Selecting and Raising the Perfect Pet
Have you ever wondered why some dogs and cats are perfect pets, friendly, well-mannered and pleasant?
And others are better described as paranoid pooches or puss-cats – the types that are always getting themselves and their owners into strife?
Whether you have a perfect pet or a paranoid pooch depends largely on the nature of the pet and the nurturing it receives.
The Effect of Nature on a Pet’s Behaviour
Each pet is born with a genetic coding that affects its behaviour throughout its life. This is the ‘nature’ side of a pet’s temperament. Of course, the genes come from a pet’s parents and, at the time of conception, there is a random shuffling of genetic material from each parent.
Generally, most of the pups or kittens in a litter will be placid and serene.
However, some infants in the same litter may be ‘dealt’ a bad genetic hand that causes problem behaviours to develop.
For instance, some dogs could be fearful and shy and some could be aggressive and bossy. The more ‘bad genes’ the parents have to give their pups, the higher the chance of the pups being problem pets.
Remember, that a litter of, say, eight puppies or kittens is a family bred at the one moment.
Also remember that, unlike humans, cats and especially dogs have been bred for form and function. That’s why we have breeds ranging from the tiny Chihuahua to the gigantic Great Dane and Mastiffs. You don’t find humans with that range of appearance, or form, or function.
The Effect of Nurture on a Dog’s Behaviour
However, even pets with problem genes can be good pets if the nurture the pet receive is the best possible.
What nurturing is important for behaviour?
- The first is proper socialisation at a young age.
- The second is kind and gentle treatment as the pup or kitten matures to prevent the stimulation of behaviours such as anxiety or aggression.
- The last is training to ensure the pup turns into a well-behaved pet.
- The environment the pet lives in is also important.
The next page for members has more information on choosing a new furry family member that is suited to you and also gives information on nurturing the correct behaviours.