Looking for anecdotal information on change in temperament in dogs from puppy to adult, ie: if a puppy is super wiggly, stupid happy, what are the odds of them growing up to have a less outgoing temperament? Or vice versa? Also curious about drive levels, what are the odds that a drivey pup will turn into a deadhead, opposite, etc?
Have only had involvement in raising one pup, from nervy/yappy parent dogs (not my selection), and she was sort of middle of the road to nervy as both a pup and adult dog. I have, however seen lots of dogs grow up from puppies, and have sort of formed the opinion that the writing is on the wall even with young dogs when temperament tends toward the extreme.... the puppy that stands on it's head in happiness when meeting people becomes an adult that is still happy to meet people, the pup that shies away/growls becomes the adult that still is sketchy with people, with few exceptions. Middle of the road/average pups seem to be sort of a grey area, IME, and can go either way or stay "average".
Granted, I only see a tiny sample of most of those dogs' behavior, which is why I'm curious about others' experiences.
When I eventually look for another dog (not adverse to a dog from a breeder, but will likely concentrate my search toward rescue/shelter dogs, so dogs of potentially unknown parental temperament) my current preference is toward a young adult, but I feel like I might shortchange myself by specifically avoiding puppies if I see one that appears to have the sort of temperament I want. Additionally, I have some trepidation re: my (unafraid of dogs) cats and bringing a teen/adult dog with potentially high prey drive into the mix. I know even dogs raised with cats can become inappropriate with them and am willing to deal with separation if needed (BTDT), it would be easier to not
Have only had involvement in raising one pup, from nervy/yappy parent dogs (not my selection), and she was sort of middle of the road to nervy as both a pup and adult dog. I have, however seen lots of dogs grow up from puppies, and have sort of formed the opinion that the writing is on the wall even with young dogs when temperament tends toward the extreme.... the puppy that stands on it's head in happiness when meeting people becomes an adult that is still happy to meet people, the pup that shies away/growls becomes the adult that still is sketchy with people, with few exceptions. Middle of the road/average pups seem to be sort of a grey area, IME, and can go either way or stay "average".
Granted, I only see a tiny sample of most of those dogs' behavior, which is why I'm curious about others' experiences.
When I eventually look for another dog (not adverse to a dog from a breeder, but will likely concentrate my search toward rescue/shelter dogs, so dogs of potentially unknown parental temperament) my current preference is toward a young adult, but I feel like I might shortchange myself by specifically avoiding puppies if I see one that appears to have the sort of temperament I want. Additionally, I have some trepidation re: my (unafraid of dogs) cats and bringing a teen/adult dog with potentially high prey drive into the mix. I know even dogs raised with cats can become inappropriate with them and am willing to deal with separation if needed (BTDT), it would be easier to not