06/13/2021
With dog sports becoming more popular and specific breeds being portrayed in the media, letโs talk about finding the ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ.
A huge problem developing in the dog world over the past few years is people picking dogs based on how they look or what they believe they can do genetically based solely on their breed, without considering breeding lines.
Weโve all heard the term โpick the dog that best suits youโ when picking a puppy from a litter or finding a suitable dog from a shelter. Itโs not just about finding a breed that carries all of the traits that you want for whatever sport youโre doing or whatever lifestyle youโll be providing for the dog. It also means, โmake sure your personality meshes with this specific dog.โ
Dogs have strengths and weaknesses just like us. Whether you believe that falls into the category of having a personality or if you just believe those are traits, all dogs are unique in their own ways and itโs important to factor that into the decision when committing to a specific dog for years to come.
The traits a dog develops into adulthood obviously come from genetics playing a big role, but also come from environmental factors from puppyhood to adulthood. In order to set both you and your dog up for success over the years to come, itโs important to understand who your dog is and ultimately accept them for who they are.
When I observe tension between a dog/owner relationship, it usually stems from the owner wanting the dog to behave a certain way, but it clashes with the dogs personality. (for example, certain breeds are more reserved around strangers but the owner wants their dog to be social butterflies. itโs just a lack of research and preparation when finding the right dog for THEM specifically).
Lets make better decisions. Letโs do research. Letโs stop picking dogs based on their looks and educate ourselves more on how well they will mesh with us and our lifestyle. Dogs deserve better, so letโs do better.