I think other than in a very, very few cases where bad breeding is a factor, all our dogs 'bad' behaviour is caused by us, whether inadvertantly or not.

If a dog continue sor starts an unwanted behaviour it is either because the dog hasnever be given a reason not to, or the behaviour is being re-inforced in the dog's environment.

I think people cause most problems with animals, wether through breeding or training, however as all dogs are individuals some of their problems are not helped through their own personalities and other such factors. No matter how great you are with dogs there will always be challenges, just as those who work with people know, some are just awkward buggers and love to make everyones life difficult.

__________________
twitter me...

www.fun4fido.co.uk

"Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend."
Corey Ford

I am not fortunate enough to be able to have a dog at home but enjoy looking on doggie sites and seeing doggie/human tv - eg dog borstal and dog whisperer etc. However, I feel that although a lot of a dog's behaviour in the home or whilst out with its owner can be attributed to the human in charge, there is something in what cassie says too. Dogs do have personalities, it seems to me. There are some dogs who will be every so quick to learn and want to please their human whereas others are just a bit clueless and dull or perhaps they are just downright naughty and need more time/hard work.

__________________
best purrs

Ra

http://www.bobergsiamese.co.uk/

i do honestly believe its a bit of both..talking about my own 2 i have now they get treated the same but kai is far more willing to learn than mia,she is so laid back she'd fall asleep lol..whereas kai is on the go all the time and wanting to do things...a bit like kids really you can bring them up the same but they each have their own personalties and will do what they want.

__________________
My holiday pics.http://zafirasphotosofwales.webs.com/






http://www.save-me.org.uk/
.......... I HATE TWO FACED PEOPLE...ITS SO HARD TO KNOW WHICH FACE TO SLAP FIRST!

I would say alot of dog behaviour is attributable to their human but then alot is to do with their personality. My friend and I both have Dobeys, hers is 4 weeks older than Max. We are not pushovers, have attended the same training courses together and walked the dogs together daily pretty much since they were old enough to go out.

Mine has never shown even an ounce of aggresion to either dog or human. He will happily allow a 2 year old to take a bone from his mouth (not that I would allow this of course). Hers has food aggresion issues (Has bitten her on a number of occasions) and has also lunged barking at children in the park because they were screaming! Why? I haven't clue. Hers is much more nervous than mine so maybe its more of a fearful thing.

I too think it's to do with owners not correcting/training properly, that cause some behaviour problems or make them worse. I don't always think it's meant to happen, it's just through lack of experience or knowledge maybe.

For example, when Foxy does things I don't want her to/or could be dangerous to her I try to correct it properly, but sometimes it just doesn't work. So I question myself, not her. I think to myself what am I doing wrong here... and don't start thinking that Foxy is a little b*tch and will never learn. I know it's me that needs training in how to train her! lol.