"There are dogs that are die-hard working dogs, healthy hips, strong nerves and still live with the family and let the kids ride on them. You can take these dogs anywhere. I can even take my abused Yukon into the city and expose him to a busy mall, take him to festivals, elevators, buses, train stations and and and."
Of course this is true. My Mulder is like this. He's not trained in protection, but if I were truly in danger, I have little doubt in my mind that he would do everything within his power to keep me safe. I've seen him turn "on", and its nothing I would want to be on the receiving end of. I sleep very well at night
But at the same time, I take him with me anywhere I'm aloud. Stores, outdoor events, you name it. He LOVES children, he likes meeting new people, he's fine with my cats, and is best buddies with my foster dog (or any dog that will tolerate him, really). He's just about as stable as stable gets.
But how many are like this? How common is it? Yes, proper socialization is important, but people shouldn't have to walk on eggshells to make sure the dog turns out ok.
Case in point- how many become dog reactive after being attacked by another dog?
Mulder has been attack THREE times, and still has a scar on his face from one of them. Yet I can still take him to the local dog park, and he gets along perfectly with everyone there.
YES, I worked hard to keep up his socialization, but there MUST be a genetic base. My point is, how many have this? Why don't MORE have this?