I think it is a combination of factors. In my breed (Siberian Huskies) most experienced owners (ie in the breed 10 years or more) tend to agree that temperament in some dogs is getting worse, largely as a result of indiscriminate breeding by puppy farmers and backyard breeders who mate any old dogs without consideration of health, temperament, conformation or performance. Their only consideration is the amount of cash they can make.

On the other hand, this situation is exacerbated by the fact that these ill-bred dogs are often sold to woefully ill-informed and naive new owners, with no ongoing support and advice. Many of the issues we see with dogs coming through welfare is down to the fact that the owners have not understood the nature of the beast and have so been unable to deal with the challenges presented by the adolescent dog/bitch pushing the boundaries.

It is quite frustrating sometimes when a dog comes in to us for assessment with a list of issues and behavioural problems. Quite often, the dog will display no such problems when it is staying with us and mixing with our pack. Off it goes to a foster home and bingo! - the issues surface again. In simplistic terms - an independent, very intelligent breed like a husky will be able to figure out pretty quickly what's going on and who's in charge. If there is no clear leadership, the dog will try to fill the vacuum with resulting problems.

Mick

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DREAMCATCHER SIBERIAN HUSKIES
Siberian Husky Welfare Association (UK)
"For I am a raindog too!" - Tom Waits
"Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see" - Benjamin Franklin
"As long as people believe in absurdities they will continue to commit atrocities" - Voltaire

with my dogs i know its me.. because with my mum, they are good as gold, mum tells them to do anything and they do it. Mum will let Tyson (2yrs shih tzu) off his lead to run up to the house, and he will do it. But if i do it, he decides to go running where ever he wants. I tell him not to pull on the lead, or bite his harness, he give me an evil look and carrys on.. he wont even do it to my mum. I am a softy with him though, i give him whatever he wants. I think he knows my mum means business, and am a pushover

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I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true.
He gave me so many great things to chew.
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care.
What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear...