Research is uncovering the genes linked to noise sensitivity in dogs (the GNAT2 gene) and impulsivity in horses. Soon, a DNA swab may tell a veterinarian that this specific puppy has a high genetic risk for separation anxiety, allowing for preventative behavioral conditioning from day one.
As prey animals, horses are hypervigilant. Pinning ears back is a clear warning. However, a still, "quiet" horse is often the most dangerous—it has moved from flight to freeze, and a freeze is milliseconds away from an explosive kick. zooskool stories full