Without Naming Names; Really? You Chose That Breed Because????

Without Naming Names; Really? You Chose That Breed Because????
(c) Pamela Dennison, 2015

I’m sorry, I don’t get it. I truly don’t understand why families buy or adopt certain breeds of dogs that are clearly not right for family life.

I did a google search on the most common breeds that people call me about. They are having severe issues, dangerous issues with their breed of choice and want me to help them make the dog into a good family pet. I’m sorry to tell you, it ain’t gonna happen. When the “bred in” temperament is such as those listed below, no amount of behavior modification and training will change the innate nature of the dog.

Look at it this way. I am 5 feet tall. My Mom is 5 feet tall, Dad is 5 feet, 4 inches tall. There was no way in heck that I was going to be a giant. No amount of modification in diet, exercise or anything else will change those genetics.

Yes, there may be some of these types of breeds of dogs that are okay in a family setting, but it’s very rare. Forget about “it’s the deed, not the breed.” If a dog was bred to kill people, then the dog was bred to kill people and will have that genetic propensity. If the dog was bred to guard, then the dog was bred to guard – which can be the 5 year old from down the block. Just like herding dogs were bred to herd, terriers were bred to “go to ground,” etc., what dogs were bred to do should not be discounted when picking out a dog.

Under “Temperament” for these types of dogs;

    • Protective, Alert, Suspicious, Stubborn, Keen, Dignified
    • Certainly this large breed should be socialized from puppyhood to encourage confidence, but it will always be in its nature to remain suspicious of strangers.
    • The (breed) is not recommended for novice dog owners. As a puppy, it requires strong leadership and consistent training and it is highly encouraged to begin socialization as soon as possible. Ideally the (breed) should be indifferent when approached and should only react in a protective manner when a real threat is present. (Note: how can you assume that the dog knows what a real threat is versus not a real threat? How can you expect the dog to know the difference?)
    • The (breed) is not a breed for most people, and certainly not a dog for beginners. (Breed) must be well socialized with people (especially children), as they are large, powerful dogs and do not always know their own strength. Additionally, young children have young friends, and even with extensive socialization and training, (Breed) will be wary of strangers and protective of their family, which can be disastrous for small children. Most of the time, they will protect their owners with their lives.
    • Strong Willed, Gentle, Calm, Suspicious, Dominant
    • Strong Willed, Protective, Aloof, Tenacious, Stubborn, Intelligent
    • They are quite charming when not being lazy, and will not hesitate to defend their loved ones to the death. (Note: So your dog loves you and kills your neighbor?)
    • The (breed) are known to be naturally protective. It is also known for its extreme wariness of strangers and agility when protecting or defending its master. The (breed) temperament is what characterizes the dog. The word for their temperament is (___), which directly translated into English means dislike and distrust. Despite extensive socialization, the (breed) is instinctively protective and will naturally guard and protect its owner, their family members and the family pets; this is not something that needs to be trained, it is an innate trait. Strangers should not be left unattended with a (breed) and, like all other guardian breeds, it may not be the best choice for those who have frequent visitors to their homes. Lack of all socialization with strangers at a young age will result in a dog which is very anti-social.

Okay, so what part of strong willed, alert, suspicious, dominant, protective, aloof, tenacious, stubborn, not recommended for homes with children or frequent guests, protective, and wariness did you not get when choosing this particular breed?

Did you think those bred in traits wouldn’t apply to your dog, just because you didn’t want them? WHY did you think these traits would work for your household?

Please, pretty please, THINK before you chose a dog with these kinds of temperaments.

Posted in Blog.