As a trainer, I get asked many questions about why dogs don’t do certain tasks we believe they are all bred to do. People want to know why their, cute little Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever won’t bring a ball back to them or why they won’t chase a Frisbee. They want to know why their Poodle or their Goldendoodle doesn’t give kisses. These are all valid questions.
It is true that certain breeds are supposed to be smarter than others or are better at playing fetch and retrieving games. Some breeds are more agile at herding sheep while others are more apt to protect our homes. While this might hold true for most dogs within a breed, it doesn’t mean all dogs will excel at what they were originally bred for. Not all Golden Retrievers will play fetch just because they are “retrievers”.
Does this mean that if your dog doesn’t like playing fetch that they can’t learn to do so? Not necessarily, but it could take a lot of work and commitment to teach them. When I look at dogs in my training classes, I try not to look at the breed as much as I try to look at each dog as an individual within his species. If you have a dog that doesn’t seem to like doing some of the characteristic tasks that are common for their breed, try to find out what it is that they like to do. What is it that motivates and excites them? Your dog may be exceptionally calm for their breed, and could be great in a school setting laying on the floor while children read to them. He may also be destined for therapy dog work and going into hospitals to bring joy and healing to sick patients.
Among the suggestions mentioned above, there are a multitude of games and training techniques you can try with your dog that are not only fun for him, but can be enjoyable for you as well and will build a bond between the two of you. You may want to try classes, such as Agility for Fun, Rally, Fly Ball or Dock Diving. Bottom line is, instead of looking at your dog through rose-colored glasses, try taking them off and see your dog’s individual personality.
Remember, keep your training positive, fun and always end on a win for Fido!
