Temperament is inherited but can be modified or enhanced by the environment. Thus a puppy with a dominant temperament can become a confident, outgoing adult dog or a domineering, even aggressive animal, depending on the attitude of the owner and his ability to train the dog. Socialization Socialization is a process by which puppies and dogs are taught to get along with other animals, particularly other dogs and cats, and with humans and to adapt to new circumstances. In its simplest terms a submissive puppy that has never walked on a surface other than a concrete kennel floor will probably be fearful of other surfaces, and a dominant puppy may be nippy with children if not taught at an early age to respect short people with high-pitched voices. Viciousness Viciousness is characterized by unprovoked attacks on other animals or people.
Puppies fall into the middle range from moderately submissive to moderately dominant.
The breeder can tone down a dominant puppy or increase the confidence of a submissive puppy through socialization of the litter. A puppy that attempts to teethe on a human body part is neither aggressive nor vicious. He may, however, be dominant and must be taught that such mouthing is unacceptable. A puppy that mock-attacks with barks and growls and grabs clothing is not aggressive or vicious, he is merely attempting to play. These puppies must be taught that such behavior is unacceptable.