On 1 November, Dr. Cathryn Mellersh, principal investigator at the Canine Genetics Centre, and Karen Wild, clinical animal behaviourist, dog trainer, and author, participated in a series of radio interviews across the UK. The aim was to engage listeners in the science behind Wisdom Panel’s latest DNA testing innovation, which explores the genetic foundations of dog behaviour. Wisdom Panel has launched a pioneering behaviour insights feature within its portfolio of dog DNA tests, making it the only dog DNA service to characterise the genetic links influencing dogs’ individual tendencies – from splooting to anxiety and much more.
Cathryn and Karen’s day-long radiothon involved 15 stations, including BBC regional and commercial channels, to discuss new behaviour insights, share survey findings on pet-owner communication and generally raise awareness of DNA testing. By exploring how DNA shapes behavioural predispositions, the two canine experts highlighted the potential for dog owners to tailor care and training based on their dogs’ unique genetic profiles.
Wisdom Panel’s survey demonstrated that 58% of pet owners are not aware of DNA testing – so Cathryn used the opportunity to explain how the use of genetic tests can help owners, and particularly breeders, understand the inherited diseases and traits that their pets might be predisposed to.
The interviews attracted significant attention with broadcasts reaching millions through stations such as BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, and others. National media outlets, including The Sun, Daily Mirror, Scottish Sun, Irish Sun, and Metro, also covered the story, highlighting the pet-owner survey, expert insights, and an interactive quiz Wisdom Panel has created to help dog owners gauge their understanding of what their dogs are trying to tell them.
“Our day of interviews was a fantastic opportunity for the CGC and Wisdom Panel to connect with a large audience,” commented Cathryn, “it was an enjoyable day meeting presenters, producers, and engineers.” Cathryn faced an unexpected challenge on BBC Cambridgeshire, her first interview of the day: “The host played an audio clip of a conversation with her own cat, hoping for a scientific interpretation of what the cat was saying. I explained that cat whispering wasn’t really my field, but suggested her cat was probably angling for a meal!”
Understanding every woof, wag and roll
Karen discussed how animals try to communicate through facial expressions and body language: “Dogs and cats clearly show us how they are feeling, but we need to learn what these signals are. Body language is a great way to understand our pets, but we often focus on one part, such as their tail, when their face, ears, head, and body movements are all very telling. When a dog rolls onto its back as if inviting a belly rub, it could be that they’re feeling overwhelmed. The best way to tell is to stop petting and pause – if the dog stands up, it’s likely they weren’t relaxed at all. Giving them the chance to show you if they want more interaction is critical to understanding them.”
For pet owners, DNA testing is more than just uncovering breed history. Wisdom Panel’s new behaviour insights enable dog owners to anticipate traits and care needs unique to each dog. By gaining a deeper understanding of a dog’s individual profile, owners can tailor training, anticipate and address behavioural tendencies, and personalise care based on genetic insights – all of which can strengthen the human-animal bond.
Discover more about Wisdom Panel’s DNA services at www.wisdompanel.com and to see how well you understand what your dog is trying to tell you, take part in Wisdom Panel’s interactive quiz.
