Dog Behavior and Demeanor
Share
Distinct Doggy Demeanors
Just like humans, dogs have individual quirks, traits and characteristics that make up their personality. These factors determine how an animal will react to various situations. Their range of behaviors can draw a number of reactions from you, whether you're annoyed or so proud that you sport a smile bigger than The Joker's. Understanding their personality can also make training easier on you both.
To understand why animals develop distinctive personalities, we must first look at the basics. All living creatures have three basic needs - food, water and shelter. With these necessities your dog will be healthy, leaving it room for them to become expressive. Animals with higher intelligences seek out more involvement, such as in the form of a family. Dogs, being natural pack animals, display the same desire for connection and protective obligation.
Different personality types display different behaviors and have a tendency to have similar reactions.
The curious type can be a great dog to own or may be a bit of a nuisance, depending on how its curiosity is directed. A dog that is always digging through the trash or chasing strange animals can be exhausting to deal with, whereas, a dog who is easily trainable and learns many new behaviors quickly is a very desirable companion.
The aggressive type is also an interesting character. While these dogs are usually undesirable as house pets, they are perfect for a person who likes a sense of security and protection. If your pet growls every time a stranger or other animal approaches your house, then you have an aggressive pet. It is important to evaluate your situation (family, home, neighborhood) before committing to a pet of this nature.
The friendly type is always ready to make a new pal. They are great with strangers, kids, other animals and all types of social situations. Overly excited behavior can be a bit too much, as in jumping or begging for dog food.
The shy or timid type is the exact opposite of the friendly type. This dog will shy away from contact by strangers and will enjoy their independence. They are usually the product of prior abuse, but there are also few naturally occurring cases, just as some humans are shy for no apparent reason. Training may take patience and persistence.
The nervous type is similar to the shy variety. Again, the fear in these dogs is usually based upon some prior instance of abuse or mistreatment, but not in all cases. They tend to be protective and sometimes defensive; they should not be cornered because they may liable to snap or bite. Body language can be a good indicator of this personality type. Housebreaking may be difficult, because stress or excitement may cause accidents.
These five basic personality types may also include other traits of one or more of the other categories or even something entirely individual to the dog itself. This makes each dog unique and individual; some may require specialized training depending on their state.
Just like humans, dogs have individual quirks, traits and characteristics that make up their personality. These factors determine how an animal will react to various situations. Their range of behaviors can draw a number of reactions from you, whether you're annoyed or so proud that you sport a smile bigger than The Joker's. Understanding their personality can also make training easier on you both.
To understand why animals develop distinctive personalities, we must first look at the basics. All living creatures have three basic needs - food, water and shelter. With these necessities your dog will be healthy, leaving it room for them to become expressive. Animals with higher intelligences seek out more involvement, such as in the form of a family. Dogs, being natural pack animals, display the same desire for connection and protective obligation.
Different personality types display different behaviors and have a tendency to have similar reactions.
The curious type can be a great dog to own or may be a bit of a nuisance, depending on how its curiosity is directed. A dog that is always digging through the trash or chasing strange animals can be exhausting to deal with, whereas, a dog who is easily trainable and learns many new behaviors quickly is a very desirable companion.
The aggressive type is also an interesting character. While these dogs are usually undesirable as house pets, they are perfect for a person who likes a sense of security and protection. If your pet growls every time a stranger or other animal approaches your house, then you have an aggressive pet. It is important to evaluate your situation (family, home, neighborhood) before committing to a pet of this nature.
The friendly type is always ready to make a new pal. They are great with strangers, kids, other animals and all types of social situations. Overly excited behavior can be a bit too much, as in jumping or begging for dog food.
The shy or timid type is the exact opposite of the friendly type. This dog will shy away from contact by strangers and will enjoy their independence. They are usually the product of prior abuse, but there are also few naturally occurring cases, just as some humans are shy for no apparent reason. Training may take patience and persistence.
The nervous type is similar to the shy variety. Again, the fear in these dogs is usually based upon some prior instance of abuse or mistreatment, but not in all cases. They tend to be protective and sometimes defensive; they should not be cornered because they may liable to snap or bite. Body language can be a good indicator of this personality type. Housebreaking may be difficult, because stress or excitement may cause accidents.
These five basic personality types may also include other traits of one or more of the other categories or even something entirely individual to the dog itself. This makes each dog unique and individual; some may require specialized training depending on their state.