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Differences in Temperment

1K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  all that jazz 
#1 ·
I thought I would post my observations about the differences in temperament of my two miniature poodles. Before Jazz, I was a novice to dogs so this has all been very interesting to me. I never even thought about temperament when I selected Jazz.

Jazz- he is very prey motivated. He loves chasing squirrels and what not and he runs around the yard to "check out" his territory daily and whenever we are back from a walk. He is extremely treat motivated. He will stop anything he is doing for a treat. He can be lured anywhere, away from the door when I am leaving, etc., with a treat. As a puppy he would not like it if I stroked him when he was lying down on the couch next to me, he would get up and move away. Now, he allows me to do this (19 mths old) and does not budge but he does not move into me and he does not look me in the face. He has
"kissed" me about three times since I have had had. Even when I put my nose to his he does not lick. On the other hand, in bed, he at times, (not daily) covers my husband with kisses. I am not sure whether to take that as he loves him more, or he is submissive to him. What do you think? He loves, loves, loves to play and chase a bull and he would kill for his frisbee. He is very trainable except he does not like to go down. He heels great. He has calmed down significantly since 1 year old. He used to be a crazy nut. He follows and loves to go out and in the car. He is a fun dog.

Zoe- I specifically got her for a "different" temperament. She kisses, kisses, kisses. She even kisses strangers, so we don't think her kisses mean too much. However, every more when she gets out of her crate she has to cuddle first before she goes out, Jazz goes immediately out. She is calm, lukewarm to the ball. Could care less for the frisbee but loves sticks. She is so so treat motivated. After a few treats she is done with them. She is more difficult to train but more placid then Jazz so it evens out. She is very sweet, always coming over at some point just to say HI, and other times for food. She looks me directly in the face and LOVES it when I tickle her under her chin or behind her ears. She plays with Jazz, but as he goes for the ball, she goes for him. The "annoying" little sister. She lies on the bed near me and does not get up if I pet her. She is definitely more touchy feely then Jazz.

I feel lucky to have both dogs because they complement each other and together are a lot of fun. I see and appreciate the positives in both kinds of temperment. I'm sure some will say their dog has both sides of the temperament continuum but I feel blessed to have both my dogs. It has been such an interesting journey to observe the emerging characteristics of each dog and how they differ.
 
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#2 ·
Sounds like a difference in drive between Jazz and Zoe too. Jazz sounds like he has a lot of drive. Affection to him is play or something associated with an activity. The more you engage him in this, the higher value you will have (beyond the simple imprinting). If your husband is away at work during the day, and doesn't see Jazz with the same frequency as you, this might explain his reaction towards him: less familiarity. Saydee is this way, high drive. After I've worked her hard, and get her back to the kennel, I'll praise her up and down and love on her. It's at that time when she really responds to physical affection. Because I've imprinted heavily on her, tired her out with a fun task, she's more inclined afterwards to get into the petting. In fact, I use this as a means to determine that she knows I'm pleased with her. As I praise her, and rub her hard behind the ears, she'll start to lick my hands and arms. It is confirmation that she was working for me.

Zoe appears to be lower drive, and her natural poodle love for people shines through. She's a lover, a total sweetheart. Probably a good candidate as a therapy dog.

All of this makes me think of the importance of knowing what sort of person you are before selecting a dog, and not basing it solely on cuteness, etc. Not saying that was the case with you, just more of an observation in general based on the extreme spectrum of dog personalities you described as a way of illustrating the point.

Regardless, what you've shared is one of the most amazing things about dogs. They, like people, have a broad range of personalities and makeups. Keeps things interesting.

Greg
 
#3 ·
Very interesting comparison of your two dogs. I wonder if the male/female differences come into play. Although my Lily is sort of a combination of both of your dogs, so who knows... Lily has a huge prey drive, yet when she is resting, she must be touching you (preferably being pet). It seems like you have a good combination of dog personalities and maybe they will influence each other over time.
 
#4 ·
Sarpoodle you are right! I've noticed when I take Jazz to do fun things together and after I've taken him to obedience class we seem to have bonded more. On those days when we are very active together he is more at my side, more loving to me. Incidentally my husband who worked all day would play with him incessantly when he came home. I agree he equates play with affection.
 
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