{"id":498,"date":"2017-07-11T16:46:17","date_gmt":"2017-07-11T22:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=498"},"modified":"2022-03-30T06:44:44","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T12:44:44","slug":"good-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/good-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Sit, Ubu, Sit: What Makes a Good Dog?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"goodMany of us probably already have our own ideas about what makes a good dog. Your ideal dog might enjoy sitting on the couch, binge-watching Netflix with you, or perhaps your perfect canine companion is one who will join you on your daily 10 mile run. But is there really an ideal \u201cgood\u201d dog?<\/p>\n

Your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center<\/a> never shies away from tough topics, and we\u2019re tackling this one head on!<\/p>\n

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Temperament<\/h3>\n

A dog\u2019s temperament, also known as his or her personality, is often a trait by which we judge whether or not a particular dog is good or bad. Most dogs have certain inherited traits, which can often be either modified or enhanced, depending on the environment the dog is in. Age and health also have much to do with a dog\u2019s overall energy level and personality.<\/p>\n

Most canine behaviorists agree that there is no such thing as a \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cbad\u201d temperament, but that temperament is either suitable or unsuitable for a particular time, place, or circumstance. For example, an aggressive<\/a>, highly protective dog may not be suitable for a home with small children and other pets, but might make the perfect police dog or a watchful guard dog for someone living alone. A playful, outgoing dog may be better suited for an individual or family that has an active, outdoor lifestyle, whereas, a shy, more docile dog may be a better match for someone who is mostly indoors or sedentary.<\/p>\n

Trainability<\/h3>\n

For many dog owners, how readily a dog responds to training is a key indicator of a good dog. A dog that is easily taught basic commands<\/a>, or that can be trained to walk on a leash or not to jump on visitors is much easier to manage and be around. Keep in mind that, with patience and consistency, even many \u201cbad\u201d dogs can be taught the skills necessary to enjoy life in our human world.<\/p>\n

Energy Level<\/h3>\n

How your dog\u2019s energy level meshes with your family\u2019s lifestyle will probably determine whether or not you consider your dog \u201cgood\u201d. Mellow, couch potato dogs are a great fit for a laidback household, while a family that loves camping and hiking would probably prefer an energetic dog that can hold his or her own on the trail.<\/p>\n

Do You Have a Good Dog?<\/h3>\n

By now, you see that there is no one-size-fits-all good dog. All people, regardless of whether or not they own<\/a> a dog, have different ideas about what makes a dog good. Our own personalities, life circumstances, interests, and goals when it comes to dog ownership all come into play when we consider the definition of a good dog.<\/p>\n

Bottom line, choosing a dog that is suited to your home environment and your lifestyle is the best way to ensure that your dog will be a good companion for you.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips that can help anyone who owns or visits with a dog to make the most out of the interaction:<\/p>\n