No dog is a dud, just a mismatch with its owner: Expert
September 14th, 2010 - 6:54 pm ICT by ANIMelbourne, Sept 14 (ANI): An Australian animal expert has said that people who think their pet dog is dumb are way off the mark, as it is just a case of the master and the animal being mismatched.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) said that dippy dogs are a myth, which is being perpetuated by our own bad choices.
“Lots of people talk about dumb breeds, but this probably just means that you’ve chosen the wrong type of dog to meet your expectations,” News.com.au quoted Australian Veterinary Association animal behaviourist Kersti Seksel as saying.
“No breed is dumb - dogs are bred for different purpose and to generalise that some are dumber than others over-simplifies the issue,” she stated.
Dr Seksel said breeds were originally developed to meet certain human needs such as herding or guarding - traits which don’t always suit modern lifestyles.
“Border collies herding and rounding up sheep in the country is a desirable trait but herding and rounding up the kids in the backyard may not be so desirable,” she explained.
“Unfortunately, this is a growing issue, and these choices lead to thousands of dogs being surrendered to shelters every year,” she added.
Dr Seksel also said that for some, the ability to learn quickly is regarded as intelligence, but it may also be regarded as a desire to please, which is not what everyone wants from their pet.
While experts talk about specific breeds being smarter due to their obedient nature and ability to obey commands, it’s not the only element potential dog owners should consider.
It’s often the case that dogs, which don’t respond to some cues, have other talents and may display a more independent nature.
“What is most important if you are looking at different breeds of dogs is to pick one with characteristics that suit you,” she stated. (ANI)
- How dogs can teach humans about longevity - May 14, 2010
- Docile dogs live longer - Apr 28, 2010
- Get ready for your designer dog - Sep 04, 2008
- Carrey out of 'Dumb and Dumber' sequel - Jun 21, 2012
- Why some dogs are more prone to nuisance barking - Oct 17, 2009
- Dog gave birth to a kitten? Not a cock and bull story - Jul 21, 2012
- Catwalk for dogs and pets for comfort at this fair! - Jan 22, 2011
- Chinese can now send off dead pets at disposal plants - Dec 20, 2011
- Five Year Old Girl Attacked By American Bulldog - May 31, 2010
- Rooting for the underdog! (Feature) - Sep 25, 2011
- Single women prefer dogs to men - Jul 20, 2009
- 'Dumb & Dumber' Thieves Wrestle Stolen Python Snake at McDonald's - Sep 09, 2010
- Labrador, Who Had Wolfed A Beehive, Obtains A Bizarre 'Pet Insurance' Prize - Aug 25, 2010
- British dogs to get anti-depressants - Jun 25, 2012
- American Kennel Club Recognizes Three New Breeds - Jan 29, 2011
Tags: animal behaviourist, animal expert, australian animal, australian veterinary association, ava, border collies, breeds of dogs, collies, cues, desirable trait, different breeds of dogs, dog owners, dud, independent nature, lifestyles, melbourne, mismatch, myth, obedient nature, sheep