Understanding Genetics Through the Behavioural Toolkit Analogy & Genetics in Practice with Dean Hart
Webinar Description
This session introduces genetics in a way that trainers and behaviour consultants can immediately use. Instead of heavy biology, we explore DNA, genes, alleles, polygenic traits, and protein production through the “behavioural toolkit” analogy a practical model that explains how inherited instructions shape the tools dogs start life with. We look at how the blueprint (DNA), development, environment, diet, and epigenetics influence the building and use of those tools. The session includes a guided Q&A addressing common genetics questions trainers encounter in practice.
Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:
- Understand DNA, genes, alleles, and polygenic traits using the behavioural toolkit analogy.
- Explain how the genetic blueprint influences the behavioural and emotional tools dogs begin life with.
- Describe how development, environment, diet, and epigenetics shape how those tools are built and used.
- Distinguish between proteins made by the dog’s DNA and proteins supplied through diet.
- Use analogy‑based explanations to communicate genetics clearly to clients.
- Apply genetic literacy to real‑world behaviour cases through structured Q&A discussion.
Your Presenters- Dean Hart PhD
Dr. Dean Hart is a clinical behaviorist with more than 23 years of experience working on veterinary referral, specialising in the biological foundations of learning, emotion, and welfare in dogs. His research spans heart‑rate variability (HRV) in canine stress assessment as well as cross‑species studies exploring how animals process and respond to their environments. Dean is known for translating complex neuroscience into clear, practical concepts that help trainers and behavior professionals understand not just what dogs do, but why they do it.
His teaching blends scientific clarity with real‑world welfare practice, offering evidence‑based tools that support humane, effective training and behavior modification. Dean’s work focuses on making the science of learning accessible, engaging, and directly applicable to everyday professional work.
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