Woof Woof Wednesday y’all!

It’s not the dog ……. it’s the owner ….. Ever hear that before?

As you know Riley and I try to visit his favorite dog park as often as we can. He just loves running around and meeting new playmates and sometimes his BFFF (best furry friend forever), Trigger is with us ….. boy we love it when T joins us!

Any who ….. I also love meeting new people and seeing new puppies as they visit the park for the first time. They are usually a little frighten when they first enter the park because as usual there is always a welcoming pack at the gate and for the newbies it can be rather daunting. What with all the barking, growling and sniffing going around. And yes, that is how dogs get to know each other.

I think it is quite funny at times because many people have a mind-set on a specific breed and sometimes, many times ……. it’s just not accurate. The one thing I have learned is that we must be careful not to assume just because a trait may be a genetic component ….. that it will exist across all members of the breed. Behavioral traits that we may think are common in certain types of breeds may not necessarily be universal across the breed.

Many dog enthusiasts will tell you that certain dogs always have certain traits/characteristics, we have all heard that Labrador Retrievers are friendly, German Shepherds are protective, Corgis are smarter than your fifth grader, Scotties are aloof and do not cuddle.

So, is the breed of the dog the predictor of the personality? Many people, me included think there is a lot more to it than genetics. Just like you and I, dogs are affected by their experiences and their environment and yes their personality can change over time ….. just like ours!

For many people who have rescued a dog, you know first hand that if a dog has endured abuse they may and usually will have some deep emotional scars, which does not mean that these scars will never be erased but it affects their personality.

Why do you think that positive or reward-based training is so much better than negative response training.  Are you any different? There are so many experiences that will affect your dog’s personality from whether your dog was neutered, age of the dog when they became part of your family, age of family members, how much training was received, how much time and type of interaction the owner spends with the dog.

Of course there are many characteristics that may be hard-wired into breeds but the degree and manner that these characteristics show up in your dog also will depend on you.

Confident Dog – A natural-born leader. Feels secure in his surroundings and is self-assured.

Independent Dog – Happy and strong-willed. Needs a patient and strong owner and will not respond to heavy-handed treatment.

Laid Back Dog – Always smiling and happy. Everyone is his friend.

Shy or Timid Dog – Sensitive and needs reassurance. Give him lots of praise and daily exercise to increase his confidence.

Adaptable Dog – Easy, cooperative, gentle and very affectionate. Not as outgoing as other dogs  but is happy to follow commands of his owner. Very trainable!

Knowing and understanding your dog will create a healthy, loving and positive bond.

Love is a four-legged word ? ?

And yes ……. happiness is a wet nose waking you up in the mornings.

Two feet will move your body, Four feet will move your soul. ? ?

Riley and I send you love and kindness always, Woof Woof!