Puppy Intelligence and Personality
Certain breeds and all mixes with diverse genetics have the potential to become extremely intelligent over time. The more intelligent the puppy is, and the older it is, the more likely it will be cautious when encountering new people and environments. This does not indicate a lack of socialization. We recently brought an older Mini Goldendoodle puppy into our apartment, and it took her about six weeks to become fully comfortable. She even learned how to open doors just by watching us!
The most intelligent dog I ever owned was a Rat Terrier that I had originally sold to an elderly couple as a puppy. When the pup was 14 months old, the owners called to say they had both developed terminal health issues and could no longer keep the dog. I asked them to bring him back so he could become my house pet. I was aware of the exceptional intelligence of this breed. The first thing "Huey" did when I brought him into our house was try to bite me! He then hid under our dining room table for the next year, refusing to come out. Our house was different from the one he grew up in.
This scenario is similar to adopting older pets with diverse genetics and extreme intelligence. You cannot replicate a new environment because all homes are different, just like taking an intelligent older puppy from our nursery to a new home. However, the long-term reward of owning a highly intelligent pet is incredible. Huey grew to be so intelligent that he could almost read my mind and would often remember key words from conversations after hearing them only once.
Those who expect the most intelligent animals to not be afraid when going to new homes lack common sense and knowledge about dogs. One rule in training a dog with diverse genetics is that you must be at least as smart as the dog. We have never had a pet that would not adapt if given time, but we have encountered a few people over the years who would not give them the time they needed to get comfortable.
Be thankful if your puppy or young dog is afraid. This indicates that you'll be able to easily house train them if you do it properly and even teach them sign language later on. However, you must be careful that no one is mean to a puppy with great intelligence because they will never forget and trust that person again!
Please call me with any questions! Irvin Blackburn (336) 957-3609