Understand how puppy play style reveals temperament and personality

You can categorize canine temperament into three groups: assertive/aggressive, neutral, and passive. A dog’s personality is a combination of traits. You can understand it by observing their play style and interactions with other dogs and people.

Assertive or aggressive

An assertive or aggressive puppy or dog typically has the highest prey drive.

Size or sex has nothing to do with whether a dog has an assertive or aggressive temperament. Unsurprisingly, small dogs or females can be the most powerful or aggressive.

A dog with this disposition boldly enters a park and scopes it to find a challenge.

They demand attention. They create stressful situations.

Assertive dogs don’t hesitate to confront another dog, play tug-of-war, wrestle, or chase others.

They bait and set up dares. One way is by bringing an item or toy to another dog, dropping it, then snatching it away.

Or just snatching a toy or ball from another dog.

Assertive dogs always play to win.

Assertive or aggressive dogs can be rough on toys, other animals, and property.

They zealously look for action. Assertive dogs destroy anything in their path to get what they want.

They annihilate toys, even those guaranteed for tough chewers. They exhibit resource guarding and don’t want to share food or toys.

Assertive dogs are possessive and territorial. They follow their own rules.

Assertive dogs have no boundaries. For them, play fighting often turns into actual fighting.

Aggressive dogs play rough. That doesn’t imply they are necessarily malicious, but they are bullies. Because they don’t “play nice,” they can be annoying and unwanted.

Help change your dog’s aggressive behavior

If you don’t want your dog to have a reputation for being an assertive or aggressive dog, you can work to modify your dog’s behavior.

With focus and training, you can help guide them with reasonable effort, modify their behavior, and guide them into the neutral group.

Establish your authority. Start by setting boundaries and rules.

Immediately and consistently, reward with praise and appropriate behaviors. Immediately and consistently correct inappropriate behaviors.

Use impulse control games to help your dog develop coping mechanisms. You will see a difference quickly.

Training strategies for aggressive or assertive dogs

Training techniques and strategies for handling assertive or aggressive dogs require a careful approach to ensure the safety of both the dog and their owners. 

Aggression in dogs can come from different reasons such as fear, protecting their territory, or not being around other dogs or people. 

The first step in training an aggressive dog is to establish leadership and trust. 

Dogs need a leader they can trust to feel safe and secure. This means setting boundaries and rules that are consistently enforced, as well as giving praise and treats when the dog behaves well.

One effective training technique for aggressive dogs is desensitization. 

This involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger that causes their aggression, such as other dogs or strangers, at a safe distance while rewarding them with treats for remaining calm. Over time, this can help reduce their reactivity towards these triggers.

Counterconditioning can be used alongside desensitization. It involves associating the trigger with something positive, like food or playtime, to change the dog’s perception towards it. 

For example, if a dog becomes aggressive when visitors come over, you can train them to associate visitors with receiving treats instead of feeling threatened.

It’s crucial to avoid punishments or harsh corrections when dealing with an aggressive dog as it may only worsen their behavior. 

Instead, focus on reinforcing positive behaviors through rewards and consistency. 

Additionally, using calming signals such as yawning or looking away can help de-escalate tense situations with an aggressive dog.

Incorporating obedience training into your routine is vital for managing aggression in dogs. By teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it,” you’ll have better control over your dog’s actions in potentially triggering situations.

If aggression persists after consistent training efforts, seeking professional help from a certified animal behaviorist may be necessary. 

Neutral dog temperament

Neutral dogs have a medium prey drive.

These dogs are self-confident and have exceptional coping skills.

Neutrals don’t look for trouble. Again, size or sex doesn’t matter.

They respectfully yet confidently enter a dog park.

Neutrals enjoy interacting and happily play with other dogs.

They are also content to find non-destructive ways to amuse themselves if they don’t have a play companion.

Neutral dogs avoid confrontation if challenged by simply walking away or appearing passive. They cope with stress easily.

They would rather chase a Frisbee or retrieve a ball than wrestle. The dogs unselfishly share their food and possessions.

Their toys show normal wear and tear; your dog doesn’t shred them to bits in minutes.

Neutral dogs appreciate playing with you or another dog but don’t demand attention. They are content to find non-destructive ways to amuse themselves when left alone.

A neutral dog is a well-balanced dog that exhibits playful behavior and has developed a coping strategy.

They enjoy playing with other dogs and use play bows to initiate play.

Training strategies for neutral dogs

Neutral dogs have a balanced and calm demeanor, neither overly dominant nor submissive, which makes them great candidates for obedience training and can make them excellent family pets.

One key aspect of training neutral dogs is establishing yourself as the leader. Be consistent with rules and boundaries, provide clear communication, and reward good behavior. 

Neutral dogs respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, so using treats or praise as rewards can be highly effective in building trust and reinforcing desired behaviors.

Another important strategy for training neutral dogs is socialization. 

Since neutral dogs tend to have a more laid-back nature, socializing them will help ensure that they are comfortable around other people and animals. 

Exposing them to new environments, people, and animals in a controlled and positive manner will help prevent any potential fear or aggression issues from developing later on.

When it comes to obedience training, it is crucial to use gentle but firm methods with neutral dogs. 

Harsh punishments or harsh corrections may cause these sensitive pups to shut down or become anxious. 

Instead, focus on building a strong bond with your dog through positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or using verbal markers like “good boy/girl” when they perform desired behaviors.

Keep training sessions short and fun. Neutral dogs may lose interest quickly if the session becomes too long or repetitive; therefore, incorporating playtime into training can keep your dog engaged and motivated.

In addition to traditional obedience training, mental stimulation activities can also be beneficial for neutral dogs. 

Puzzle toys or games that require problem-solving skills can help keep their minds sharp while burning off excess energy.

Consistency is vital. Stick with the same commands and signals throughout their development stages so that they do not become confused or frustrated by changing expectations.

Passive personality

Passive dogs warily enter a dog park. They have low self-confidence and few coping skills.

They have little, if any, prey drive. Size or sex doesn’t matter. The largest dog in the park can be the most passive.

Passives would rather sit beside you or be alone than mingle and interact with others. They can appear fearful and anxious. Sadly, they frequently are unhappy puppies or dogs.

Passive dogs are more likely to experience fear, aggression, and behavior problems that come with it.

Passives are easy on toys. They have no impulse to destroy them.

Passives knowingly avoid any confrontation. They are cautious and apprehensive.

Some never know the joy and fun of being a dog.

Again, you can help your passive pooch move to the neutral position with reasonable effort. Training classes like agility can help boost your dog’s confidence.

Mental stimulation like puzzle toys or obedience training can make your dog more confident.

You will be amazed how their personality will grow, and they will enjoy being dogs.

Training strategies for passive dogs

Passive dogs are often described as shy, reserved, and non-confrontational. Their play style is usually gentle and submissive, which can make it difficult to motivate them during training sessions.

The first step in training a passive dog is to build trust and establish a strong bond with them. 

This may take some time as they may be hesitant to engage with new people or unfamiliar environments. It is important to be patient and give them space when needed. 

Slowly introduce them to new stimuli and reward any positive behavior with treats or praise.

Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training a passive dog. Punishment or harsh methods will only cause further anxiety and reluctance in these dogs. 

Use treats, toys, or verbal praise to reward desired behaviors such as coming when called or following basic commands like “sit” or “stay.”

Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) and end on a positive note.

Incorporating socialization into your passive dog’s training regimen is crucial for their development. 

Exposing them to different people, animals, sounds, and environments will help boost their confidence. 

Start small by introducing them to one new thing in a controlled setting. Gradually increase the level of difficulty as they become more comfortable.

To keep passive dogs engaged, try interactive games or puzzles to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Consistency is vital when training any dog, especially for passive ones who may take longer to respond than more outgoing breeds. 

Stick to a consistent routine for feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and training sessions.

Seek professional help if you struggle with training your passive dog. 

The bottom line on understanding canine temperament

Knowing dog temperament types helps dog owners develop their puppy or dog’s coping and problem-solving abilities.

Pet parents can reduce your dog’s assertive or aggressive behavior by setting boundaries and rules. Be fair, firm, and consistent.

Boost your shy pet’s confidence by giving them lots of positive experiences to help them develop better coping skills. Build up their self-esteem.

If you have a neutral dog, be grateful and enjoy your time together.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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