Why Does My Dog …

Pet owners often notice characteristic differences between their pets or others they encounter because, much like humans, dogs have unique personalities. Your dog’s individual temperament is a combination of genetic factors, social interactions, and environment.

Many dog breeds are associated with specific traits, such as the boundless energy of a Border Collie or the laid-back lounging tendencies of a Basset Hound. But there is much more that goes into a dog’s personality than breed alone. 

The diversity of pet personalities is beautiful because it offers an opportunity to connect with your pet on a deeper level. Many factors can influence how dogs think, feel, and behave, including early life socialization and even hormone levels like oxytocin, which is often called the “love hormone” or “attachment hormone.” 

Learning more about your dog’s behavior can deepen your bond, help implement a practical training routine and provide insight into the best way to support your pet as they grow and change. 

Part of responsible pet ownership is understanding and caring for your animal. Recognizing your pet’s personality and typical behavior is essential to identifying potential medical problems if your dog is acting out of character.

Pet medical expenses can place an emotional and financial burden on owners. Approximately 500,000 American pet guardians per year face an impossible decision: pay for expensive life-saving medical expenses they can’t afford or euthanize a beloved pet. No one should ever have to lose their best friend because of a financial crisis.

 Luckily, there is a charity that offers emergency help with vet bills. This crowdfunded nonprofit works directly with approved animal welfare provided to ensure funds go directly to animals in need. It also aims to reduce rates of economic euthanasia. 

Nature vs. Nurture in Dog Personalities 

Philosophers, scientists, psychologists, and everyday people have long debated whether one’s personality is predetermined by their genetics (nature) or continually shaped by one’s life experiences (nurture). 

Modern science accepts that most humans’ personalities are formed through a complex combination of both nature and nurture. Our furry friends are much the same. Though some genetic traits are inherited, much of a dog’s personality is shaped by its environment and level of socialization. 

Typical breed traits are important to understanding your dog’s needs. For example, herding breeds such as Border Collies or German Shepherds will likely require more exercise because their breed is known for being high energy. But environment and socialization will largely impact how a dog reacts to situations and his or her overall personality. 

Early socialization in limited social settings can help dogs feel comfortable and confident around strangers or in unfamiliar places. At the same time, taking a dog into an overwhelming social environment before exposing them to smaller, intimate gatherings first could create anxiety around crowds or unfamiliar people. Consider how you’re introducing your dog to different social situations and environments to help them feel as comfortable as possible.

The Science Behind Canine Temperament

1. Breed Traits

Dog breeds are often broken down into nine “families.” One study published in BMC Genomics outlined these classifications as: toy dogs, spaniels, scent hounds, working dogs, mastiff-like breeds, small terriers, retrievers, herding breeds, and sight hounds. These broad categories group dogs based on shared physical and behavioral characteristics. For example, herding breeds are known for being highly intelligent, receptive to training, and exhibiting lots of energy because they were bred to help herd livestock. 

Understanding fundamental breed characteristics is important because it alerts us to a particular breed’s needs. As mentioned, herding breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds may require more exercise and mental stimulation than others. But they may also be more receptive to training because of their genetics. 

Retrievers display similar genetic traits to herding breeds, such as high energy and intelligence, but retrievers may require more physical-based exercise like running or swimming while herding breeds tend to require problem-solving activities in addition to physical exercise. 

If your dog is acting unusual, consider what type of attention or activity his or her breed typically enjoys. If you haven’t granted enough time for these interests, your dog may need more mental or physical stimulation. Some breeds are also prone to medical conditions. Educate yourself on these predispositions, so you can track your dog’s health and seek assistance with vet bills if needed.

2. Social Interaction

Though breed plays a role in a dog’s personality, it’s far from the only factor impacting personality. 

Social exposure to humans and other dogs affects how dogs interact with others as they age. Researchers from the University of Helsinki in Finland found that socialization was particularly important in puppyhood, specifically between the ages of seven weeks and four months. Dogs who were around other people and dogs during this time demonstrated more confidence and less aggression later in life.

“Our findings indicate that new owners should familiarize their puppies as much as possible with unfamiliar people, places, and animals. Of course, socialization must always be done on the puppy’s terms, which means that the puppy must not be forced into frightening situations,” said the university’s postdoctoral researcher Milla Salonen.

Other studies illustrate a connection between maternal care and socialization. Puppies who receive a higher level of attention and longer time with their mother tend to be more social, less aggressive, and more active as they age. 

However, dog’s personalities can change later in life. If you have an adult dog that is prone to anxiety, particularly in social settings, you can encourage him or her to become more social, but you must introduce new people and dogs slowly in limited settings and only if your dog seems interested.

3. Neuropsychology

Neurotransmitters, known as “chemical messengers,” and hormones play an important role in dogs’ emotional reactions to situations, which can impact their personalities. 

Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is essential in human-dog relationships. Humans that have a bond with a pet have higher oxytocin levels. But research suggests that dogs’ oxytocin levels are also elevated by close relationships with their owners. Oxytocin is responsible for feelings of trust and love. When dogs experience elevated levels of oxytocin earlier in life, they may be more trusting of humans in general. If a dog did not have strong, positive bonds with humans early in life, they may learn to trust their owner but could experience anxiety or aggression around people who are unfamiliar. 

Other chemical messengers such as serotonin and dopamine can impact a dog’s personality. Stress and environmental factors early on in a dog’s life can impact their serotonin and dopamine levels, which, in turn, impacts their personality. Serotonin regulates mood, and dogs with low levels of serotonin may exhibit anxious behavior and shy away from socialization. 

Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and impacts motivation and learning. Dogs with heightened dopamine response may be prone to displays of over excitement. High levels of dopamine are also associated with eagerness to learn tricks or training exercises.

Levels of neurotransmitters and hormones are determined by both genetic factors and life experiences. You can teach adult dogs who suffer from anxiety or aggression to reduce feelings of anxiety or aggression, but it is a slow process that requires patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding of your dog’s wants and needs. Never push your dog into a situation that makes them uncomfortable.

The Impact of Environment & Training on Personality

Despite the impact of genetics and early life experiences, a dog’s current environment and training or daily routine is extremely influential to his or her everyday emotional state and personality. Dogs who receive positive reinforcement training, a regular exercise schedule, and plenty of love and affection demonstrate more social, outgoing behavior. 

Lack of stimulation, stressful environments or situations, and cases of neglect have a damaging effect on dogs’ emotional states and characteristics. These experiences can lead dogs to exhibit negative behavior not true to their actual personality. Rather, they are reacting to inadequate care. 

Let’s look at our herding breeds example again. We know these dogs require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity because of their genetic characteristics. If a herding breed is getting very limited time outside or no exposure to problem-solving games or activities, they will likely exhibit anxiety, depression, or aggression. 

This is where nature and nurture meet. Understanding your dog’s fundamental needs is necessary to their overall health and well-being. Get to know your dog’s unique personality to form a deeper bond and provide him or her with the best care possible. 

Supporting your pet emotionally is just as important as supporting their medical needs. Sometimes uncharacteristic behavior can be a sign of pain, discomfort, or illness. However, pet medical expenses can place an enormous financial burden on owners at times. If you need help affording essential medical treatment for your pet, seek financial assistance for pet surgery through a crowdfunded nonprofit.

Embracing Your Dog’s Unique Personality 

Every dog is different, which makes our bonds with these loving, accepting animals so unique and personal. The more you understand your individual dog’s traits, the more you can embrace their individuality and foster your special bond. 

If you want to find ways to nurture your dog’s personality traits, try implementing regular bonding through mental and physical activities particular to their interests and needs. The deep bonds we form with our pets through their distinct personalities is one of the greatest joys of pet ownership.

Shaping Happier, Healthier Lives for Dogs

Getting to know your dog’s personality is a rewarding experience that forms a closer bond with these amazing animals. A complex blend of genetic traits, life experiences, and neuropsychology make each of our pets totally unique. Nurture that bond and continually learn about your dog’s personality to give him or her the best care possible. 

Identifying typical personality traits can also help you recognize when your pet is acting differently. Uncharacteristic behavior can be a sign that something is wrong, and you can seek help or medical treatment as soon as possible. If you require financial help with pet surgery, seek out assistance through crowdfunded nonprofit efforts to give your pet the care they deserve.