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Science Says Your Weimaraner Adopts Your Personality Over Time
This article is taken directly from
https://sonderlives.com/2020/04/04/science-says-your-weimaraner-adopts-your-personality-over-time/
/ By SonderLives
You may know dogs and people whose personalities are mirror images of each other: a low-key pet parent with an equally mellow pup or an outgoing pet parent with a dog who greets everyone with wet kisses. This might not actually be just a coincidence, as scientists say that dog personality is strongly linked to human personality.
In a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, researchers asked pet parents to rate themselves on five major personality dimensions (as well as on corresponding personality traits of dogs). “The Big Five,” as they’re referred to in the psychology community, are:
Neuroticism (a tendency towards feelings like anxiety and fear)
Extraversion
Conscientiousness
Agreeableness
Openness (level of creativity, curiosity and being open to new ideas)
When dog-parents spend extra time scratching their dogs’ bellies, take their dogs out for long walks and games of fetch, or even when they feel constant frustration over their dogs’ naughty chewing habits, they are gradually shaping their pets’ personalities. Dogs, like people, have moods and personality traits that shape how they react in certain situations. New findings from Michigan State University went where few researchers have gone before to reveal that, also like humans, dogs’ personalities likely change over time.
“When humans go through big changes in life, their personality traits can change. We found that this also happens with dogs – and to a surprisingly large degree,” said William Chopik, professor of psychology and lead author. “We expected the dogs’ personalities to be fairly stable because they don’t have wild lifestyle changes humans do, but they actually change a lot. We uncovered similarities to their owners, the optimal time for training and even a time in their lives that they can get more aggressive toward other animals.”
The research, published in Journal of Research in Personality, is one of the first – and is the largest – studies of its kind to examine changes in dogs’ personalities. Chopik surveyed owners of more than 1,600 dogs, including 50 different breeds. Dogs ranged from just a few weeks old to 15 years, and were split closely between male and female. The extensive survey had owners evaluate their dog’s personalities and answered questions about the dog’s behavioral history. The owners also answered a survey about their own personalities.
“We found correlations in three main areas: age and personality, in human-to-dog personality similarities and in the influence a dog’s personality has on the quality of its relationship with its owner,” Chopik said. “Older dogs are much harder to train; we found that the ‘sweet spot’ for teaching a dog obedience is around the age of six, when it outgrows its excitable puppy stage but before its too set in its ways.”
One trait that rarely changes in age with dogs, Chopik said, was fear and anxiety.
Honing in on the saying, “dogs resemble their owners,” Chopik’s research showed dogs and owners share specific personality traits. Extroverted humans rated their dogs as more excitable and active, while owners high in negative emotions rated their dogs as more fearful, active and less responsive to training. Owners who rated themselves as agreeable rated their dogs as less fearful and less aggressive to people and animals.
The owners who felt happiest about their relationships with their dogs reported active and excitable dogs, as well as dogs who were most responsive to training. Aggression and anxiety didn’t matter as much in having a happy relationship, Chopik said.
“There are a lot of things we can do with dogs – like obedience classes and training – that we can’t do with people,” he said. “Exposure to obedience classes was associated with more positive personality traits across the dog’s lifespan. This gives us exciting opportunities to examine why personality changes in all sorts of animals.”
Chopik’s findings prove how much power humans have over influencing a dog’s personality. He explained that many of the reasons a dog’s personality changes are a result of the “nature versus nurture” theory associated with humans’ personalities.
Next, Chopik’s will research will examine how the environment owners provide their dogs might change the dogs’ behavior.
“Say you adopt a dog from a shelter. Some traits are likely tied to biology and resistant to change, but you then put it in a new environment where it’s loved, walked and entertained often. The dog then might become a little more relaxed and sociable,” Chopik said. “Now that we know dogs’ personalities can change, next we want to make strong connection to understand why dogs act – and change – the way they do.”
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092656618301661?via%3Dihub
Dog Vaccinations – Do They Really Need Them?
This article is taken directly from
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/do-dogs-need-vaccinations/
/ By Todd Cooney
Many holistic veterinarians believe vaccinations create a large percentage of the chronic disease we see in domestic animals, if not most. It is also one of the few things we can really control; whether and how much to vaccinate.
Dogs Naturally Magazine covers all these topics regularly so I’ll try to take a unique approach and avoid redundancy.
As I write this, I’m preparing to speak at the annual meeting of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association on vaccines, vaccinosis and homeoprophylaxis (using homeopathic medicines to prevent disease).
Vaccination is a very hot topic today with the documentary Vaxxed still showing in many parts of the country, and the Disneyland measles outbreak still in our rearview mirror; both continue to stir debate and controversy.
The line between the pro-vaccine camp and the anti-vaxxers is pretty clear. We need more focus on the harmful effects of vaccination, which are well documented, and the fallacy of thinking unvaccinated children and animals pose a great threat to those who are vaccinated.
Are Vaccines Effective?
Many point out how this flies in the face of logic. How can unvaccinated individuals pose a threat to those vaccinated, if indeed vaccines are so effective?
But the bigger question should be “are vaccines effective at all, in the first place?”
Historical data shows most epidemic diseases were already declining before vaccines began, and many books document this fact.
Homeopaths believe the best way to boost health is to give the most similar homeopathic remedy, as treatment or prevention, and avoid the potentially harmful effects of vaccines altogether.
Dr Dorothy Shepherd, a British homeopathic physician in the 1900s, says this in her book, Homeopathy and Epidemic Diseases:
“My own personal opinion is that inoculation with any type of serum in any of these infectious diseases is harmful and can easily and safely be replaced by a remedy, or remedies, proven according to our law of similars that ‘like cures like’ in healthy individuals.”
If vaccinating in the first place is not the best idea, how much worse is the practice of annual re-vaccination or boosters?
This common practice has no scientific merit and causes untold damage to animals in the form of chronic disease of all varieties. Homeopathy refers to this as vaccinosis or the chronic disease state resulting from vaccination.
Not every animal vaccinated develops vaccinosis but a large number show signs of this mistunement or disease.
An Autoimmune Link To Chronic Disease
The well-known Purdue Study found that dogs develop autoimmunity to most key proteins in their bodies after a single vaccine, including their own DNA.
This explains why most chronic diseases of dogs are believed to have an autoimmune basis. Because of this fact, many chronic problems due to vaccinosis will not respond to any treatment unless we address this condition first.
It can be a very persistent obstacle to cure in many animals as it can cause very deep disruption of the life force. But we have to vaccinate, right?
Many people are conditioned to think this way (as are many veterinarians) after decades of automatic yearly shots, which are taken for granted without questioning.
Ronald D Schultz PhD, who has been studying the e ectiveness of canine vaccines since the 1970s, pointed out the lack of evidence for this approach back in the early 1990s in the veterinary textbook, Current Veterinary erapy XI.
Not Useful, Necessary Or Required
I tell my clients this: rabies vaccine is the only legally required vaccine and should only be given to healthy animals, according to the vaccine label. The others are not useful, necessary or required.
Groomers, boarding kennels and others often make vaccines a mandatory requirement regardless of the animal’s condition.
If this becomes a problematic issue for a client, I recommend finding someone willing to work with them or a veterinarian willing to write a vaccine waiver.
Rampant over-vaccination occurs in the name of policy and causes untold damage to our pets.
It’s not unusual for me to see several cases each week involving geriatric animals with chronic disease, who were vaccinated anyway at a recent veterinary visit simply because they were overdue or it was clinic policy.
A Better Way
I spend some time explaining to these clients there is a much better way to build immunity instead of vaccination by keeping the immune system intact and well regulated, not confused and dysregulated.
Excellent nutrition is the first key. Next, let’s look at the homeopathic option.
Homeoprophylaxis involves using homeopathic remedies or speci c types of remedies called nosodes (Greek nosos = disease). Nosodes are homeopathic medicines made from the natural products of disease and can help with immunity.
I use them in my practice with good results. They are not given on a typical schedule like vaccines are but to protect in the face of likely exposure.
For instance, I recommend that pups get the parvo nosode each week up to at least six months old, when they are most susceptible and likely having frequent exposure to the parvo virus.
This works very well in my practice area as described in Dogs Naturally Magazine’s July-August 2014 issue.
Several other studies confirm the usefulness of nosodes in controlling diseases in animals including kennel cough and canine distemper.
(Looking for more information on nosodes? Visit the article here …)
Nosodes Stopped An Outbreak
A more recent example of nosodes giving obvious protection took place in Cuba where more than two million people were protected by a nosode for leptospirosis.
A reduction in infection of nearly 85 percent occurred after only two doses of nosode in this large population where the disease typically ravages a large part of the population after hurricane seasons.
This simple measure essentially stopped the outbreak of this illness, compared to untreated parts of the country. This is a hard fact to swallow for those who continually refer to homeopathy as a placebo.
Earlier outstanding results in controlling epidemic diseases led to the dedication of a monument in Washington DC to Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, in gratitude and recognition of the role of homeopathy in controlling deadly epidemic disease in the 1800s and 1900s in many parts of this country.
President McKinley performed the dedication in 1900, and the beautiful monument stands proud today.
Homeopathy can address the issue of epidemic disease in a way vaccines cannot. This is a very useful fact for anyone dealing with animals and responsible for their wellbeing.
To find a good holistic veterinarian, check the directories at theavh.org and ahvma.org.
As Dr Dorothy Shepherd says,
“As homeopaths, we should not be backward in pressing our claim of being able to cure, really cure epidemic diseases.”
Tedx Talk: Why Don’t Dogs Live Forever? – Planet Paws
Are we doing enough for our pets? Rodney Habib is a voice for dogs around the world. After one of his dogs, Sammie, was diagnosed with cancer, Rodney went on a journey to discover why. What he learned along the way will surprise you and leave you with an idea that will change the way you look at your animals.
Rodney Habib is an award winning pet nutrition blogger, podcast/radio show host, magazine writer, and, most importantly, a pet parent and advocate.
His popular website and blog posts have allowed thousands of dog owners worldwide to join him in his search for answers and to share the discoveries he has made in natural dog care and trying to get his pets to ‘live forever’!
Rodney believes strongly we all need to be the change we wish to see in the world, a value very much in alignment with our event and one we are proud to support and share for you all.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
Living With A Weimaraner
Living With A Weimaraner
By Carole Lee Richards
Weimaraners are the perpetual two year old – loveable, active, loyal to a fault, and with the attitude, “It’s all about ME!” While I love them, I have to utter the time worn phrase, “They’re not a breed for everyone.” But since there is no breed of dog that can live up to the universal wants and needs of all dog owners, the Weimaraner is a wonderful choice for many people.
If you chose a Weimaraner as a member of your household, you’ve got to like a big, active, intelligent, hunting breed. Males can reach heights of 25˝-27˝, and weigh 70-90 lbs; females typically are 23˝ to 25˝ in height, and weigh 55-75 lbs. They are strong animals with the stamina and desire to work and play for long stretches of time. Weimaraners need exercise,” these three little words cannot be overstressed. They need an outlet for all their energy, and they prefer exercise they can do with you.. They are delighted to join you in physical activities, revel in long runs in the field, and they consider swimming on a hot summer day is a treat beyond description. As a friend of mine always says, “A tired Weimaraner, is a good Weimaraner,” and I’d add, “…a happy Weimaraner”.
It’s hard to generalize about the Weimaraner personality but a core trait, that runs in the veins of all of them, is that they are people-centric. They love the company of humans to the point that they will follow you around your house like a second shadow. Weimaraners are always underfoot, curious, wanting to be involved in your activities. In my house every meal I prepare is supervised by a Weimaraner. I’ve had them walk into the shower with me, poke their nose into any book I’m trying to read and bark at the vacuum cleaner as if it was a humming, electrical monster that is trying to eat the rug. And then there’s the issue of where they sleep. Their preference is to sleep as near to you as possible. If permitted, they will invade your bed and then try to take as much territory as they can. If relegated to a dog bed on the floor, don’t be surprised if they drag it as near to your bed as possible.
While their need to be with people can be wonderful it also works to their detriment. This characteristic makes them very difficult to kennel and separation anxiety is one of the most prevalent reasons cited when they are given up to Rescue. Crate training is highly recommended and should be part of the Weimaraner’s regular routine.
For a more academic description of the Weimaraner personality, the AKC standard describes the ideal Weimaraner temperament as, “…fearless, friendly, alert and obedient.” I’d agree, but with the caveat that the last one in that list is a learned behavior that needs to start when they are very young. If you don’t train a Weimaraner to do what you want, they’re very creative and will pursue their own desires.
A well trained Weimaraner is a joy to live with but an untrained one is hell on paws. From puppyhood on, Weimaraners need consistent training that is applied gently but firmly to channel their high energy. They are very smart and learn quickly, so never underestimate the intelligence and trainability of the Weimaraner. They are sponges just waiting to soak up experiences and learn. With skillful training even tiny puppies can learn basic obedience commands, point birds and retrieve to hand. Once they learn something (whether it is a good thing or a bad thing), it’s in their little heads forever.
“Do Weimaraners chew a lot? Are they destructive?” The answers to these questions depend on a number of factors. I’ve owned dogs that I swore were part beaver, while others are content to chomp on toys and other designated chewables. Part of it is learning, and part is making life interesting enough that chewing s not an outlet for frustration and a way to burn off excess energy. What comes to mind is the saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” and I wonder if a Weimaraner inspired that quotation.
Grooming a Weimaraner is a dream come true for those of us who are not inclined to the art of primping. Doing the basics of nails and teeth makes up the majority of the work. Their short, sleek coats wash out and dry quickly, making baths a minor chore. The frequency of baths depends on where they get to run. Being hunters, when they get to wander the fields, they will try to disguise their own scent by rolling in stinky things. They proudly and persistently put on “perfume” that only a creature with an inverse sense of smell would appreciate.
The Weimaraner is a versatile breed. As owners, we’ve given many roles to Weimaraners and they continually rise to the occasion. They are loyal hunting partners, athletic Agility competitors, dazzling show dogs, gentle Therapy dogs and constant, loyal companions. The versatility of the Weimaraner and their need for activity to expend their physical and mental energy is a hallmark of the breed.
Weimaraners are strong of heart, full of energy and want to be with their people. They’d make great politicians, trying to convince you that what they want is also in your best interest. They’re smart, manipulative, athletic, endearing and persistent. As I list these characteristics, some of you are totally turned off at the idea of such a dog, while others are intrigued and thinking that’s exactly what I want in a dog. Personally, I can say that I’ve shared my home with Weimaraners for over thirty years and cannot imagine life without one.
Carole Lee Richards – got her first Weimaraner in 1978. Although she, “…just wanted a pet,” her interest in the breed has mushroomed, handling dogs in the show, field, agility and obedience arenas. For years she handled in conformation, pointing or finishing the championships on over 100 dogs and campaigning several dogs to Top Ten for their breed in the United States.
Carole co-authored the award winning book, “Raising A Champion, A Beginner’s Guide to Showing Dogs,” which is now in its seventh printing. She has also contributed to a book that was published in England entitled “The Weimaraner Today” and published articles in a number of national dog magazines Her dogs appear in numerous books and TV commercials. She is also the AKC Gazette breed columnist for the Weimaraner Club of America, an AKC Delegate and an AKC judge.
Article originally appeared in Showsight Magazine
Vaccinations
Can vaccines cause changes in the immune system of dogs that might lead to life-threatening immune-mediated diseases?
We found a great article to share, from DogsNaturallyMagazine.com.
Remember you have control over your pet’s care and vaccinations. Make educated choices.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE From Dogs Naturally Magazine
Nail Maintenance – Why is it so important
Toe Talk —
How Toenail Length has a Direct Effect on Health
by Deb Konkol
(adapted from Weimaraner Club of America Magazine)
Click-Click-Click.•…this is what you hear as the dogs trot through the kitchen. The gentle reminder that you have, yet again, fallen delinquent on nail duty. Why is something that is so important to the health of our dogs, so difficult to keep on schedule for so many of us? read more…
Are you vaccinating your dog too much?
Are you vaccinating your dog too much?
A QUICK GUIDE TO COMPARING YOUR DOG’S
VACCINE SCHEDULE TO CURRENT RESEARCH. – WWW.DOGSNATURALLYMAGAZINE.COM
We have been extremely committed to preserving the standards and health of the Weimaraner breed. Because our dogs and puppies are family members first, it's our responsibility to ensure our puppies have the best possible life.
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