Don't blame me - its just my genes!
When choosing a dog, there are several questions that any
future owners must ask themselves; "Do I have time
in my busy schedule for daily walks" or "Will
my new dog get on with the children?" The next step
usually involves looking for the type of dog you'd like
to own but how many people, when looking for a particular
breed, ask themselves why a dog was bred and the genetic
traits that breed will inherit? These important questions
are wilfully neglected until the dog develops a penchant
for behaviour we humans would class as undesirable.
Take Megan, for example, a purebred Australian Cattle
Dog who at twelve years old was taken to an animal shelter
because her behaviour was completely unacceptable. She
was on "death row" for the heinous crime of
chasing livestock - a task that she was genetically designed
to do. In the world of canines, this scenario is common.
Many dogs are unfairly classified as behavioural "misfits" when
they reveal the qualities they were designed to carry
out. Terriers that dig holes, Beagles that bay at the
moon and retrievers that kill birds are all good examples
of dogs that are condemned for displaying perfectly normal,
but often unacceptable, behaviour.
Ironically, most of these behaviours are both prized
and despised by humans. A terrier, living on a farm, that
kills small animals is highly valued while the same breed
of dog, living in the town centre, embracing the same
actions may be branded as "vicious". Beagles
whose baying can be heard for miles earn praise for a
hunter and a criminal citation for the urban pet owner.
Though simple ignorance is usually blamed for this paradox,
the facts do not support that assumption. A person who
buys an Alaskan Malamute invariably brags about the fact
that they are used as sled dogs. This claim is usually
left unfinished as their dog drags them briskly down the
street, like a sack of potatoes. The same owner who revels
in the fact that their Pit Bull Terrier comes from a lineage
of fighting dogs is apparently mystified when "Chopper" kills
the neighbour's Shi Tzu. It is obvious that the owners
are simultaneously proud and apologetic for the same behaviours.
The real culprit in this dilemma is probably not ignorance,
but fantasy. A common reason for choosing a particular
breed is not the reality of the animal's behavioural traits,
but the image it will project to others. Books about various
breeds and species of pets pander to this process. Giant
breeds, such as the Neapolitan Mastiff are often described
in terms such as, "powerful" and "fiercely
loyal". Border Collies are reputed to be "intelligent" and "obedient".
The animal is selected because of the slogans attached
to it, not because of any actual knowledge of the breed.
Most often, basing the selection of an animal based on
reputation leads to problems. The regal looking Mastiff
may eventually weigh in the region of 170 pounds, and
splatter long tendrils of drool on the walls and settees
whilst casually eyeing the neighbour's cat as his next
meal. The Border Collie, without daily opportunities to
chase sheep, may keep himself amused with irregular activities
such as chasing shadows or nipping the heels of small
children. Each animal will offer perfectly normal behaviour
that represents the reality behind its image. The unprepared
owner will be frustrated and disappointed that the dog
does not live up to unrealistic expectations.
Selecting a dog based on real, rather than imagined,
qualities is the first step toward building a successful
relationship. There are factors that every owner should
consider such as matching the breed of dog to your lifestyle.
Think about your lifestyle objectively considering both
physical aspects, such as space, and emotional aspects
such as how will you keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Research the type of pet you want before you buy or
adopt. Speak to other owners and breeders rather than
automatically trusting books or magazines that are written
by enthusiasts. Even the most objective person may unintentionally
exaggerate an animal's good points while minimising
the bad. Go back to the history books and study the
purpose of the breed to realise the genetic traits you
may have to put up with in the future. If there is a
local club or organisation for the type of animal that
you want, see if you can attend a meeting or get to
know some of the members.
Owning a pet is all about awareness, so as a future pet
owner it is your duty to find out about the dog you are
going to own. This does not mean you should put up with
dangerous behaviour from your dog, but it does mean that
by being aware of their breeding and personality traits,
you can keep them on the straight and narrow. So next
time you find your Terrier digging a hole in your garden,
don't punish him - find something else to occupy his mind
and remember it's in his genes!
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