Weekly Wednesday #5 Know your canine breed and group! It can help with training

Know your canine breed and group! It can help with training:

Upon introduction to the study of canines, one of the first studies focused on breed and group. This classification is important; for, each group learns, motivates, and distracts differently than the next. How are the groups made? The AKC (www.akc.org/breeds) maintains a registry of recognized breeds. The AKC also enforce rules governing dog shows. Of the recognized breeds, the AKC has divided them into seven groups. SPORTING: English Setter, Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, Pointer, Labrador Retriever HOUND: Basset Hound, Whippet, Beagle, Greyhound, Dachshund WORKING: Akita, Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Boxer, Saint Bernard, Doberman Pinscher TERRIER: Irish Terrier, Bull Terrier, Russell Terrier, West Highland Terrier TOY: Chihuahua, Maltese, Poodle, Pug, Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu NON-SPORTING: Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian HERDING: Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie There is also a " miscellaneous " group for any breed wanting recognition from the AKC. Seems to be a "holding" area. Once the breed has passed the eligibility requirements of inclusion, the AKC will then add the breed to one of the seven groups. So, play around on their site. (Link above) This was my test: Akita: Working Group: As the owner of an Akita - Let's call him Rocky Hogan :-) - I would know from the information provided ... this is not just a regular family pet. This breed group enjoys and thrives from having a job, protecting. If I want Rocky Hogan to be an indoor, inactive, lap dog ... I may be in for a BIG SURPRISE. Nuance behaviors can be the end result of withholding proper activity from canine who are BUILT for WORK. I would then seek out a trainer, training materials, and other proven training ideas befitting my canines group. It's okay to improve your current strategy!! #DOGS #trainandplay #rescue #adopt #foster #getactive #volunteer #supportanimalrescue #supportyourlocalshelter #petchat #DOGgonefun #dogtraining