How To Find Out What Kind Of Personality A Dog Has?
The subject of dog personality has been the subject of various studies by scientists and veterinarians around the world. Currently, it is possible to choose a dog based on its character, according to some variables.
What is a dog’s personality based on?
The most accepted theory nowadays is that 50% of a dog’s temperament is innate. It will be the genetic characteristics inherited from the race and lineage that will determine this.
The other 50% will build on each dog’s life experiences. In this case, factors such as the environment, the owners, culture, nutrition, care and much more will affect .
Which breed to choose?
For this, it is said that it is important to choose a breed based on what is expected of the dog and what can be offered to him.
People who live in large cities with limited space at home must choose a dog that can adapt to these circumstances. Small breeds with a quiet temperament and not prone to obesity: Pinscher, Chihuahua, Poodle, Dachshund or Yorkshire
It is different if you have a house with a garden and the owner loves to play sports and spend time outdoors. You can opt for more active dogs, but with a balanced temperament: Golden Retriever, Papillon, Labrador or Cocker Spaniel.
In case you have a house with a lot of land around, many breeds can integrate well, even the most rural ones, such as the Border Collie, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the German Shepherd, the Australian Cattle Dog, the Rottweiler and many others.
However, genetics are not sufficient to guarantee the adaptation of a dog to its owner and to the environment. If that were the case, there would be no aggressive dogs or intimidating Pitbulls. The key part of their development is education.
Is it possible to shape a dog’s personality?
To shape the personality of your 4-legged friend and control his responses to external stimuli, we recommend that you socialize him. The socialization process teaches your pet to relate peacefully with others.
The ideal would be to start this process when it is still a puppy, between 6 and 7 months of age. However, it is possible to socialize a dog even as an adult, making him stay in contact with his peers.
It is important that the owner indicates to his dog the behaviors considered both right and wrong. In this way, limits are set.
Professional training is very popular nowadays. It is also useful for those people who do not have much time to devote to their dog.
How to find out a dog’s personality?
The first step in identifying a dog’s personality is to observe their daily behavior. Both at home and against external stimuli.
Positive reinforcement is essential to foster good behavior.
Never use violence. Abuse traumatizes and delays learning. It is advisable to use the tone of voice, the deprivation of cuddles and gifts, but never hit the dog or yell at him.
Breed and lineage can give clues to the dog’s personality. For this, it is important to research its genetic characteristics.
Volhard’s test
One of the mechanisms for knowing the character of a dog is the Volhard test. The test consists in presenting different exercises to the animal to highlight the traits of its personality based on the results obtained. Analyze how the dog expresses himself.
The exercises offer 10 different stimuli to the animals:
- Call. (Attraction through people).
- Accompany. (Follow human leadership).
- Restriction. (Ease of control under the physical domain).
- Caress. (Ease of control through affection).
- Elevation. (Ease of control in risky situations).
- Research. (Willingness to do something for one’s master).
- Pressure on the paws. (Pain resistance).
- Loud noises. (Reaction to powerful sounds).
- To stalk. (Reaction to something that moves).
- To surprise. (Reaction to unexpected situations).
The score of each test ranges from 1 to 6, from the most to the least sociable or susceptible to domination or socialization. The result of each test and the final sum reveal the personality characteristics of the dog.
