When training a mixed breed dog, find out what motivates him. Rewards vary, but all dogs respond to food. Experience! Add breed-specific enrichment when possible and leave room in your routine for his personality to shine through.
Teach your mixed breed dog basic cues such as:
And for really know a cue, your dog should generalize that cue to different environments with different levels of distractions. For example, your dog should be able to sit in your living room just as well as he does at the vet or outside on a walk.
Breed Specific Dog Training
An at-home DNA kit is an easy and effective way to determine your dog’s breeds. The results help address any challenges you may face during training. Research your dog’s breeds to find out what behaviors you might see and what type of training or cues you may need to focus on more.
For example, Beagles, Siberian Huskies, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Weimaraners have a reputation for being stubborn, so you need to be more patient and creative in your efforts. Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls, for different reasons, need extensive socialization. Australian Shepherds need to be given a job or they will find one that you may not approve of.
Does dog breed affect behavior?
Although breed can impact your dog’s predispositions for certain behaviors, there is no single gene that causes a given behavior because the environment – from conception – largely influences behavior.
Some predispositions include certain breeds requiring more mental stimulation than others. Terriers love to hunt. Border Collies and Australian Shepherds love herding. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois enjoy protection work and scent work. On the other hand, brachycephalic (short-snouted) dogs, such as English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese, should avoid activities or sports that can cause them to overheat. Research the types of dogs that make up your mixed breed, as this can guide you to the types of activities your dog might enjoy.
Dog Breed Personalities
While breed type can influence behavior, it doesn’t guarantee it, so let your dog tell you what he likes. Not all retrievers like to retrieve, and not all Labradors like water. Provide plenty of opportunities and let the cookies fall where they may.
Explore enrichment activities to see what your dog likes and what could be used as rewards, especially if you have behavioral issues or are stuck in your training. Lack of stimulation and exercise causes most behavioral issues, so make sure your dog gets enough of it. And, all dogs like to explore the world through their nose, so start with smelling activities.
Enrichment Ideas for Mixed Breed Dogs:
Ultimately, training a mixed breed is equivalent to training a purebred and the breed is only a starting point for training. Each dog is an individual and training should prioritize their unique needs. Work with what your dog shows you and what you observe, not necessarily what certain breeds should and shouldn’t do.