Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals About You

What Does Your Relationship With Your Dog Say About You?

Your friend is horrified that you let your dog sleep with you; you're appalled your friend doesn't allow her dog onto the couch. How we relate to our dogs speaks volumes about us say Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson, authors of Dogology: What Your Relationship With Your Dog Reveals About You. Want to know what kind of dog owner you are? Take the book's short quiz and find out which of the nine (surprisingly accurate and insightful) "dogology" types you fall into. Recognize yourself in any of these descriptions?

Dogology

Idealist
The world needs the Idealist dog owner. You're the one willing to take charge of the local dog run, organizing volunteers and making sure the place stays clean and stocked with doggie waste bags. In any group activity, you're the workhorse, making sure things actually get done. Before getting a dog, you researched the breed, looked into obedience classes, interviewed veterinarians and bought a dog bed that matches your home decor. The Idealist believes there's a "right way to do things, so why would you do them any other way?" You "always have an extra poop bag for anyone who needs one" and carry a collapsible water dish in the car.


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Expert
You're logical, thoughtful, and a thinking type. For you, it's all about research, research, research! By learning all you can about a topic, you help keep those you love safe. You're connected to your dog and know as much about him as possible: what foods he likes, how much exercise he should get, and how to read his signals. You just might be an Expert if you "know all about the latest pet product recalls" and "carry a clicker."


Dogology

Observer
You could sit and watch your dog all day, noting all your dog's habits like a scientist. Like Jane Goodall with her chimpanzees, you're fascinated by the "details and interactions" of your dog's life. When your dog struggles to reach a toy under the couch, you watch with pleasure to see how your pooch will figure it out. (The Soul Mate type would have jumped up to help her dog, "lest the dog experience a moment of frustration.")


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Angel
You're attracted to the "wounded and the suffering," seeing "beauty in the sickest, smallest, skinniest, shyest of dogs." We should be throwing rose petals at your feet, say the authors of "Dogology" for adopting and rescuing dogs that others may find less desirable. You may have one or two dogs or a whole bunch, but chances are, one or more of them may be one-eyed, three-legged, or needing to wear doggy diapers. Do you "lie awake at night worrying about all the animals that need help?" Chances are, you're an Angel. And we are grateful.


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Soul Mate
"Love me, love my dog!" is the Soul Mate's motto. Your dog goes everywhere with you --- sitting on your lap while driving, on a chair next to you at an outdoor cafe, or on vacation. In fact, you only find vacation spots that allow pets; you wouldn't dream of leaving your beloved dog behind. You value the deep connection you have with your dog and view your dog as either a friend or a child. If you "see the dog's behavior as a reflection of your own soul" and encourage your dog to get on the furniture anytime he wants, guess what? You're probably a Soul Mate type!


Dogology

Free Spirit
You let your dog do "pretty much what he wants." You're intimately familiar with stress in your own life --- either in the past or present --- and hate to think you're inflicting any on your dog. You want your dog to feel free, safe, happy and loved, and that translates into letting your dog run amok. When your dog jumps on people, mouthing and pawing at them inappropriately, you simply exclaim, "He just loves people!" (Note to Free Spirits: people at the dog park see you approaching with your dog rambunctiously tugging at the leash and let out a collective groan.)


Dogology

Dynamo
Like a multi-tasking Energizer Bunny, you juggle the demands of work and home, whipping through the day and getting done what needs doing. You have "excellent focus and an admirable ability to complete tasks." In the midst of your hectic schedule, your dog can bring you a moment of much-needed calm or levity. Dead give-aways that you're a Dynamo? You "would rather text-message or e-mail someone than talk to them directly" and you "have the dog walker on speed dial."


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Master
You connect to your dog through "working" with him, "coaching, teaching and leading" your dog to be well-behaved and well-adjusted. Your dog comes when called --- every time. You only need to issue a command once, in a calm voice, and he complies. Other dog owners envy how well-trained your dog is. Most telling? "You can eat without your dog begging in any way."


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Buddy
You pal around with your dog, whether it's through structured play, or hiking and running with your dog. If you go rock-climbing, your dog comes along too, sleeping on your knapsack till you return or exploring the environs, but never going far. The typical Buddy is a natural leader and "not prone to self-doubt or even much self-assessment." He "does what he does, and brings his dog along," resulting in a dog who follows along, not wanting to miss out on all the fun. Which celebrity seems like the classic Buddy type? Matthew McConaughey, who's often seen skateboarding or jogging with his dog happily trotting alongside.


Dogology