Shaping Temperament

Part 1

By Linda J. Brodzik with Christi L. Madison

Whether a breeder, pet owner or trainer/competitor, we all want to have dogs with "good" temperament. Breeders strive to produce puppies that are genetically sound in body and mind. Pet owners hope that they will adopt a puppy with a happy disposition. Competitors/trainers often evaluate and discard dogs that don't display the correct attitude. But what exactly is temperament? What factors determine a dog's personality? Is it genetic, passed from parent to offspring? Is it shaped and guided by the environment and experiences a dog encounters? Can we change temperament through training? If so, how do we teach a stable disposition?

Let us first look at the definition of temperament. As defined by The American Heritage Dictionary, temperament is "the manner of thinking, behaving and reacting, characteristic of a specific individual." German police dog trainer W. Handel in his article "The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing" defines temperament as "the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulated behavior in the environment".

Temperament can be defined then as an individual's way of behaving or reacting to specific or general stimuli or situations. Reactions can include fear, inquisitiveness/curiosity, boldness, willingness, sharpness, courage, aggression, etc.. Dr. John Fuller and Dr. John Paul Scott in an in depth study on genetics and behavior concluded that both genetic predisposition and environmental experiences equally guide a dog's temperament. As in humans, dogs have general personality types. Some are bolder and more inquisitive and controlling. Others are shy, timid, and even submissive. These general traits are then strengthened or weakened through the consequences of their experiences. Changing environment and contributing stimuli to said environment could have a drastic effect on an individual's general disposition and reactions to specific stimuli. Research done by Dr. Ian Dunbar showed that a particular male beagle when housed with its litter displayed extreme bold, controlling and aggressive behaviors toward the other puppies. As the puppy was then integrated into a larger pack of dogs in an outdoor facility, this particular puppy became submissive. What are the determining factors in this dog that changed it from pushy to timid? Considerations would be given to the change from a secure indoor environment to a more stimulating and less nurturing outside environment. It is probable that the demands of the older and established pack members were too overwhelming for this puppy to maintain his level of confidence.

In following issues, we will examine how temperament is shaped and guided by environmental factors such as owners/handlers attitudes, communication, physical handling and approach and general and specific experiences. We will take an in depth look at how we as breeders, pet owners and trainers/competitors can achieve the temperament goals we seek. We will also look at how breeders can help puppies become more curious and confident. Appropriate training can encourage an eagerness to learn and to explore new situations. It can also lead to increased attentiveness and trust in the owner/handler's signals.

I welcome your thoughts and/or questions as we explore this topic. Please feel free to contact me at Unleashed Behavior and Training Services (either by phone at 763-577-0761, mail at 7364 County Road 6, Maple Plain, MN 55359 or email, unleashed@animaltrainers.com).

<sub>Linda J. Brodzik is a professional Animal Behaviorist and Trainer with 20 years experience. She has been published in several trade magazines. She has also appeared on radio and television programs dealing with animal behavior and problem rehabilitation. Her expertise is in analysis and learning theory, specializing temperament and relationship issues.

As the managing/marketing partner of Unleashed, Christi Madison brings her background in theatre and radio to the art of dog training. Her experience in marketing, public relations and sales gives Unleashed its positive and innovative image.</sub>

Part 2 ... continued