Dogs are very much like people. They are each unique, and each one has a personality that sets it apart. Some are really shy, and don’t like too much interaction with strangers. Others are just the opposite. They MUST play with everyone who crosses their paths. Dogs can naturally have different types of temperaments, and there are some things you should know about each one before committing to a new furry friend. If you are thinking of bringing your dog to daycare, you can even take a dog temperament test to help narrow it down prior to enrolling.
The Shy or Timid Dog
One one end of the spectrum, we find the shy dog. These dogs may be fearful, standoffish, or simply independent. Shy dogs often need a constant sense of love and support in order to feel okay. They can feel uncomfortable around unknown people, or in situations that stray too far from their comfort zones, so it’s a good idea to create a safe space where they can retreat when they need some alone time. Because they are so naturally nervous, their owners must be adaptable in training and calming them.
Some breeds are known to be more shy or timid by nature. A few common examples would be greyhounds, dalmatians and Siberian Huskies. While each of these will no doubt make a loving companion for you and your family, they do best when they are socialized early on. Moderate their young interactions where you can, and they will learn to communicate and lead happier lives. Bringing them into Puppy Play and Stay a few days a week can be incredibly helpful in building their confidence and interaction skills.
The Playful Dog
Playfulness is the trait that gets most kids. When we are young and dreaming of a dog, we see visions of ourselves playing ball in the park, going on hikes or playing tug-of-war in the backyard. Some breeds are born for this, and most breeds of retrievers fit the bill well. They love to play fetch and have lots of energy to burn. Dogs like golden retrievers are also eager to please, which means they are easily trainable and make very loyal companions. They also tend to get along well with other dogs both inside and outside the home and are ideal candidates for daycare.
A playful dog is a great companion for children and active people, but it can be especially important to train them well. Dogs with playful and confident types of temperaments may get into trouble by jumping on people due to their easy excitability if not well trained. If the dog is large, playfulness can make them appear scary to children and those who are wary of dogs, to begin with, so structure and socialization make things much easier.
The Naughty Dog
Not to overgeneralize, but some dogs are just a little naughtier than others. If you are the owner of a naughty dog, you may already know what you are dealing with. The term “naughty”, though, might be a bit of a misnomer. These dogs are full of energy and curiosity, which can lead them to cause a little trouble when left to their own devices. They are the ones that lead people to pet-proof their homes and insist that visitors keep their food and drink up high.
Your reaction to their playfulness will determine the outcome here. If you embrace your dog’s penchant for mischief, it will likely continue. On the other hand, keeping your reactions to a minimum and gently correcting behavior will eventually lead to a more respectful playfulness in your pup. It’s also a good idea to spend a good amount of time outdoors with them, letting these active dogs burn off energy in the park, instead of your living room.
As with the other temperament types, there are specific breeds that tend to be a bit naughtier than others. Boxers, Beagles, and terrier breeds are wonderful examples. They are naturally very curious about everything and have the zest for life to do something about it. The larger the breed, the more collateral damage that can be done, so make sure you have space, stamina, and core strength to get you through. Don’t let that hyperactivity translate into broken heirlooms.
Dogs in Daycare: Perfect for every dog temperament
Dogs of all temperaments can make loving companions and irreplaceable members of the family. Daycare can be beneficial for a myriad of reasons. Daycare is a great place for them to socialize, learn, and burn off energy that would otherwise build if the dog is alone at home during the day. It can be very beneficial to have a dog temperament test for daycare conducted prior to enrolling, so you will have a better idea of what to expect, and what you might want to work on with your pup. Whatever your specific goals, the staff at Puppy Play and Stay are here to help!
