A good dog can be defined in multiple meaningful ways, depending on perspective:
- A good dog is one that has a pleasant personality, is friendly, and makes life better for their owner. They are dogs who are happy to be with you and are enjoyable companions.
- Good dogs are often described as dogs that listen well, are calm, confident, and well-behaved in social settings, making it easy and fun to do activities with them like walks or sitting in a café.
- Importantly, a good dog is different from a well-trained dog. While well-trained dogs obey commands and behave consistently, good dogs have good personalities and enrich their owner’s life even if they sometimes have behavioral quirks or issues.
- From the perspective of breeders and shelters, good dogs come from responsible, health-conscious breeders who prioritize the well-being, health, and socialization of the dog to help them transition well into a home environment, avoiding problems associated with poorly sourced dogs like those from puppy mills.
- Additionally, good dog care includes positive reinforcement training, proper socialization, and providing a comfortable, clean living environment tailored to the individual dog's needs.
In summary, a good dog is a friendly, happy, well-socialized companion who fits well with your lifestyle, with good temperament often valued even more than perfect training. They bring joy and companionship rather than just obedience.
