Trained VS taught ?

I agree with you! We've always had dogs and each one has its own personality, talents, and shortcomings. You need to work with those to realize their potentials. Our current pup is playful and energetic. Loves to stay close and participate with us. She was easily tought to stay within a perimeter of us. Never leaves a campsite or the boat dock. We can leave our gates open and she won't go out of them unless next to us. She walks about ten feet ahead of us on hikes and waits for us to catch up. Her only command is sit and stay. She won't shake hands, lay down or play dead. LOL BEST THING is DW is a severe diabetic and poochie goes insane barking and jumping if wife's sugar levels plunge. Never tought her that it's just pure instinct. Priceless gift to us.