Radius of Temperament

RADIUS of TEMPERAMENT

How a dog reacts to a stimulus including stress if often based on the dog’s radius of temperament.  Radius of Temperament refers to the dog’s reaction based on how close a threat (whether real or perceived) is to the dog.  

At greater distances a fearful dog may act much more confident but become more timid as the threat gets closer.  Even though not strong, he may act strong as the threat regresses or if it remains static or distant.  However, as this threat decreases in distance (gets closer to the dog), the dog will become more nervous.  This can often be seen by the fluctuation in a dog’s bark as well as his or her body language.  

At a greater distance the dog may exhibit a deeper more confident bark, yet as the threat gets closer the dog’s bark may get higher or even turn to shrilling.  

Lower toned barks = confidence

A confident dog may not respond to a threat at a great distance or remain neutral or aloof, but with this type of dog his response may become more and more dominant or aggressive as the threat moves closer, in particular if he is concerned about the threat.  

*** It’s important to note that some dogs (well socialized, even tempered) may not see some stressors as cause for concern and may even interpret them as signs of play, in this situation they will revert to a playful nature or stay somewhat neutral.  This is generally because of the genetic mutation of the dog into a companion animal that trusts humans beyond comprehension.  

However, confident dogs that perceive a threat as a threat will respond differently from fearful, soft, sharp or weak dogs.  Confident dogs will remain somewhat neutral or aloof until the threat is closer and then may “light up” when the threat crosses their “line in the sand.”  

Understanding the “radius of temperament” can give us a powerful insight into the constitution of the dog.

---

Video: Radius of Temperament