This page is a component of the Glossary of the Dog Science, CBC
Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network
Go to the index of the Glossary of Terms
Innate and Intrinsic
The words innate and intrinsic are synonymous.
Both words refer to inherent characteristics that are basic to the essential nature of humans and canines alike. For example, we are all born with an aversion to hunger, the desire to maintain a comfortable body temperature, a longing for companionship, and the determination to remain comfortable and pain free. Therefore, all of those desires can be said to be innate or intrinsic.
For your dog, the opportunity to run, chew, eat, swim, play, retreive, go outdoors, as well as the chance to be with the ones he loves, are all intrinsically desirable, in that you don't have to reward your dog to make him value those things. Rather, to many dogs, all of those activities are rewarding unto themselves.
Dogs are also governed by an innate need to be touched and adequately stimulated, as well as a powerful desire to interact with the ones they love. In addition, most are beset by a powerful intrinsic yearning to spend time surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.