6 Ways to Know a Dog's Social Personality

Before acquiring a new dog or puppy, know your preferences when it comes to your new canine buddy’s friendliness level. Each breed of dog has its own common social trait. How friendly or how timid do you want your new dog to be? There are several ways you can test the sociability factor of a dog.

Here’s a simple test. If possible, take the healthy puppy or dog in a place free of distraction then try to talk or communicate to the puppy using affectionate words or whiny, gentle, and high pitched sounds. The reaction of the puppy or dog will somehow reveal a personality which will determine your interaction with your new pet. Check out the common responses that may classify dogs according to their temperament.

Energetic/ hyperactive dog

• Cocks head to one side 
•  Jumps all over you 
• Wags tail, jumps to you, runs around 
•  Nips your hand or legs 
•  Makes yipping sounds

Calm and even-tempered dog

•  Approaches you slowly and may turn away 
•  May snuggle 
• Starts out as alert but will not approach you

Responsive or interactive dog

• Cocks head to one side 
•  Ears move to show alertness 
• May run towards you or jump on you 
•  Playful

Timid dog

•  Backs away or barks at you 
•  May whine back with a timid look 
•  Ears are directed backwards 
•  Approaches you in a crawling or submissive position
• May lick your hands

Aggressive and alpha personality

• Growls and curls lips 
• May lunge at you
• Posture: ears erect, straight tail upward

Aggressive afraid

• Growls and curls lips 
•  defensive but submissive posture: tail down, crouching

 More tips for testing a dogs temperament on the video below.

               

6 Things to Seriously Consider Before Getting a Dog or a Puppy

Whether getting a new puppy or a full-grown dog, it is very important to know its background. Unless the dog is rescued out of nowhere and remains unclaimed in a deserted location, you have to know some information about your new canine buddy's past.

This short list will be very useful to those who wish to adopt or buy a dog for the first time or those who wish to get a dog again after a long period of dog-less lifestyle. The dog pound or the dog breeder can surely give you enough information you will need. Often, you will have to ask.

1. feeding and diet or dietary concerns and preferences
2. care and treatment of previous owner (Was the dog treated kindly or abused by previous owner?)
3. breed or traits of parents (certain breeds have unique traits
4. medical history
5. vaccinations
6. current living environment

Knowing these tidbits of information will help you understand the dog's behavior as well as help you anticipate the necessary adjustments as soon as the dog starts living with you. Most dogs will generally respond positively to a loving and caring home.

Even dogs who have been raised in poor breeding and training conditions will still be able to adjust to proper training from a loving and patient human.



image by bravor1x/pixabay.com

Housing and Bedding for New Puppies

Where is the best area to place a dog bed? When you have decided to bring home a puppy, the next thing to think about is place where your new canine buddy is going to live. This includes the type of dog bed that will be needed.

Dogs are loving companions and must be treated as family members who live with you in your house not someone who remains tied up 24/7 in an outdoor dog house. 

Many dog owners find the kitchen a most suitable place for dogs to stay. If a dog bed is not available yet, a cardboard box lined with a fabric such as an old towel or an old blanket would also be good enough. Make sure that the box and fabric are free of pointed objects such as staples, zippers and hooks. As soon as your budget allows, you may buy your dog a permanent bed which you can purchase from pet stores or through online shops.

It will be more economical to buy a dog bed that is adult sized. You will also need a blanket that can fit it the bed and warm your dog comfortably. It is also good to have at least two beds you can use interchangeably so that while the other is being washed, another bed can be used. 

You can also try using a canine duvet or a bean bag as the secondary dog bed. Remember to buy a cover for easier cleaning.