Different life events and habits tend to influence the personalities of different people. Surprisingly, dog’s personalities tend to change in a similar manner as they age. Although personalities may vary from species to the other, most dogs will become less active and less curious over time.

Dogs can change significantly depending on their daily interactions and reactions to various situations. It is so amazing how dog’s personality traits change largely with routines. Primarily, the personalities of dogs are affected by three distinct aspects, including their age, changes in personalities of their owners, and the quality of their relationship with people.

Since dogs’ bodies and brains change as they age, it is relatively sensible to conclude that their personalities do change. In this article, we will explore dogs personalities, how they change over time, and changes that dogs go through. Here we go.

What is a dog’s personality?

At its core, personality explains the usual behaviour pattern of an individual and the stable characteristics that make the individual different from others. Mostly, the personality traits are defined by how an individual perceives and interacts with the world around them. For instance, you may find some dogs are quiet and steady; others are active and lively, while others are nervous and sensitive.

As you think deeper about personality, you may end up being confused because there seems to be no universal definition. When examining a dog’s personality, it is important to explore beyond their breed. If you understand your puppy personalities, the potential of misunderstanding your furry friend in the future is minimal. Generally, dogs tend to share the same personality traits with their owners. Nevertheless, puppyhood has a significant influence on a dog’s personality.

Do dog’s personalities change over time?

If you are a dog owner, all you do with your pooch, especially before the age of 6, gradually influences their personalities. Like humans, dogs also have moods and personalities. According to the study by Michigan State University, dogs’ personalities change to a larger degree, just like our personalities change when we go through substantial life changes. William Chopik, who led the study, says that canine’s personality traits influence how they feel for their owners, their biting behaviour, and even chronic illnesses.

Most of the significant changes in pooch’s personalities are as a result of nature versus nurture. For instance, dogs that survived obedience classes and training tend to have positive personalities.

What are some of the changes that dogs go through?

As your dog grows from puppyhood to old age, they go through a lot of changes. These changes are the primary reasons for various personality traits. Puppies tend to bond with humans, especially their guardians, much like children do. Like teenagers, dogs get severe difficulties when they reach adolescence. It is during the adolescence when you have to take your pup to obedience classes and training lest they will turn aggressive.

Usually, dogs are supposed to be exposed to socialization from an early age. If your dog fears significantly, the chances are that it didn’t interact with people and other dogs as required in the early stages, below 16 weeks. Some changes, like a dog being aggressive, will depend on how they were grown up. The good news is that you can change your dog’s behaviour because most dog traits tend to blend with the owner’s personalities.

There are seven distinctive dimensions of dogs’ personalities, which will vary depending on their early age lifestyle and experiences. Here are some of dog’s personalities.

Reactivity - how the dog responds to new objects and perhaps a new environment

Fearfulness

Activity

Sociability - you dog’s ability to initiate friendly interactions with humans and other pups

Responsiveness to training

Submissiveness

Aggression

Note that these personalities may vary significantly in different breeds.

Conclusion

Dogs have personality and also understand language. Remember that your dog’s personality will primarily depend on you and how you nurture it. It is good to pay attention to their needs so that they can grow to remain worthy friends.