With Guest Chatters, Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli CAAB, and Dr. Stephen Zawistoski CAAB

After you purchase the replay, log back in and scroll ALL the way to the bottom of the page to see the link to the replay.

We all know that genes influence behavior. But claims we hear every day make it clear that popular ideas about how genes affect behavior are disconnected from the actual science of behavior genetics. Consider the following statements we’ve all heard repeatedly:

“Fill in the blank breed” aren’t naturally aggressive. It’s all in how they’re raised and trained.

“Fill in the blank breed” are inherently dangerous with a “killer instinct”.

Aggression is 80% environmental and 20% genetic (fill in whatever percentage you want).

Behavior is inherited.

There is a gene for aggression. We just haven’t found it yet.

“For example, the mastiff, bull dogs, pitbulls, and boxers, etc. are closely related to one another. The aggression noted in these breeds can certainly be explained as genetic.” (ACTA VET. BRNO 2007, 76: 431-444; doi:10.2754/avb200776030431).

It’s instinctive for dogs to guard their food, bury their bones, turn around in circles before lying down, etc.

Turns out, these claims – stated as they are – aren’t even the right way to ask questions that can be the subject of behavior genetic research. In this CAAB Chat, we’ll begin by chatting about the methods of behavior genetic research and analysis and define some terms.

You’ll be fascinated as you listen to behavior geneticists and fellow CAABs Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli and Dr. Steve Zawistowski –describe how genetic research is conducted, using their own research as examples. Drs. Alice and Steve will enlighten us about:

Phenotypes and genotypes and why defining a phenotype is a crucial part of genetic research

An overview of heritability – what it really means and what’s required to measure it

The effects of relaxed selection, with the pitbull being a great example

The “Charlotte’s Web” of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions that influence gene expression

From there we’ll chat about some of the new research in behavior genetics as it pertains to dogs (and other animals) and how the research methods being used affect the quality of the results.

Behavior genetics is a complicated, complex field that is easily misunderstood by all of us who aren’t trained in its methods and terminology. We learned a TON just by planning this Chat with Steve and Alice, and now it’s your chance. Don’t miss it!

Couldn’t make the live chat? No worries, you can purchase the replay now for only $15.00 through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account – you can pay with your credit card.

After purchase, when you log back in, the link to the replay will appear below at the bottom of the page. Scroll ALL the way down!

BEST VALUE – Join BEN!! Want access to ALL past and future CAAB Chat replays? Join Behavior Education Network and enjoy this and many more member benefits including exclusive BEN webinars EVERY month, weekly Biscuits (articles) on useful and important topics.

Not a member of BEN?

Learn More and Join Today at www.BehaviorEducationNetwork.com

Current BEN Members: Pro Members have unlimited access to all CAABChat replays through your direct access to BEN. Do NOT try to use your BEN credentials here. They will not work. Log into BEN HERE

PLEASE BE AWARE: There was a last minute technical issue with Dr. Zawistwoski’s microphone, resulting in significant background interference noise at the beginning of the replay. This interference is successfully managed and muted as the replay continues past the 8 minute mark. So don’t give up at the beginning – we are able to mute the noise out most of the time by the 2nd” chapter” / topic divisions in the chat.