Classification Essay: The Adaptable Dog

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Is your dog really playful, or more laid-back? Does your furry friend easily get along with other dogs, or does he run away from new situations?

Your dog was born with a set of instinctive behaviors that he inherited from his parents. These behaviors can be grouped into three broad categories - prey, pack, and defense - called "drives." How many behaviors your dog has in each category, or drive, will determine his temperament, his personality and how he perceives the world.

But your dog's personality doesn't spring completely from genetics or inherited behaviors. Just like people, dogs are affected by their experiences and their environment - and their personalities can change over time.

Personality is the combination of characteristics …show more content…

Not as outgoing as the happy personality, this pooch gets along well with other dogs, cats, and people, including being reliable with kids. He's perfectly happy to follow commands from his pet parent. This is an easy-to-control dog - cooperative, gentle and affectionate, which makes him a great family pet. The adaptable personality would be a good candidate as a therapy dog.

The Laid-Back, Happy Dog is always ready to greet everyone he meets, whether he knows them or not. He gets along well with other dogs and cats. Pooches with a happy personality that haven't been taught basic commands, like sit or down, most likely will get into trouble for jumping up on people when they greet them. This dog can also become overly excited, especially around children. He will become well adjusted if he receives regular training and lots of exercise.

The Shy/Timid Dog needs a pet parent who can give calm, consistent, and patient understanding, with sensitivity to his needs and feelings. This pooch is insecure and extremely submissive. A timid dog doesn't like being in uncomfortable situations or around sudden or loud noises. He bonds very closely with his pet parent and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of his shell. Reward this dog with lots of praise for each little success because he needs that special reassurance from the one he bonds with to feel safe and

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