When choosing a dog or other pet, how can a potential pet owner better under- stand the characteristics of a specific breed?
Choosing a pet with the right personality and temperament is also important. Some animals are naturally high strung, while others enjoy copious down time. One factor that influences personality is whether the pet is naturally dominant or submissive. Ellie advises, “Determining dominance or submission is a bit trickier to the novice dog owner. When we meet an animal for the first time, they will illustrate submission by lowering their head a bit, wagging their tail, and looking away when you look them in the eye. A dominant dog will be more likely to hold their body upright and more rigid and not wag their tail. A submissive puppy will run away from a loud and strange sound, while a dominant puppy is more likely to run towards a scary sound.”
Q:
The dog's breed will determine
size and energy level, [while] submission and dominance determine personality and successful interaction with other animals and children, Ellie says.
These are all essential considerations when picking a pet. Size may not seem like a big factor, but consider a chihuahua compared to a great dane and the differences become apparent very quickly. Evaluate the average size of the breed to figure out whether you have room for kennels and crates, food bowls, dog beds, and other supplies. You’ll also want to pair the size of the pet with the amount of space you have. While a mastiff might not be a good choice for a tiny home, it might be the perfect match for a suburban lot. Energy level is perhaps one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a pet, specifically dogs. It’s not a dog’s fault if they are anxious or bored and act out by chewing up the couch or running away from home. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to be realistic about how much exercise a dog needs and what you’re available to provide, so do your research. Ellie says, “People can google any breed and see how big they are and read about their energy level, like Pit bulls make great cuddlers, and Australian Shepherds make great jogging partners.”
When you meet a potential pet for the first time, consider its temperament to decide whether it’s a good fit for your family. If you have children and other pets, it’s best to avoid dominant personalities, if possible. However, sometimes you don’t realize a pet has dominant tendencies until it gets settled in at home. Ellie says, “Fear, stress, and anxiety play a part in how they behave when meeting us for the first time. If someone wants to know for sure, securing the advice and help of a dog behaviorist or animal communicator such as myself can help.”
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May 2024
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