Personality traits are inherited.  Pups will display characteristics of dominance, submissiveness, and everything in-between while still with mom and their littermates.

See the following description of temperaments.  There is a fine line between categories, and often dogs have a combination of traits.

·        Agreeable and Cooperative.  This type of dog is literally saying, “Teach me, please!”  You need to challenge your dog with new and progressive lessons.  Keep his attention focused—otherwise, boredom will cause your dog to lose interest.  Be sure your dog concludes the workout session by performing the lesson as perfectly as possible.

·        Excitable.  With this type of dog, your demeanor needs to be businesslike.  Too much touching can cause out-of-control wiggling.  So keep your hands off the dog and praise him with voice only.  An excitable dog needs everyday obedience reminders.  You’ll love the style that will result in repeated efforts to do obedience training to perfection.

·        Submissive.  Submissive dogs are often nice to train as they need only soft corrections.  They are so eager to please, they will often understand the lesson the first time it is presented.  Many pups display their submissiveness by rolling onto their backs or urinating whenever approached.  Do not punish your dog for this behavior as it is his way of telling you, "You are the boss!”  Training will get him over this.  In the meantime, do the following:

1.    If your dog is in the house, call him outside in order to greet him.

2.    Family members need to be low-key in the house and ignore the dog for awhile before communicating with the dog.

3.    Don’t stand over your dog—this can intimidate him.

4.    When first communicating with the dog, get down on his level and encourage him to come to you by calling his name and clapping your hands.

In addition, follow the suggestions described in the next category

·        Timid and Fearful.  This type of dog may have either inherited timid tendencies or was not socialized at critical periods during the first weeks of his life.  If you have a timid dog, you can build his confidence and courage with training.  Dogs will reflect your attitude, so the handler, himself, must be enthusiastic and praise the dog lavishly. 

Trust is the keyword. The time spent preparing the dog before structured obedience lessons is the time to build your dog’s confidence in you. Be verbal in everything you do. Talk to your dog enthusiastically as if he is your best friend. If your dog rolls submissively onto his back, toss a ball or run away calling him to you – do whatever it takes to get him on his feet. If he ducks under furniture to avoid a lesson, keep your voice upbeat, get on the floor at his level, and encourage him to come to you and play.

Discipline should be simply a firm “no” and not so intimidating that the dog drops to the floor, it is often best to put a leash on him and show him what you want.

As your pup grows, get him around people and advise to let him come to them. Provide your visitors with biscuits and toys.

. Make lessons short, and stop on a winning note while he still wants more.

·        Aggressive. This type of dog wants to be “top dog” – in charge of you. He does not respond well to an aggressive handler. Use psychology – when training, keep your attitude businesslike and use an encouraging voice. Easy lessons will assure your success. Make sure you remain in the leadership role at all times.

Signs of aggression can show up in 8-week old puppies. Aggressive tendencies are generally inherited or caused by a lack of socialization when the pup is still with its mother. A dog may also act in the same manner out of fear. Behavior such as growling, hair standing on end, or a threatening stare at people or other dogs may be caused by someone getting too near his food, toys, or even disturbing his sleep. Be sure to place the food dish and take away the empty dish when the dog is not present. Don’t take away his toys or anything that belongs to him until he is out of sight. Do not get on his level. Dogs mirror your attitude, so keep upbeat and praise when he is quiet. You must tell him “NO” whenever he shows signs of aggression. Be firm but not threatening. I recommend putting a muzzle on your dog whenever necessary.

 
·        Jumpers and Grabbers.  I have been amazed at the number of people in wheelchairs and using walkers recovering from broken bones caused by their dog knocking them down!

Dogs don't mean to knock you over--they simply get excited and want to play.  How they show their eagerness is to come at you

with all fours.  They can even get you in the back of the legs when you aren't looking.

The Teach Me, Please video course is designed to give you the tools and know-how to prevent these accidents. 

 
Dogs that continually jump up are assertive dogs who often are the same ones who grab at treats and toys when you offer them.  Puppies show this tendency at eight weeks and often draw blood on hands trying to pat them.  When this happens, let the pup know by saying, "ouch" loudly.  Holding him by the back of the collar so he can’t run off, let him know he hurt you, and say,  "no bite!"  Then show him how to take something out of your hand carefully by holding a chew or treat in your fist.  Let him take it out of your palm as you say, "easy."  You can hold your hand steady and let your pup lick your hand, teaching him not to grab and bite.  If your pup ducks when you pet the top of his head, pat his chest area instead for his “good dog” reward.

The rule to follow is never play tug-of-war with your dog. Children also need to be taught not to swat at the pup’s mouth.  It’s better to always have toys available to give the pup and when he’s occupied with a toy, then you can pat him.