Breed Specifics
There is that old nature vs nurture debate. I hear it all the time from people as they cuddle their cute, adorable puppy, ‘its all in how you raise them’. Well. No. Its not.
Sure, some of it is. A dog that is kept on a chain in the back yard all the time will act differently than one raised in the house, under your feet. A dog that is hit, kicked and abused will not be the same dog as her sister who is dressed in clothes and carried in a purse. My dogs who are raised around other dogs, animals, many children and have a huge fenced yard to run in, act differently than a friend’s dog who sees only her, pees on papers inside and never goes anywhere.
However.
“What is she?” is the very first question people ask new puppy owners. Why? Because it matters.
Different dog breeds act and react in different ways. I will never be without a dachshund in my bed. They cuddle and keep your feet warm as if they were made to do that. They are also quite handy when it comes to killing varmints. I’m not a huge fan of rodents and neither are most doxies. “Here, let me kill it for you!” Good puppy!!
I can dig holes in the yard too! She didn't mention that!
People get a lab because they want a big friendly easy to train dog who is good around kids. And mostly that is what they get when they get a lab.
They get a yorkie because they want something that makes everyone go ‘awwww’, is adorable, entertaining, and because they want to clean up pee in the house for months.
Sit? Stay? Pee where? Aww come on...!
Schnauzers will bark when the door bell rings and Not Stop. And they are smart, funny and are great with kids.
A golden will do anything for you. Period. End of discussion. “My life or yours? Not even an option – let me die for you!” That is a golden.
Great Danes are big, gentle giants. And seem to be like potato chips. No one can have just one. Their biggest flaw is their short life span.
You can't shove things far enough back on the counter to hide it from me!
A German Shepherd will protect you. It will guard and watch, as well as play and be a great companion.
And sometimes, no matter how you raise them pit bulls decide they are kings and begin protecting you, your house and Their property. I’m off to work with one of those today. “He was a great dog, but ever since he turned two years old, he’s wanting to rule the world!”
Yes – its not ONLY pit bulls who grow up and want to take over, but we have so many of them around in our area. I’ve worked with a scant handful of rotties and dobies and shepherds. But so many pit bulls they blur together. I love my pit bulls. They can be great dogs, smart, goofy, loving. Most of them are wonderful family pets. And some can be wonderful with good training.
Let’s hope today’s dog is one of those.
Dog Behavior, Dog Breeds | Kate May 13, 2011
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By Krystal, May 13, 2011 @ 10:07 am
I remember when Lady (Chris’ Golden) went camping with us.. We went on a hike, and had to cross the river… She jumped right in and followed along.. Never swam a day before in her life!!