Dogs from the same batch of puppies and the same set of parents can show different characters. Each dog breed has its own characteristics, but you should also consider your own dog and how it behaves on its own.
Smart cookies
Dogs are very smart creatures; however, some breeds are smarter or more prone to obeying orders.
Among the smartest dogs, German Shepherds are fast to learn and listen to commands. Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell are also very bright but tend to have stronger wills and will want to do what they want. They will eventually obey, but you need to be extra patient.
Collies are another intelligent breed. They are very loyal and protective of their owners, so that’s where the training needs to be reinforced. They willbe very alert when someone that is not family approaches you. If you wish to have them as watch dogs, a good way of solving this problem is to make them wear a bark collar during the day. That way, during nighttime, they will understand that is ok to bark and chase strangers.
Energy lightening
Some dog breeds are particularly energetic and that makes them prone to be distracted during training.
Dalmatians have a lot (a lot) of energy and need to have enough space to run around and relieve that energy. Otherwise, they will become very combative towards their owner because they are also very muscular and strong.
When considering getting a Dalmatian, you need to know from the get-go that you will need to have a strong presence of authority; otherwise, the master will be him and not you!
Terriers are also filled with energy and get distracted with most things. They are naturally prone to detecting even the slightest movement and look for its source. That’s why when you are training them, you need to jiggle something in front of them constantly, in order to keep their eye contact. Using treats and rewards also works because it keeps them motivated.
Small dog, lower training
This does not mean that they need less training, it just means that small dogs actually need to be trained closer to their height level. Even though training requires authority and commands, towering over your small dog can scare them at first.
You can begin by kneeling and teach them what they need to know, and then slowly going back to your normal standing position. By this time, you will have built your place as the one in charge and it won’t scare your dog anymore. This will be hard on your back, but who said it would be easy?! Also, it’s well worth the pain.
About the author:
Eugenia Sincovich is an Argentinean writer that can’t seem to stay in one place! She loves everything that reminds her that she’s alive and does her best to convey those feelings into her texts. She currently writes for iNetGiant.
