With the growing research on canine mind and behavior, training methods have also been revolutionized. The foundations of traditional methods of punishments were laid down based on flawed studies in the past. Single training method, i.e., punishment-based was used to train dogs of all personality types.
Dog training has advanced through time as humans learned more on dog personalities and intelligence levels. Understanding your dog’s personality will help you train him in a better way. You can act proactively by judging the responses of your dog beforehand, and choosing the best method to train him.
Types of Dog Personalities:
Dog’s personalities vary from submissive to a confident one. The famous rule of communication is “understand before being understood.” Once you know your dog, you can curb the unwanted behaviors on your own, without the help of dog trainers. A dog’s personality has genetic influences as well as environmental impacts.
Confident Dog Personality:
A confident dog is a leader who is always prepared to face unforeseen circumstances head-on. He can have a dominating behavior and would always like to be the leader. He can have a protective attitude towards the family members. A confident dog has aggressive tendencies, so traditional obedience or discipline training techniques will fail to train him. He is a self-assured dog that never flees from challenging situations and resiliently faces the problem.
Small breed dogs commonly possess a dominating and confident personality due to their upbringing. Small dogs are rarely treated harshly and are encouraged for even the most unacceptable behaviors due to their extra cuteness. Such behavior of owners shapes their personality type as ‘confident’ and ‘self-assured.’ You may require strongest retractable dog leash to train them, so get your tools prepared before you begin the training process.
Best Training Method: Alpha Dog Or Dominance, Electronic Training
Independent Dog Personality:
Independent dog is self-dependent and aloof. He will not prefer to develop a strong bond with the owner.
Most independent dogs have the trait of self-dependence in their genetics. They bond closely with only brave, just, and patient owners. They cannot be forced to obey you.
An independent dog is trained using fun techniques that bring acclaim to him. He will love to take challenges and learn new things but at his own will. It’s better to train him using motivational techniques rather than fear-inducing methods.
Independent dogs are the ‘creative thinkers’ who set the rules by themselves if your commands are not clear. An independent personality prefers consistency and a strong determination. Train him to sit before he gets his wishes granted. If you do not stay determined while passing orders, then the dog will begin to overhear you and may not take you for a leader.
Best Training Methods: Positive Reinforcement, Mirror Training
Happy Personality Dog:
The happy dog is always excited to greet people and pets around him. He has a welcoming attitude toward others. His overexcitement can make them jump up on you as you return home. It’s better to give them basic training. Otherwise, they may jump on your child or a guest in excitement. They have a high tolerance level for tough situations. They are the best family dogs as they never get upset in noisy, crowded households. However, they require gentle treatments as they are sensitive to harsh behaviors of owners.
Give clear directions, repeat them often, and set vivid boundaries for the dog to follow. Positive reinforcement and Counter-conditioning will work best for training these dogs. Be careful to tone down their overexcited behavior, and train them in an environment with lowest possible distractions.
Best Training Methods: Model-Rival Or Mirror Training, Relationship-Based Training, Operant Conditioning
Timid/Sensitive Personality Dog:
A timid dog is sensitive to unfamiliar situations, noisy environments, and harsh treatments. They want their owners to treat them calmly and patiently. Aggressive or punishing attitude towards these dogs will depress them altogether. They will subdue to your commands but without showing interest or enthusiasm. They are insecure dogs, and harsh treatment can make them lose trust in you.
They are quick-learners and adapt very easily to changing situations. A balanced personality of the owner during training process can best train the sensitive dogs. Giving cold commands to a sensitive dog will never provide you with optimum results. Make him feel secure around you, develop a mutual understanding and then proceed towards the training process.
Best Training Methods: Relationship Based Training, Model-Rival or Mirror Training
Adaptable Personality Dogs:
An adaptable dog is easy-to-train and gets along well with other house pets and people. Such dogs do not have an out-going personality. They can happily adjust to the owner’s personality and subdue to his commands. They will try their best to achieve the desired behavior. An adaptable dog is cooperative, affectionate and gentle in personality. He is an amazing family dog. This dog can be the best therapy dog from among the other dogs.
Best Training Methods: Relationship-Based Training, Positive Reinforcement, Model-Rival Training
Fiona Appleton is a Labrador owner. She is the manager of https://ultimatehomelife.com/ that has been developed to help people solve the troubles of pet ownership. She is an active advocate of animal protection campaigns. She wants people to understand that dog-behavior is reflective of our behavior.