Читать книгу Mixed Breeds For Dummies - Miriam Fields-Babineau - Страница 66

Some dogs enjoy new sights and sounds; others get nervous in the same situation. Dogs raised in loving homes or with a conscientious breeder will likely be more inquisitive than frightened at seeing something new rolling around, while a dog who hasn’t had exposure to new things, or had some bad experiences, might become frightened and move away.

This test helps you understand a dog’s reaction to new things and moving objects. Here’s how to do it:

1 Collect several objects, such as a ball, squeaky toy, and bone. Have a baking pan, car keys, and a heavy book on hand.

2 Lay all the objects on the floor and allow the dog to investigate (see Figure 4-2).Illustration by Barbara FrakeFIGURE 4-2: Be sure to include a variety of objects to see how the dog responds.Here are some possible reactions you may see:The dog moves away. A dog who moves away is very fearful of new things. Unless you’re very patient and live in a quiet household, you shouldn’t adopt this dog.The dog has no reaction. If the dog doesn’t react, she’s indifferent to new things — or at least to these new things. If you have very young children or elderly parents living with you, this dog may be ideal.The dog starts to investigate but stops and moves away. A dog who starts to investigate but moves away will take time to acclimate to new situations.The dog investigates the objects. The dog who investigates the objects is inquisitive but not bold. She’ll do well in most any home.The dog investigates and interacts with the objects. The dog who investigates and interacts is confident. She’ll do well in a home with children and an active lifestyle.

3 One at a time, pick up all the objects and roll them across the floor, observing the dog’s reactions as you do. Begin with the object least likely to cause a reaction, such as a ball. Then try a bone, a squeaky toy, and car keys. Finish by dropping a pan or book.Some possible reactions that you may see include the following:The dog moves away. A dog who moves away is fearful and should not be in an active home. This dog may react fearfully when overwhelmed by new events, sights, or sounds.The dog has no reaction. A dog who has no reaction is a very accepting dog who should do well in most environments. Most healthy dogs have some reaction, though, so be sure that she at least watched the movement or responded somehow to the sound. Otherwise, you may want to check the dog’s health.The dog starts to chase but loses interest. This dog may work out well in a quiet environment, but is unlikely to want to play much with toys. She may like chewing a bone, though.The dog chases, grabs, and carries the object away from you. This dog is bold, possessive, yet playful. She needs to be in a home with structure and consistency.The dog chases, grabs, and brings the object to you. This dog will be ideal if you have an active family. She loves to play, retrieve, and interact with the world.