The Doggopedia Show

How much of your dog’s behavior can actually be changed through training—and how much was determined by genetics before you ever brought them home?

Dog genetics influence everything from prey drive and guarding behavior to confidence, sociability, energy, fear, and the way a dog responds to its environment. But as dogs have moved from working beside us to primarily living as pets, our expectations of them have changed dramatically.

I wanted to understand what happens when the dog we want conflicts with the dog genetics gave us.

Liam McArthur has spent more than a decade training dogs and working with everything from difficult behavioral cases to high-level working and protection dogs.

He’s the founder of LM-K9, co-founder of the MNTR Mentorship Programme, co-founder and instructor at the World Decoy Association, an active dog sport competitor, and an international instructor working with trainers and handlers around the world.

But Liam’s understanding of genetics started with his own dog.

At 20 years old, he bought a Doberman named Hugo.

Liam had researched the breed and imagined the confident, powerful protection dog he had read about. Instead, Hugo was fearful, reactive toward people, and scared of situations Liam expected a Doberman to handle confidently.

That dog ultimately changed the trajectory of Liam’s life.

And his story raises a much bigger question:

Are many of the dog behavior problems we struggle with today actually the result of asking dogs to live lives their genetics never prepared them for?

We discussed:

– How genetics affect dog behavior and temperament.
– How much dog training can actually change.
– Why breed alone doesn’t tell you exactly what an individual dog will become.
– Why owners often choose dogs they aren’t prepared to live with.
– The difference between a working breed and a true working dog.
– Why high-drive working dogs can struggle in ordinary pet homes.
– Prey drive, defense drive, confidence, sociability, and temperament.
– Why a Husky pulling on the leash may be doing exactly what humans bred it to do.
– When behavior should be trained and when it needs to be managed.
– Why Liam believes fulfillment is misunderstood in modern dog ownership.
– Protection dogs and what separates aggression from a genetically stable working dog.
– Why too much control too early can suppress a young working dog’s potential.
– Working-line vs. show-line dogs.
– What happens when breeders select dogs for appearance instead of function.
– Whether working breeds can retain their identity after losing the jobs that created them.
– What the future of working dogs could look like as technology replaces more of their traditional roles.

One story from the conversation stuck with me.

Liam worked with a Rottweiler whose owners wanted him to comfortably sit underneath tables at busy pubs and restaurants. They were approaching it as a training problem.

Liam asked them a different question:

Does your dog actually want to be there?

That question gets to the heart of this episode.

Humans have spent thousands of years selectively breeding dogs to hunt, herd, guard, retrieve, pull, track, protect, kill vermin, move livestock, and work beside us.

Now many of those same dogs live in apartments and suburban homes, and we can become frustrated when the traits we deliberately put into them show up in everyday life.

Training matters enormously. Liam makes that clear.

But training also has limits.

Understanding the dog standing in front of us requires understanding its breed, bloodline, genetics, temperament, history, and the purpose humans originally created it to serve.

That relationship between dogs and humans is exactly what The Doggopedia exists to explore.

I’m Jeff Greene, founder of The Doggopedia, and our mission is to travel the world documenting the breeds, people, cultures, history, and working traditions behind humanity’s oldest partnership.

If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to The Doggopedia, share the episode with another dog owner, and let me know in the comments:

Have you ever gotten a dog that turned out completely different from what you expected?

Follow Liam McArthur:
Instagram: @lm_k9training
LM-K9: professional dog training, working dogs, protection work, and education.

#DogTraining #DogBehavior #DogGenetics #WorkingDogs #Doggopedia

 If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9 
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this episode, you’ll learn why your dog’s behavior isn’t random—and how understanding their genetic instincts is the key to unlocking real progress.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest mistakes dog owners make: treating all dogs like blank slates. From herders to hounds, guardians to terriers, your dog’s behavior is rooted in instinct—and when that instinct isn’t fulfilled, it shows up as reactivity, destruction, anxiety, and more.

This isn’t just a conversation about breeds—it’s about redefining what it means to train, live with, and truly understand your dog.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why trying to “fix” your dog’s behavior might be doing more harm than good
• How breed drives and genetic wiring influence your dog’s behavior
• Real stories of owners who misunderstood their dog’s instincts—and what happened next
• How to match your dog’s daily activities with their natural desires
• Why fulfillment comes before obedience—and how this one shift changes everything
• What Zara and Kairo (my own dogs) taught me about rushing vs. respecting the process
• How the environment shapes behavior just as much as genetics do

This episode is packed with real-life examples, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you stop fighting your dog—and start fulfilling them.

Ready to stop treating your dog like a problem—and start seeing them as a partner?
Listen now, and let’s change the way you train, live, and connect with your dog—for good.

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

The K9 Academy Show : https://www.instagram.com/thek9academyshow/

Jeff Greene : 
https://www.instagram.com/jeffgreeneofficial/

Sami Garza : 
https://www.instagram.com/samitrainsdags/

Produced By Rob Nova : 
https://www.instagram.com/robnova_/

Each episode is your step-by-step playbook to mastering training techniques, resolving behavioral issues, and creating a happy, thriving partnership with your four-legged friend.

Here’s what you’ll learn in every episode:

Proven training methods to stop frustrating behaviors and build trust
Expert tips to understand your dog’s unique personality and needs
Real success stories that will inspire you to achieve your goals
Actionable advice to solve common challenges, from leash pulling to separation anxiety
Tools to create a calm, confident, and well-balanced dog
This isn’t just a podcast; it’s your roadmap to transforming your relationship with your dog and becoming the pet parent you’ve always wanted to be.

Ready to take your skills to the next level and build the life your dog deserves? Start listening now!


If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:


Instagram: @eversteadk9academy
Facebook: Everstead K9
Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/
Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this episode, Jeff and Sami talk about picking the right dog that fits your lifestyle and not solely choosing a dog based on looks.

 The difference between Working Line vs. Show Line. They dive into breed specific genetics that could quickly get out of hand if not handled properly.

The K9 Academy Show : https://www.instagram.com/thek9academyshow/

Jeff Greene : 
https://www.instagram.com/jeffgreeneofficial/

Sami Garza : 
https://www.instagram.com/samitrainsdags/

Produced By Rob Nova : 
https://www.instagram.com/robnova_/

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this episode, you’ll learn the real reasons behind America’s shelter crisis—and what you can do to help.

Today, we’re breaking down the most pressing issues causing animal shelters across the country to overflow, and we’re giving you the tools and knowledge to make a difference.

This episode isn’t just about the problem; it’s about understanding the root causes, the ripple effects, and the small but impactful actions you can take to help turn things around.

You’ll hear insights from leading experts in dog training, animal welfare, and shelter management who are working tirelessly on the front lines of this crisis. Together, we’re tackling the big questions:

• Why are shelters overwhelmed, and what role does behavioral surrender play?
• How has the economy pushed more dogs into shelters than ever before?
• What gaps in education and resources leave owners with fewer options?
• Most importantly, what are the real, actionable solutions to this heartbreaking issue?

This episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, practical advice, and a call to action that could change the lives of countless dogs and their owners.

Ready to understand the crisis and be part of the solution? This is your moment to step up and make a difference.

The K9 Academy Show : https://www.instagram.com/thek9academyshow/

Jeff Greene : 
https://www.instagram.com/jeffgreeneofficial/

Sami Garza : 
https://www.instagram.com/samitrainsdags/

Produced By Rob Nova : 
https://www.instagram.com/robnova_/

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this podcast, hosts Jeff Greene and Sami Garza deliver the expert advice, game-changing insights, and inspiring stories you need to strengthen the bond with your dog and tackle the challenges of pet ownership head-on.

Each episode is your step-by-step playbook to mastering training techniques, resolving behavioral issues, and creating a happy, thriving partnership with your four-legged friend.

Here’s what you’ll learn in every episode:

• Proven training methods to stop frustrating behaviors and build trust
• Expert tips to understand your dog’s unique personality and needs
• Real success stories that will inspire you to achieve your goals
• Actionable advice to solve common challenges, from leash pulling to separation anxiety
• Tools to create a calm, confident, and well-balanced dog

This isn’t just a podcast; it’s your roadmap to transforming your relationship with your dog and becoming the pet parent you’ve always wanted to be.

Ready to take your skills to the next level and build the life your dog deserves? Start listening now!

The K9 Academy Show : https://www.instagram.com/thek9academyshow/

Jeff Greene : 
https://www.instagram.com/jeffgreeneofficial/

Sami Garza : 
https://www.instagram.com/samitrainsdags/

Produced By Rob Nova : 
https://www.instagram.com/robnova_/

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this episode, you’ll learn the truth about dog training tools—and why balanced training is the key to success.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training: using tools like prong collars, e-collars, and slip leads. Jeff Greene and Sami Garza break down the misconceptions surrounding balanced training and expose the hidden dangers of purely positive methods.

This isn’t just a conversation about tools—it’s about giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions for your dog’s safety, happiness, and long-term success.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why the stigma around training tools exists—and why it’s time to challenge it
• How balanced training works and why it’s more humane than you’ve been told
• The real risks of relying solely on purely positive methods
• Myths about prong and e-collars debunked by experts in the field
• Practical tips for choosing the right tools for your dog’s unique needs

This episode is packed with expert advice, eye-opening insights, and actionable strategies to help you cut through the noise and make the best choices for your dog.

Ready to rethink what you know about dog training and become a more confident, informed pet parent? Listen now, and let’s change the conversation about training for good.

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!

In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate one of the hardest decisions in dog ownership: behavioral euthanasia.

Today, we’re tackling a deeply emotional and often misunderstood topic that no dog owner wants to face. What happens when training, medication, and rehoming aren’t enough? How do you make the most humane decision for a dog with extreme behavioral challenges?

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a compassionate guide to help you understand the factors at play, clear up misconceptions, and explore every possible option before making this heart-wrenching choice.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The key reasons behavioral euthanasia is sometimes considered—and why it’s never an “easy way out”
• How to recognize when a dog’s quality of life may be at risk
• The myths surrounding behavioral euthanasia and why they create unnecessary stigma
• Practical steps for evaluating every avenue, from training to medication to rehoming
• A compassionate framework for making this decision with clarity, care, and professional guidance

This episode is filled with empathy, expert insights, and actionable advice to help you approach this sensitive topic with humanity and understanding.

Ready to gain the tools and perspective you need for one of the toughest choices in dog ownership? Start listening now.

The K9 Academy Show : https://www.instagram.com/thek9academyshow/

Jeff Greene : 
https://www.instagram.com/jeffgreeneofficial/

Sami Garza : 
https://www.instagram.com/samitrainsdags/

Produced By Rob Nova : 
https://www.instagram.com/robnova_/

If today’s episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation! Connect with us on our social media platforms:

• Instagram: @EversteadK9
• Facebook: Everstead K9
• Tiktok: Everstead K9 Academy
• YouTube: Everstead K9 Academy Channel
• Everstead K9 Members Club: https://everstead-k9-academy.mn.co/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our online community. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.eversteadk9academy.com to access exclusive resources and connect with other dog lovers.

Let’s build a supportive and informed network together!