Study Says Owners Shape Their Dog's Personalities

For the study, Michigan State researchers
surveyed 1,600 dog owners. The ages of the dogs ranged
from less than a month to 15 years old. Owners were asked questions about their
dog's demeanor as well as their own. They also recorded the behavioral history of their pup. Results went on to show that dogs who were
the most active had extroverted owners. Owners with negative personalities
said their pets were more fearful. "When humans go through big changes in life, their personality traits can change. This also happens with dogs to a surprisingly large degree." Michigan State, via statement
Researchers even say they've discovered the best time in a
dog's life to train it. According to the study, when a dog reaches six is the most optimal time. The study's authors say a dog has outgrown its puppy phase at this point and is not "too old to learn new tricks."