Before you even start thinking about puppy training, you should already have some background knowledge of the breed group that your puppy belongs to. Having at least a basic understanding of your puppy breed is important because it helps you to anticipate behavior.
But bear in mind that not all puppies behave exactly in the same manner, even when they belong to the same breed groups. For example, a hound can be lethargic, or it can be highly active. But the basic characteristics should be similar.
If you went out to a pet shop, see a cute little puppy, and can't resist the temptation to bring it home, you may end up buying the puppy without knowing what you are in for. This scenario plays out all the time in the real world.
The bad news is, not all dogs are easy to train. Some will remain difficult, regardless of how committed the dog owner is. Others will be more gentle, well behaved, and make perfect house dogs. That is something you should keep in mind way before buying the puppy.
Fortunately, even for the more difficult dogs, they usually offer loyalty and great companionship. If you have already bought the puppy, you are left with little choice but to acquire a deeper understanding of your puppy's breed group.
Hounds
There are different types of hounds that belong to this group. Scent hounds include the Basset, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Blood hound (sounds scary), Dachshunds, Foxhounds, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Sight hounds include the Afghan hond, Basenji, Borzoi, Greyhound, Ibizan hound, Irish wolfhound, Pharaoh hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound, and Whippet.
Hounds are known for their heightened sense of smell and sight. They have an elegant and slender looking body, which is perfect for speed. The Greyhound is one of the fastest dog in the world. Because of their athletic build, you often see hounds participating in hunts or sports events.
If you are considering owning a hound, there is something you must know. Hounds are able to creating a rather unique sound through baying. This is not your usual barking sound, and you must be prepared for it. For some people, baying can be a rather chilling sound. Many hound owners may protest though. They think it's more like singing!
Terriers
Terriers may look very adorable because of their size, especially when they are covered by a soft coat of hair. But don't be fooled by this deceptive appearance. Most Terriers actually possess a rather feiry temperament. For this reason, they are not suitable playmates for young boys, who may like to play rough. The Terriers will be up to the game!
Hard coated Terriers are easier to have around because they don't have special grooming needs. There is no need to clean dead hair off the dog on a regularly basis. That, you have to do for soft coated Terriers.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are highly intelligent animals. They are also very active, bold, and determined. Because of their intelligence, they are used by various agencies such as the police force, search and rescue, etc. to perform difficult tasks. In such challenging situations, only the most disciplined and obedient dogs can perform up to mark.
Herding breeds include the Border Collie, the German Shepherd (very beautiful dog), the Australian Cattle Dog, the Briard, the Australian Sepherd, and the Puli. Note that these different breeds differ in temperament. The Border Collie is perhaps the most active of all. If you own a Border Collie, walking alone is not enough. You have to have meaningful games for the dog, like a game of fetch.
Sporting dogs
These are popular breeds and they include spaniels, setters, pointers and retrievers. They are highly athletic animals that can work in land, in water, or both. Ever heard of the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever? These are the 2 most popular breeds in this group.
The only problem with sporting dogs is that it's not a very homely dog. Therefore, if you try to chain it up to a fence, you may face some resistance. That's because the dogs are merely trying to follow their natural instincts - which is to be hunting in the outdoors.
To be continued in part 2: Puppy Training - Understanding Your Puppy Part 2
