Same-different

There was an interesting discussion on the Internet the other day about the personality differences between two PONs.  And I think the general consensus was that it is a combination of genes and environment that determine our personalities.  Case in point – Frodo and me.  We both came from the same breeder.  We both had the same parents – although he IS older than me. Now my human did bring Frodo home at 11 weeks.  And I came home at 7.5 weeks.  But in GENERAL – we had a similar “start” in this world – and the very same gene pool.  And we DO have similarities – and some big differences…

Similarities:

·      Food.  We both LOVE food.  We obsess over food.  I probably have a SLIGHT edge over Frodo – I’m the one who stares at the garage door – where the dog food is stored.  On the other hand – Frodo is the one who sticks his head in the fridge whenever the door is opened.  So I guess we ARE the same on this one.

·      Retrieving .   We both love to retrieve.  Now admittedly, I WILL do it longer than Frodo – but then I AM younger.

·      Trainability.  We both LOVE to work with our human – and we ARE fairly easy to train.  Assuming there is food involved.

·      Herding.  Er…..this is a touchy one right now.  But so far, neither of us is SUPER interested in the big wooly guys.  But the jury is out on this one.  I want another chance.

·      Water.  Puddles.  Rain.  We both dislike them.  Frodo worse than me – and I have learned from him, that being wet is no picnic.  I wonder though, if he liked water, if I would follow….

·      Stubbornness.  Both of us CAN be a bit….hmmmmm…”independently minded”.  Especially when we are doing something naughty.  And we are told to stop.  During such instances, we both become completely deaf.  And it is not until the instruction to “stop” has been repeatedly at least three times – with ever increasing volume, that we MAY actually stop the behavior.  Look up stubborn in the dictionary.  The picture is of Frodo and me.

Differences:

·      Barking.  Frodo is king.  He barks.  A LOT.  I will bark if someone starts it – but I am no where NEAR the chatty guy that he is!

·      Prey drive.  Yes, we WILL both chase rabbits, cats, birds – but again there is a HUGE difference here.  I see animals – and I am GONE.  Frodo makes the motion – but doesn’t go off into the woods.  He is MUCH less adventurous than me.

·      Exploring.  I will do it.  I have no fear of going off on my own.  Frodo – he stays close to home.  And to my human.  But interestingly…

·      Cuddle-ability.  I win HANDS down.  I want to be petted, scratched, cuddled.  Frodo is fine with a quick pet – and then he’s good.  BUT – he wants to BE in the same ROOM as my human.  ALL the time.  He doesn’t need her to pet him.  He just needs her to be around.  I, on the other hand am FINE with doing something in another room, but when she sits down, I’m all over her.

·      Snarkiness.  Not a good trait.  That occasional, quick little growl or snap, if another dog gets in my space when I have food.  Or toys.  Frodo would never ever ever do that.  He’s more polite in that regard.  I think I do it because I'm the youngest.  And I'm trying to get noticed.  Suuuuuure I am.

So as you can see, there are lots of similarities and differences between Frodo and me.  Brothers.  Same breeder.  Same human.  But lots of variety.   Throw a Bernese Mountain Dog in the mix and then you REALLY see variety in OUR house.  Never ever a dull moment!

©  Linda Wozniak