Perfectly said, Ellen DeGeneres! So much can go wrong when we apply labels (constructs) or stereotypes or assumptions to others, including our pets.
With the self-fulfilling prophecy, we tend to respond according to how we interpret situations and/or behaviors and that may or may not be the truth. We also may inaccurately lump a character trait onto an entire breed or species of animals. And, our labels may stop us from searching for the REAL, underlying reason for a behavior…and ultimately the most positive, least intrusive solution. I’ve written about the dangers of labels before. Read more here.