Dogs have likes and dislikes; just like humans. But the one thing dogs don't ,is pretend. This makes them a much easier read than humans in that what you see is what you get. Of course they will often use avoidance in a situation but if you understand that too you will be able to see it. The more dogs I meet the more I see the individualism. All of my poodles have loved to retrieve; they have also all been amazing guard dogs (didn't know that about poodles did you?) But as far as the little things, like eating, affection, bold/shyness; they have each been very individual. Luke has always been a very confident dog; he is a dominant dog but not obnoxious about it. If a dog confronts him he will typically walk away. He is very much a lover not a fighter. He is very emotional; the most emotional dog that we have ever had. Tilley on the other hand was on the shy side; but solid as a rock. You could not startle or shake that girl for anything.
Each is such an individual; taking the time to learn those small differences is very important. What one likes does not mean another will. How they perceive stimulus can differ hugely. What one sees as a threat, another may see as a friend. One dog may read dogs well while another goes in blindly. It is so very important to know these small differences in your dog. Are they a good communicator? I see a lot of dogs out there that are very poor communicators; much like many humans I know. But unlike humans, dogs do not pretend or lie so a read is a read.
A dog can be summed up in a few words; as a general typing of personality. But there is so much more to each as an individual. Knowing the little things that make your dog tick can be secret to living together in harmony. Look inside for the answers.