The Golden Rules of Positive Puppy Training. Jean Cuvelier

YET SO DIFFERENT

      A dog’s behavior depends on both genes and environment. According to recent studies, of the 20,000 genes in the canine genome, approximately only 50 determine physical appearance (height at the withers, shape of the head, carriage of the ears and tail, length of the tail, color and texture of the coat, and so on). Therefore, two dogs of the same breed have only 0.25% of common genetic heritage. This tiny percentage of the dog’s genetics does not make every dog of the same breed a carbon copy of the others. Between two lines of the same breed, there are sometimes more behavioral differences than between dogs of two different breeds altogether.

       It is impossible to predict behavior based on physical appearance alone.

      Dogs of the same breed are not clones, even though they may look very similar.

      MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

      If you want your dog to perform a specific task (tracking, hunting, herding, protection, etc.), choose the breed that best meets your criteria, and then visit the breeder to evaluate the parents’ skills on the spot. This is by no means a 100% guarantee of your dog’s future aptitude for work, but it can be a good indicator.

      If the dog is intended for companionship, choose a breed whose primary purpose is companionship or a breed that is far removed from its primary skill, such as the Yorkshire Terrier. There is nothing worse for a working dog than being idle. If you want a companion dog of a working, herding, or sporting breed, choose a descendant from a line of conformation (show) champions rather than from a line of working champions. A Border Collie from a working line may want to gather his human “herd” like he would sheep; it’s only natural!

      How About a Mixed Breed?

      By choosing a mixed-breed puppy, particularly if you do not know his parents, you will not have any idea of his eventual physical characteristics or potential behavior as an adult. Regardless, you can make your dog the most wonderful companion by providing positive training. If you adopt a mixed-breed dog from a shelter, you will make him happy, and he will be grateful to you.

      WHO IS MY DOG?

      A dog is a body, a heart, and a mind. His training and learning are carried out according to these three components. Development must happen gradually and harmoniously. It must take place in such a way that the adult dog has a healthy body; is a well-adjusted, confident, and well-mannered member of society; and trusts humans. Therein lies the challenge of positive training!