Dogs untrained/unsocialized or born "bad"?

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ambitiousoptimism

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I was at work contemplating this (based on my two dogs from the same litter) I was wondering what some other people's opinions were. Do you think dogs are born "bad" or with problems or do you think it's because they are untrained/unsocialized?

I have two dogs from the same litter, who will be 1 next month. One I had from the beginning, and he's basically never been a problem. Rarely barks, listens basically right away, etc. The other, constantly barks, barely listens, gets into everything, dislikes men in particular, chases birds, cars, basically anything that moves. They're Shih-tzu/Jack Russell/Poodle mixes which I know has somethings to do with it. Yes they do get daily walks (2 half hour walks) and on rainy days I spend those full half hours playing fetch or tug or any games I can think of. My "problem child" (my term of endearment for him) wasn't socialized before I got him (I got him from the second owner) and I'm wondering if that's the root of his problems or what?
 
The dogs previous owner f*cked him up--classic case of some jerk getting a puppy because it is cute, not training it and then blaming the dog and getting rid of it because they were clueless and now label the dog as out of control. It was that previous owners fault.
 
Some dogs just like children do need more attention. However, it is all about training. "there are no bad dogs just bad owners" is my slogan. You may coddle the second dog subconsciously since you are not his first owner. Also he may have a more dominant personality. You can not treat all dogs the same some need a more firm hand and you can't give them an inch. Others are more self reliant and more trustworthy. Its all about your training and listening to what the dog needs. Breeds have nothing to do with it. all dogs are capable of learning to be good pets some just take more patients than others.
 
It's not too late to train the dog the way U want it to act. Just like 2 kids aren't the same in a family one may be shy the other outgoing. Try giving it corrections before it gets too excited. In otherwords stop the behavior before it starts.
 
Dogs get inherited personalities, just like people. Some are going to be harder to deal with, but nearly all dogs are trainable, it just may take more work. Very rarely is there just a "bad" dog that cannot be dealt with, but there are ones that are just easier/harder than others.
 
I'd say the previous owner was the problem. Just like kids, enviroment plays a major roll in forming their personalities. Lack of structure=wildchild LOL. Sounds like you're doing the right thing though. Maybe work in a few 5 min., one on one, obedience sessions a day with him. Good luck!
 
It was definetly the other owner's fault. You know they say pitbulls are trouble but really look at the people that buy pitballs. They never take good care of them.
 
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