Flat-Coated Retriever Society of Canada

TEMPERAMENT

TEMPERAMENT

The Flat-Coat is an active, gregarious and inquisitive companion inclined to be friendly towards all. Their biddability and intelligence makes training fun, but starting that training early is essential to instill proper canine manners. Consistency in training is also important as Flat-Coats will otherwise quickly find the loopholes.

Flat-Coats are also highly food-motivated which makes it easy to teach them new things. But that trait also makes them prone to eating anything they think is remotely edible….and often things that aren’t. Although they are not a very destructive dog, they do have a strong need to carry things in their mouths and chew on softer items, particularly if they carry the scent of their human family.

The traits that make a Flat-Coat such an outstanding companion are also some of the traits that can cause problems if they do not spend their lives as part of family. Flat-Coats do not make good kennel or outdoor dogs. They thrive on interaction with people.