How to choose the right temperament for a dog
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
Choosing the right temperament for a dog involves far more than size and how they look. It’s important to make sure the dog’s personality matches your everyday lifestyle. We’ve shared some hints and tips to help you find a canine companion that suits your home and family life.
What type of dog suits your lifestyle?
Most dog breeds need mental and physical stimulation to stop them from becoming stressed and developing problem behaviours. And just like people, some breeds are more sociable than others. As an example, high-energy Border Collies enjoy being with people, but they need active homes and structured training to stay settled.
Some dogs are more sensitive, anxious or noise‑reactive, and need quieter and more predictable environments. Some dogs cope better being alone, while others are more prone to separation anxiety and thrive in homes where someone is around for most of the day. So, before you choose a dog, think about what a typical week looks like for you.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want a clingy dog who’s always with you or a more independent dog?
- How much exercise and walking time can you commit to daily?
- How much training time can you commit to weekly?
It’s also worth understanding how many hours your dog will be left alone most days. The RSPCA recommends that dogs should never be left any longer than 4 hours because this can cause anxiety and loneliness. However, there are several dog breeds that will start to fret in much shorter timespans. When dogs are left and become stressed, they can develop separation anxiety, which can then lead to barking or destructive behaviours.
What are the best dog breeds known for a calm temperament?
If you’re looking for a dog with a calmer temperament, you can find these characteristics in every size of dog:
- Small breeds – Cavelier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus are known for being friendly, affectionate and calm. These companion-type, lap dogs are ideal for smaller homes and less active owners.
- Medium breeds – Basset Hounds are low energy and known for their sweet disposition. Although a more athletic type of dog, Greyhounds are often tranquil souls. Cocker Spaniels are another affectionate, good-natured dog, but they need lots of mental stimulation.
- Larger breeds – Irish Wolfhounds, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are the gentle giants of the dog world. Despite their working dog backgrounds, they’re friendly and affectionate, and usually great with children. Larger dogs need longer, regular walks.
- …or why not rehome a mixed-breed dog with complementary traits?
Your local doggy day care centre
At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, our fully trained Doggy Daycare Assistants have experience looking after almost every breed of dog. Instead of leaving your dog at home where they might develop separation anxiety, they’ll enjoy a happier life at our doggy day care centre.
Our heated and air conditioned, purpose-built daycare centres will ensure your dog enjoys plenty of rest after playtime. Your beloved furry friend will enjoy mental stimulation through new experiences, exercise, and socialisation with dogs of the same size and temperament.
Why not see for yourself by booking a visit to one of our doggy daycare centres? Get in touch to speak to our friendly team.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, How to choose the right temperament for a dog.
Sources:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/staticImages/Pdfs/LearningToBeLeftAlone.pdf
https://careline.co.uk/blogs/news/calmest-dog-breeds-for-elderly-owners?srsltid=AfmBOoqVDVQiT1mZQSxlTqC5oi6HxNDrb_1e9qARsUnRldfjhJUPzTAR
https://vitapet.com/au/vitapet-central/articles/dog-breed-temperaments/