About This Quiz
Prove you're a real canine companion by acing this quiz!
Dogs have been man's best friends for thousands of years, and experts widely agree they are the first domesticated animals. We humans have bred Fido and his pals to enhance traits that we consider necessary, desirable and/or cute. Still, even after all these years, it's not always easy to understand just why Rover does what he does. After all, he can't really talk... or can he?
Dogs wag their tails, ride in the car with their heads out the window and their ears flapping in the wind, walk in circles before lying down and roll in stinky stuff. But why do they do these things? If you are thinking happiness, joy and instinct, you're right, and you just might master this quiz. But, as a canine expert, you also understand that Spot's behavior may have more than one meaning. Still, if you're a real dog lover, you'll be able to decipher the messages in this quiz. From behaviors that are confusing and frustrating to behaviors that are adorable and endearing, Cujo and his compadres' antics make life interesting.
Let's get started and see if you can legitimately call yourself a canine whisperer.
Dogs regulate their own body temperature by panting. They sweat through the pads of their feet, but the majority of Fido's body heat escapes through his mouth as he pants.
Chances are Rover didn't chomp on your shoes because he was hungry. Although he may have been bored, he was most likely suffering from separation anxiety.
Your dog might jump on you as a way to assert dominance. To make sure he knows who's boss, nip this behavior in the bud when he's a pup.
Advertisement
Be careful, a dog who is in pain might bite. Even if you've known the dog forever, make sure you approach an injured dog with care.
Your puppy is probably teething. Just like human babies, our puppy friends chew to relieve the discomfort of teething.
Dogs communicate in many ways, including barking. It may seem like he does it for no reason, but it can be controlled.
Advertisement
This is true. A 2012 study determined that most dogs appear to feel empathy.
A dog who is in pain might pant. In addition to helping dogs release excess body heat, panting is a sign of pain and/or nervousness.
Most dogs yawn excessively. Sure, she might be tired, but pay attention next time she is in an unfamiliar setting.
Advertisement
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try to wear her out before you leave the house. She just might sleep the entire time you're gone.
If your dog runs when he senses danger, you're in trouble. Most dogs will bark.
Yay! Doggie kisses. Many dogs will lick people they like.
Advertisement
Your dog is likely showing the other dog she is submissive. The other dog may, in turn, be demonstrating dominant behavior.
Although there may be other reasons for head tilting, many experts believe that Fido tilts his head so he can hear you better. Those ears are made for listening!
Baths feel weird to a dog. He might run around like a dog possessed to get that wet feeling to go away.
Advertisement
Sure, it might be cute, but begging can be pretty annoying, too. Dogs are smart and will learn relatively quickly what to do to earn that tasty morsel of people food.
Tall dogs, and some shorties, will counter surf to explore what might be worth working for. Big dog owners learn quickly to keep things out of reach.
Most dogs can't pass up a fire hydrant. But, contrary to popular belief, dogs aren't drawn to them because of what they are, but rather because they are the perfect height upon which to relieve themselves.
Advertisement
Most dogs sniff each other as a way of saying "hi." Each dog has his/her own unique smell.
Dogs howl to show their emotions. They might be distressed, anxious or lonely.
Many puppies pee a bit when they get really excited. No worries, this behavior should stop as his bladder matures.
Advertisement
Dogs are carnivores, and they love bones. Make sure the bones you give him are safe for him to chew.
It's normal for a dog to circle before lying down. This instinctual behavior used to be a way for Fido's ancestors to flatten the grass and clear a spot perfect for sleeping.
A happy dog is a tail wagger. Scold her and she'll put that tail between her legs. A dog's tail helps her express herself.
Advertisement
A dog with food aggression issues might growl at anyone close to his food. It's a good idea to train this behavior out of your dog ASAP.
Dogs once dug in the ground to create a den. Accommodate your dog's digging instinct if you can with a sand box or other approved digging spot.
Barking, whining and howling are all communication behaviors. Your dog can also communicate via body language.
Advertisement
Standing over another dog is a sign of dominance. Many dogs will engage in this behavior when they first meet.
Rolling around in smelly stuff is an instinctive camouflage behavior. Long ago, dogs may have had a reason to... well, not smell like a dog.
Dogs often whine when they are afraid or in pain. However, Rover might just want attention, too.
Advertisement
A dog who pulls is displaying dominance by leading you. Most experts insist that you need to nip this behavior in the bud ASAP.
Kicking up grass after doing his business is Rover's way of marking his territory. Dogs have scent glands in their paws.
Your dog loves to chase small animals because they were once dinner. Some dogs have a higher prey drive than others.
Advertisement
Dogs may growl and bite when playing, especially with each other. This is normal, but can be confusing for we humans.