06/10/2024
The "bulletproof breed"
People seem to have the misconception that getting a certain breed or mix of dog, ensures that they will be a "good dog"...
That's not always the case...
I'd like to use these 3 dogs as my example...
The dog on the left came to me at 4 months old, terrified of people, and pretty much everything. It took me 3 weeks just be be able to touch him... if you even looked at him, he would p*e himself...
Dog in the middle, came to me at approx 2 years old, huge dog, dangerous dog... he would violently snap and go in kill mode towards human or animal... he didnt care.
Dog on the right, came to me at approx 4 years old, great with other dogs and small animals, but was a serious dog around people, bit me hard and challenged me every step of the way...
Usually when I tell their story, I get met with responses like...
But they're goldens...
I cant believe a Golden Retriever would ever do that.
Someone must have abused them...
And so many more comments...
While each of them have certain "characteristics" of the breed...
Fluffy blonde fur, an inherent need to retrieve and carry things, love of water and so on...
Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses.
3 dogs, all male, same breed... different animal.
Do I teach each of them the same? No
Do I expect them all to behave identically? No
Do I take for granted that they are gentle sweet souls that would never "retaliate" no matter what situation they encounter? No
My way of thinking when it comes to animals is...
Anything with teeth can bite you...
Always remember that.
Dog on the left has matured Into the sweetest, most loveable dog I've ever known in my whole life...as soon as he meets you, you are now considered best friends, not a mean bone is his body...at times, still a nervous boy
Dog in the middle, lives in a home with cats, sweet boy, not to be trusted un muzzled around other dogs or in a situation that he may find uncomfortable...a management dog
Dog on the right, sweet, sassy soul, extremely tolerant, and indifferent to most people...
If he doesn't know you, don't push him...
I know and respect his limits, but trust him to make good choices. He's never bit again...
Each dog has their own story, their own personality and character... they are the same breed, but not the same dog.
Selecting a reputable breeder, who genetically tests dogs for health and temperament, goes a long way in helping you get a dog true to character...
but does not guarantee a bulletproof dog.
So please, respect each dog as a descendant of a predator, understand the importance of training and advocating for each and every dog as an individual and never expect that just because they are a certain breed, that will always act a certain way...