[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The trouble is that there is no clear feedback from a dog, and some change their personality as they mature.

On the plus side, it’s good to remind ourselves that humans and dogs have been buddies for around 30,000 years now.

[TigersEye]

That is all true. I think dogs are less variable in temperament and personality than people are. Almost any dog will respond to the right cues. They don't have to learn the 'system' it is pretty much part of their wiring.

But there are a lot of people who just don't get the hierarchy system involved and how they have to fit into it. Putting up with a neurotic chihuahua is relatively harmless but it becomes imperative with a large potentially dangerous dog to establish and maintain a very disciplined relationship. It's not as much work as that sounds like either. It just requires consistency once the pecking order has been established. Old age and sickness are just factors you have to keep an eye out for.