Are bad dogs simply untrained or were they born bad?

Some people believe that certain bad dog behaviors are a result of bad breeding while others believe that they are wholly the result of bad dog training.

The truth, as always, is somewhere in-between.

How Did My Dog Go Bad?

Breeding and breed does contribute to a dog’s temperament and behaviors. Some dogs are more high-strung than others, some are born confident, some are more susceptible to fear or stress, some are more mouthy, etc.

To get a dog with good temperament, do some research on the breeds you are most interested in.

To get a dog with good temperament, do some research on the breeds you are most interested in. Once you have made a decision, do a lot more research into good breeders or adoption agencies in your area.

Puppies from pet stores, and online stores are mostly from puppy-mills, and will have a lot more health and temperament issues.

Even though breeding and breed does contribute to the overall temperament and behavior of a dog, it can be counterbalanced with training and management.

Dogs that are born with a less balanced temperament, however, will require more time, patience, training, and management.

Dogs that are born with a less balanced temperament, however, will require more time, patience, training, and management.

My Shiba Inu, for example, is easily stressed, very stubborn, and naturally mouthy.

My Shiba Inu, for example, is easily stressed, very stubborn, and naturally mouthy. Therefore, I manage him carefully and only expose him to situations that I know he can handle. At the same time I am slowly desensitizing him to the conditions that cause him stress.

My Siberian Husky is just a happy-go-lucky dog, and needs less management and attention.

We should all recognize, though, that some dogs are just more difficult to manage than others.

Try not to judge others too quickly because of the misbehavior of their dogs.  Just like us, dogs do not all start from a level playing field, and what we consider to be bad behaviors may be a result of the dog’s natural tendency towards fear or anxiety.

And if you have one of those more challenging dogs – know that you are not alone. Your dog can be properly managed and trained with time and patience. Make sure though that his unexpected behaviors are not a result of any physical health issues.

And a Big Kudos to you for sticking with your dog, and helping him through his challenges. That makes you a big Dog Hero and you should stand tall and be proud!

Just like us, dogs do not all start from a level playing field, and what we consider to be bad behaviors may be a result of the dog’s natural tendency towards fear, stress, or anxiety.