Why dogs walks are for EVERY personality of dog. Case study Vizsla
Then one day we met a dog Diablo, another vizsla, with green collar. This dog wasn't any faster or better at play than Atlas, but his demeanour was twice as dominant. Through body language and general attitude he completely reduced Atlas into acting like Otto when he came around - standing still avoiding eye contact etc. This new dog wasn't aggressive or an issue for any dog in our pack, but the whole pack sensed it was not to be 'messed with' not to be challenged to play without potential consequences.
This new dog has these other vizsla's conned. Because his owner was nice, and the dog wasn't any fitter or faster than either of the other vizslas, but that is just how the personality of this dog formed. His pack status was more important than his need to play or engage on equal terms.
At different times on our walks Atlas plays hard with a young golden retriever and a young big bull arab- both very social dogs, but the kind of play that takes many owners breaths away. THEN Atlas will sidle up to owner for pats and hugs, not for food, but for affection. He will also coax Otto into runs on occasions, but doesn't push too hard knowing his targets disposition.
All I can say about this is from these three vizslas and several others that have visited for plays, they are a very playful breed. But energy levels, personalities, decisions processes of which dogs to engage with and which to keep away from are always so individual. Except for collar colour you would not pick these dogs apart on the field or in images.
The one common factor is their high level of social skills. They might choose to be whatever kind of domination or submission level, but they can adapt higher or lower, and they can engage with all human owners easily, if they choose, or if the humans choose.
But even in this fun breed, this high energy breed that needs an exercise outlet, you can see how socialisation keeps them young physically and mentally. That these playful and often sensitive dogs, need to be in a pack, to engage, to communicate with other dogs. Whatever extreme personalities they might morph into if left alone has the edges smoothed off by their regular pack engagements.
The dog walks have saved these dogs lives and enriched their owners lives profoundly.
