Dogs are individuals, just like people. Some are assertive and some are passive, depending on their particular combination of genetics, circumstance and development.
Assertive dogs want to be the leader and will do anything to get your attention, including taking toys or bones from others and trying to enter the door first.
A passive dog, in spite of their training will tend not to push themselves and will be quite content to be the last to eat or enter; they will also wait to be noticed.
This may lead you to think that passive dogs don't really need much training as they tend to display a lot less inappropriate behavior. When it comes to assertive dogs that may be inclined to pull ahead when on a walk or training exercise, there is a need for them to be leased and corrected. These dogs have to be taught not to chase after every passing cat and even with a game of fetch and release will need redirecting rather than encouraging.
Passive dogs are more likely to separate themselves from other dogs in the house and often choose to exit after others. These dogs may not dig as much as an assertive dog and are less prone to chase after cats or indulge in other inappropriate behaviors.
Some passive behavior should not be encouraged as it is against the dog's best interests. A tendency to allow any stranger to approach unchallenged should be discouraged as should accepting treats from anyone who offers them - not only is this bad for their diet; there are people who cannot be trusted not to poison or steal a dog which is so approachable.
A passive dog needs to be taught to respect boundaries between themselves and strangers. They should be discouraged from accepting treats given by people they have only met once or twice - this is not an adverse judgement against people; it is just correct dog training.
You should work with the dog's nature rather than against it if you want to increase the chances of success in training. Passive dogs like to play and welcome rewards just like any other dog. 'Passive' does not mean fearful.
If you have more than one dog then you should take the less assertive dog out alone sometimes, this makes it easier for them to recognize you, rather than the other dog as the leader of the pack - take time to encourage it to enter the house first sometimes and feed it while the others are not around. When you do feed your dogs together try to ensure that the more assertive dog does not chase the passive one away from the food.
Treat your passive dog in the same way as any other using a favorite toy or ball use the same sit and up maneuvers as you do with the other dogs, just don't keep them waiting so long as you might a more assertive dog. It also helps to use a more encouraging and friendly voice when training a passive dog.
Don't try to change your passive dog, factors such as genetics, psychological stance and to some extent choice, all play a part in this behavior. Don't have high expectations of changing their behavior; be patient and persistent and you should achieve a degree of change.
Whatever type of dog you are training you need to be committed and consistent. You will need to devote a regular daily period for months at a time before a dog will develop a particular habit. If you persevere and don't give up at the first sign of failure then you should achieve some success.
