I don't understand why temperament tests have to remain a secret. Doesn't it benefit everyone to be able to train and evaluate their dogs? I don't mean any disrespect. I found your video to be very insightful and well thought out. I am just confused. Than you for sharing what you felt you could share with us. I will definitely continue to consider what I have learned from you.
This was very helpful in understanding the puppies personalities better. Now I know exactly what we are looking for in our next dog. Idealy a water type around a 3. Thank you for this!
I have 3 pages of notes because I found this was fascinating and want to explain to my husband what you were talking about and there is no way I can remember all that! I am a fire personality for sure and I think that is pretty much what my childhood dog was as well. Thanks as always for the fabulous information!!!
I really appreciate what you say. My border/australian shepherd passed of old age in July. I in looking for a dog to make a service dog. I want to do a temperament test on my next puppy. Do you have a breeder you would recommend. I have had dogs all my life. They have been great dogs but this always so stressful picking the right dog. I am 58 and this may be one of my last dogs since i am getting older now.
so late to reply, here. Did you find a breeder? I would start by focusing on breed and then searching your state's breed clubs and ask around anyone that has the breed you're looking into. There are a lot of Facebook groups about self-trained service dogs and you can get a lot of great recommendations there!!
So many less dogs would be at the shelter if this was a common thing instead of just selling the puppies as fast as possible. I recently bought a amstaff x puppy and it has a totlally dofferent persona to other staffies ive seen and its looking like its gonna be to independant and not the cuddle buddy i havong been longing for my whole life. Im going to try my best but im not going to give so much of myself to a dog that fights me for dominance and wants nothing to do with me for the next ten to fifteen years no way not a chance . I had no idea i thougt as long as u r not mean then the dogs turn out the same and it is literally a fatal mistake and en exoensice one at that not only on my wallet but most of all my conscience.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. It’s a very painful and expensive lesson to learn. The lie that it’s “all how you raise them” is something pushed by bad breeders, pet stores and rescues to make sales. But it’s definitely not at all true. Genetics comprises a huge portion of how a dog is going to be. We humans have inborn temperament and personality traits, too! It sounds like you have a strong willed dog more interested in what he wants than in what you want. The best way to work with such a dog is to take a pretty firm position with him and never give him anything for “free”. He will need to get all resources clearly from you and make him work for all his kibble. Your dog will not hate working for food. It will make him happy and well rounded. At meal time you can feed 2-4 kibbles at a time for behaviors you like. It only takes about 10 mins. It’s super easy and doesn’t cost you loads of time! Even if it’s just saying “sit” give him food, “down” give him a bite then take two steps away from him and call him to “come” or reward him if he follows you Feeding by hand like that twice a day works total wonders on independent dogs. He will suddenly realize you’re like a lottery machine and he will want to pay attention to you and be with you. You may find the training process really bonds the two of you and helps you both really fall in love. And if it doesn’t work out in 6 mos you can always place him in a loving home where they’re looking for that temperament specifically. And then you can try again. There is no shame in doing your best and then understanding when a “break up” is best for both you and the dog. Especially if you’ve house trained the puppy and given him basic obedience. Then a person looking for a strong willed, aloof and pushy dog will adore him and you can go for that big mush of a beast that you were originally hoping for. Put your all into him and then whatever happens it will turn out ok for both of you ❤️
