Temperament Theory - Introverts

This category is also part of the temperament, but in normal circumstances of training, it is not quite as important as the categories of Bold, Shy, Upbeat, and Wary.

DEFINITION: Energized by solitary pursuits.

"It's enough for me to know that I've held myself in good standing with me, you see." Sidney Poitier.

INTROVERT STORY: Visitors would try to guess as to which of our dogs was our pack leader. Most chose Nicky. Nicky was the most noticeable dog; he's large, mostly white, and warmly greets people. When Laddie was here, people assumed he was the pack leader because he was spunky and outgoing. No one ever noticed Moss unless they were visiting us for at least three days. That's how long it would take for people to understand that Moss was very quietly and very efficiently orchestrating the entire household, that Nicky and Laddie could be so relaxed around new people because they knew he was right there ready to protect them.

Moss.

Moss was an introverted pack leader. He only took center-stage when necessary. He needed solitary time and time just with me to re-energize himself for his daily routine of caring for me, my husband, his family of dogs---which included Laddie, Bessie, Nicky, Wystan, Gracie, Pat, and Gemma---the two cats, Notable and Nugget, a variety of ducks who followed him around the yard like a batch of chicks, helping to rehabilitate rescued dogs, train people who were having problems with their own dogs, screening potential adopters, organizing rescue volunteers, being the conscience of BCRO's rescue practices and standards, and being the supervisor of manners for the dogs at BCRO's Get-togethers. He did all this in such an unobtrusive way hardly anyone noticed him, unless he looked at them. Many people have said that when Moss looked at them, they felt like they were being inspected by a wolf. I know what they meant; I swear that dog could look right into people's souls and see all our hidden fears and secrets.

Lisa's Nell, another introverted pack leader. Photo by Betsy Beebe.

THRILL: Quiet time.

ANXIETY: Chaos. An introverted dog in a boisterous household will eventually break down if the dog is not given a time for some peace and quiet.

SHADOW: Extrovert. The first few times an introverted dog tries to act in an extroverted manner, the dog will spectacularly, embarrassingly fail. Small practice sessions where the dog's person has set the dog up to succeed can prevent these embarrassing failures. For, with practice, an introverted dog can learn to be a confident extrovert when s/he needs to be.

SHADOW ANECDOTE: Shiloh had a warm, loving, outgoing family. The problems started because his family couldn't understand Shiloh's need to be by himself frequently. Every time Shiloh left the room, his family members would go get him or call him back to be with them. He eventually refused to come when he was called and various family members started holding onto his collar and forcing him to always stay with them. Shiloh bit one of them. Everyone got their feelings hurt and a few became afraid of Shiloh. He ended up in rescue. The family adopted an extroverted Upbeat dog and they all lived happily after. Shiloh chose a soft-spoken confirmed bachelor who lived in an isolated rural area and the two of them lived happily ever after.

TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS: Start lessons in the home, just you and the dog. Graduate to lessons in the yard and eventually add other people the dog works with or as distractions. Graduate to lessons in the neighborhood and praise for good manners around people and other animals. Graduate to classes in group settings and give the dog quiet time afterwards so s/he can re-energize. Use John Fisher's withdrawal of attention technique as a correction because an introverted dog will understand and cope with a correction that gives him some breathing/thinking space.

Blast, extending an introverted invitation to play. Photo by Pat Reynolds.

TRAINING EQUIPMENT: A twenty foot line so this dog can learn to be with you and also put some space between you when s/he needs it.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: By giving the introverted dog places and times to be alone or just with you doing a quiet activity together, like driving to the store, you acknowledge this dog's needs.

PROBLEM PREVENTIONS: Patience, a soft-spoken voice, quiet body language, and backing off at times to give them the space to make their own decisions will tremendously help the introverted dog gain confidence.

AGGRESSION: Sensory overload. The tension can build and build and build in an introverted dog until s/he reaches a breaking point.

HUG: Hug therapy is extremely beneficial for an introverted dog. It is a quiet way to reinforce the bond between the dog and the person. Hug therapy will, at first, scare an introverted dog. They will resist the closeness. Eventually, hug therapy can help them become more confident and comfortable in social situations.

DRUG: For an extremely introverted dog, use Fort Dodge brand Acepromazine before hug therapy sessions. The initial experiences of closeness, especially with people outside the dog's circle of trust, is extremely traumatic.

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BORDER COLLIE BEHAVIORS: A TEMPERAMENT THEORY Introverts

by Val Maurer

BORDER COLLIE BEHAVIORS:
A TEMPERAMENT THEORY
Introverts