 Barked: Sun Nov 25, '12 5:44am PST |
 | |  | | I'm with the article's author in preferring a stubborn disobedient streak in my dogs. I have yet to meet a Golden that can come close to what my Huskies (or other preferred personal breeds such as Rotties, Akitas, Shibas, Basenjis, etc) can throw at me - and as a daycare worker, petsitter and trainer I have met a LOT of Goldens. I don't think this is so much of a diss either way as it is pure personal preference, and one that must be addressed for the good of both types of breeds.
A Golden's stubborn moments are based mostly in confusion, fear, or inability to complete the task at hand (overtired, pulled muscle, etc). Regardless of the cause, they will feel genuinely bad that they can not do what you would like. As in the article, the dogs the author stayed with seemed to feel sorry for being ill when she cared for them.
You will not get this from a breed with a true stubborn streak! They will listen to your cues, contemplate, then sit down, look you straight in the eye and refuse. No remorse. When they blow you off and do what they want, there are no apologies. They don't return sheepishly as if to say, "Gosh I'm sorry, it's just that was really important to me and I didn't quite understand you... I hope we can still be friends." No, they return quite pleased with themselves, and look at your frustration as if to say, "What? Admit it, that was awesome. I'm gonna go chill with a chew until you get over this."
It's an important distinction to make. I don't feel challenged by Goldens, or other breeds with similar mindsets. Just as people who need to see apology and willingness to please would be absolutely infuriated with frustration living with my dogs.
And yes, I'm aware that SOME Golden SOMEWHERE has a flippant, "screw you" attitude - just as Ember gets totally freaked out if she thinks she's done something wrong. There are always exceptions. Pointing them out is missing the idea... You don't pick a dog based on exceptions. I spend a good chunk of my time telling people NOT to get a Husky because they love Ember.Edited by author Sun Nov 25, '12 5:48am PST
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