Personality Types

Although each breed of dog has its own personality profile, ultimately every dog is unique. While some dogs are extroverts and like to be the centre of attention, others are more submissive. Both types of dog can be well trained, but different approaches are needed. Where your dog has come from and what it has experienced early in life will also affect its ability to be trained.

Personality Traits

Compromise

Most dogs are neither submissive nor dominate. In different circumstances and with different individuals, they can be either dominant or submissive. Most dogs have a mixture of both behaviours in their personalities.

Manipulation

Some dogs dominate their owners by claiming to be submissive. A dog that does this may scratch at its owner’s legs and demand to be picked up, for example. These dogs have learned different method of showing authority.

Submission

Intensely submissive dogs avoid eye contact, tuck their tails between their legs, and collapse in fear when anyone approaches them.

Distraction

Some dogs are more interested in playing with other dogs than in obeying their owners. Often, these dogs were not properly socialized with people as puppies. At first, train this type of dog on its own, rather than in a class.

Co-operative and responsive

The dogs that are easiest to train are those that have a natural curiosity coupled with an affinity with humans. Dogs that investigate and listen to people respond more quickly to training than submissive, fearful dogs or exceedingly dominant individuals.

Dominant and confident

Some dogs, regardless or breed, have naturally confident personalities. The dog’s gender also affects its trainability. Neutered dogs and females between seasons are easiest to train. Unneutered male dogs tend to be more dominant and confident and, as a result, they can be less responsive.

Submissive and insecure

Dogs with submissive personalities can be overwhelmed when commanded to obey. These dogs require a slow and gentle approach during training, so you should not issue commands too harshly. If you have never trained a dog before, consider seeking professional help.

Pecking order

A dog must obey all human members of its family. It should learn that in some circumstances – for example, when it hears a noise outside the window – it may express its dominance by barking a warning. In other circumstances, for example when a family member issues a command, it must obey.

NEW COMPLETE DOG TRAINING MANUAL, Dr. Bruce Fogle