How Do You Bring Out the Best in Your Dog's Behavior and Personality?


When it comes to dog behaviour, you've probably heard of the "nature versus nurture" theory. The breed, hardwired personality, and behavioural traits of a dog are essentially "nature," whereas socialisation and training are "nurture." Leigh explains that when bringing a new puppy home, the most important thing a person can do is socialise it.




"Positive experiences as a young puppy stay with the dog for life, helping it mature into a more confident, well-rounded adult dog," she says. "Genetics certainly play a role." Some breeds are more reserved and distrustful of strangers by nature, while others are social butterflies who adore everyone from the start. Nonetheless, socialisation helps all dogs adapt to people, animals, and situations they will encounter throughout their lives."

Training your dog is another important way to bring out the best in him. Some breeds, for example, have high drive and are easily aroused, but teaching impulse control and focus will help channel those qualities in positive ways. In other words, you can't change a dog's personality, but you can help bring out the best in it. Just as a naturally shy person can use tools to gain confidence in public speaking, a timid dog can be given tools to become more confident and self-assured.


"A dog that is a little skittish and shy may never be the life of the party," Leigh says, "but you can make huge strides to help your dog cope with almost any situation through training, socialisation, and confidence-building."


Choosing the breed with the best personality for your lifestyle and then socialising and training that dog gives you the best chance of developing a fulfilling, lifelong relationship and bond with your dog. "Dog breeds have very distinct physical and personality traits," says Dr. Klein, and it is critical that people understand and become acquainted with those traits. That is the most effective way to ensure the success of any dog relationship."

Dr. Hekman agrees with this point, telling the AKC that socialisation of the dog itself plays a significant role in how they express their personality. You should not only select a breeder who does a good job socialising the newborn puppies, but you should also continue that work once you have your dog. "But it's not everything," she says, adding that "you'll definitely improve your chances of getting the right dog for you if you're also thoughtful about what breed you bring home."


The Dog Breed Study in the News vs. the Actual Study


It's critical for any dog lover, dog fancier, or new puppy seeker to understand that news coverage of the Science study isn't the same as the study itself, and that a particular take from a news website isn't necessarily the point or intent of the study. "I don't think this paper should be used to help you decide how to get your next puppy," Dr. Hekman stated on the podcast.

"Be careful with what you read," she advised. You might be reading a journalist's opinion on the paper rather than the actual paper. If you go to the page where the paper is hosted, you will notice a paragraph at the beginning—before what we the authors wrote—that is the opinion of a journal editor. It was not written by the authors of the [study]. That brief paragraph concludes by stating that you should not use breed to determine the type of dog you want as a pet. That was not written by the [study's] authors. I don't want to speak on behalf of anyone else, but I disagree with that statement. And I have no authority to have it removed."