember: initiative might be frustrating at the dinner table — but in the right context, it can be a working dog’s superpower.

If you’re involved in dog breeding, training, or just curious about animal behaviour, this is a prime example of why it’s essential to approach behaviour not as a set of isolated traits, but as a system of interconnected tendencies, shaped by both nature and nurture.

For more on behavioural genetics and working dogs, check out the full episode of Brain and Behaviour featuring Dr. Jessica Perry Hekman