Experts debate whether it's nature or nurture contributing primarily to the development of personality and character.
Although man designs specific breeds of canine - programming nature to encourage specific behaviours, characteristics, abilities and disabilities ... surely nurture plays the more dominant role... especially with species of higher intelligence: man, dog, dolphin, primate, cat, pig, parrot?

Surely emotions, well-being, confidence, self-esteem, values, learning ability, attitude and character are more likely to be shaped by early life experiences and influences, where one is moulded to an alike behaviour and personality of whoever he closely interacts with on a daily basis. I found this little ditty a few weeks ago:

Every fearful, traumatised, or aggressive dog, or child I've ever worked with (with a history available) has been subjected to neglect, violence, improper, or lack of socialisation, confinement and/or unacceptable living conditions.

There's always a reason. I've never accepted that man nor beast is born aggressive.

Caring for a young puppy takes time, energy and tolerance. The first 12 weeks is crucial to his emotional development and character building ... there's a wealth of learning from 3 weeks.

In early days his environment dictates how and what he learns, but is what he learns what we think we're teaching? A good teacher detects the point of learning and decides if it's what they intended. They wouldn't punish a pup for learning something they'd taught him in error! Alas though, some teachers do ... Best play safe ... The SoundPlay method looks ONLY to achieve behaviours we want, and never focus on those we don't. We never reprimand ... never say ‘No' or ‘Leave', but introduce Recognition teaching, and Sound Conditioning immediately puppy arrives home.

‘Recognition Teaching' - We list the behaviours we'd like puppy to learn. We then introduce and associate a ‘voice-sound' to each behaviour  ... an appropriate word said the instant he naturally performs each behaviour on the list  ... also, we verbally praise, immediately after saying each recognition word. Once pup learns/recognises the connection between the word and the behaviour, we use that word as an instruction.

Dogs communicate primarily using body language ... so we associate a body signal to each recognition word.

E.g. For ‘sit', I point right forefinger to the sky,

For ‘come', I throw my arms out like an aeroplane.

Facial expressions are important ... big, big smiles with every verbal praise.

I'd never frown or glare at a pup, nor a child !

from an article by
Marilyn Bergeman MBIPDT CABTSG MFBDR FMSDB KENNEL CLUB LISTED
Founder of SoundPlay Dogs
Author of "Essentials for the Domestic Dog Owner"

Free help and advice for dog owners from padsonline.org.uk

Free help and advice for dog owners from padsonline.org