Duskypearls
Posts: 3561
Joined: 8/21/2011
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Camille, I commend your desire and sincerity in questioning whether you feel you might or might not be a successful dog owner, and for considering the potential negative consequences to both dog and human, in the event you are not.
Perhaps you have already considered the following, perhaps, the obvious. Better matches tend to be made when the human thoroughly researches the background, needs, traits and tendencies of a particular breed (cross-breed, or mix) and seriously considers the degree to which they can provide the animal its physical, mental, emotional, social, health & behavioral, exercise & attention needs, etc. A well-balanced dog, through the loving and responsible efforts of the human, can produce a match made in heaven. One that is not, can create great stress and havoc, both upon itself and the human.
Learning to read/understand some basic dog psychology and how to recognize their postural and vocal cues would be helpful, as that is mainly how they advertise and communicate This goes a long way towards being able to spot appropriate from inappropriate behavior, or stable from unstable mind. It is advisable to get well-educated on these things long before considering bringing an animal home.
Learn to communicate with the dog in its language, not the human language, for best results. Always come from a place of calm yet assertive energy and intent.
Consider choosing a dog that more closely matches your own personal emotional, social, physical, etc., levels of energy for a better fit. Working/hunting breeds that require a tremendous amount of exercise to remain sane & healthy will not fit well with a couch potato-like human. Each working breed has its own specific needs, which left unmet = uh oh!!!
You ask if pack leadership can be learned by someone who is a natural follower. It is absolutely possible, providing the human is willing to do learn and consistently do what is needed, when it is needed. I am personally the softest of submissive, yet am very skilled at being calm, assertive and effective in identifying and correcting anything from simple to serious behavioral issues of dogs...even of those many others would consider "red zone" cases. I educated myself for a long time on dog psychology, so yes, I believe if you wish to do it and are willing to do the self-education & work, you can be very successful.
Some animals are born with easy to get along with personalities, are accommodating and delightful to be with, without much intervention or training, but that is not always the case. If one ends up with the latter, rather than the former, the earlier they find one who can successfully identify and address the issue, and re-train the human to resolve it, the better. Pretty much any unresolved issues the human has will likely be "trickled down" to the animal, and the poor critter gets blamed for being bad. Much of this can be avoided with education and self-awareness.
In truth, I have rarely come across any species of animal with behavioral issues that were not human or trauma-induced. 99% can be rehabilitated, providing the human will do the work (unless, of course, there is brain or spinal injury or other such extenuating factors). And they will do it, if it is important to them.
Just a thought, perhaps it would behoove you to connect with one or more behavioral dog trainer and ask for a meet to ask questions, advice, and perhaps permission to sit in on a few of their classes to see what kind of common issues folks run into, and what different ways there are to resolve them.
Camille, I have not read the entire thread and know not if the question has yet been asked or addressed. May I ask, why do you want a dog, and what do you believe you have to offer it? Not, it's not a trick question! :-)
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RE: Dogs and D/s personality types - 
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