Temperament Theory - Explanation of Types

The first few times I explained this theory to people, diagrams proved helpful in explaining how this theory helps us find the best training methods for each of the dogs. So, before I show you the variations of this symbol that accompany the explanations of the temperament types, here's an explanation about how this symbol diagrams training methods.

Bold and Shy are straight across from each other, representing the extremes of the Action type. When a dog is predominantly an Action type, the environment and tasks are foremost in the dog's first thoughts. Upbeat and Wary are straight across from each other, representing the extremes of the Feeling type. When a dog is predominantly a Feeling type, the dog's emotions and relationships are foremost in the dog's first thoughts. Bold, Wary, Shy, Upbeat are all connected to each other near the yellow circle to represent how all of these are in each dog to some extent.

Just as your other hand supported your predominant hand when writing the first signature, one type will support the predominant. An Action predominant will be supported by a Feeling. A Feeling predominant will be supported by an Action. The Shadow, as we are using the term, means the opposite extreme of the dog's predominant type. For example, a Bold predominant will be supported by a Feeling of Wary or Upbeat, with the Shadow being Shy. One aspect of determining the dog's type that has confused some people is figuring out the Shadow. The Shadow is what your dog is awkward and inappropriate at accomplishing --- not whatever it is your dog does that annoys you! Usually, whatever it is the dog is doing that annoys you is actually a predominant or main support. Think about how proficient your dog is at doing the whatever that annoys you.

The outer portion of the circle (where bold, wary, shy, and upbeat are labeled) represents the extremes of these temperaments. Notice the thickness of the lines right under the labels. The thickness of these lines represents the degree of drama in the lessons needed to start the dogs toward the yellow circle, which represents balance and confidence. The amount of lines represents how many times the lesson may need to be repeated before the dog understands what you are teaching.

The Bold and the Upbeat need big, dramatic lessons. The Shy and the Wary need tiny, secure lessons. As the dogs progress, the thickness of the lines (representing the drama of the lessons) becomes almost equal for all temperaments. The spaces represent quiet time. Learning is stressful; lessons should always be followed by a de-stressing time in order to help the dogs as much as possible.

The arrows aimed towards and away from the inner white circle represent the idea that the dogs won't stay in the circle of balance and confidence for all things at all times. The vertical lines between the horizontal lines of bold, wary, shy, and upbeat represent the input to temperament types by extroversion, introversion, femaleness, maleness, and self-interest.

The colors of the symbol are based on the Luscher Color Test by Dr. Max Luscher, not because I believe they have any pertinence here, but it was fun to show off some of the psychological information found when researching this project!

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BORDER COLLIE BEHAVIORS: A TEMPERAMENT THEORY Explanation of Types

by Val Maurer

BORDER COLLIE BEHAVIORS:
A TEMPERAMENT THEORY
Explanation of Types