How do you influence your dog’s personality?
A recent study of over 1,600 dogs and their owners examined how canine personality changes with age and influences important life outcomes. The research used the Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ), a well-established tool measuring traits like fearfulness, aggression, and trainability. Jessica Reyes discusses the study with Jojo Venant.
Key findings:
- Age-related changes: Younger dogs were more active and excitable, while older dogs were calmer and less aggressive towards people.
- Personality and health: Dog personality was linked to chronic health conditions, with inactive dogs being more prone to illness.
- Biting history: Personality also predicted biting behavior, suggesting that certain traits may increase the risk of biting incidents.
- Owner-dog similarity: There was some correlation between owner and dog personalities, potentially due to selection, socialization, or projection.
- Relationship quality: Both dog and owner personalities influenced the perceived quality of their relationship.
Relationships with man’s best friend
This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of dog personality and its impact on health, behavior, and the human-dog bond. Understanding these factors can help shelters, adoption agencies, and potential owners make informed decisions and build stronger relationships with their canine companions.
To learn more about Jojo Venant visit her website and connect with her on Instagram.
