Can You Pass a True Dog Lover's Quiz?

Becky

Image: shutterstock

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.



How do dogs regulate their own body temperature?

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.

You left Rover alone when you went to the store and returned to find he chewed up your favorite shoes. Why did he do this?

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.

What might your canine do to assert dominance over you?

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.

A dog who is in pain might do which of the following?

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 chews on absolutely everything! Why?

Your puppy is probably teething. Just like human babies, our puppy friends chew to relieve the discomfort of teething.

Barking is one way dogs do what?

Dogs communicate in many ways, including barking. It may seem like he does it for no reason, but it can be controlled.

True or False? Most experts agree that dogs feel empathy.

This is true. A 2012 study determined that most dogs appear to feel empathy.

Your dog ate a bee and got stung. What might she do?

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.

Which of the following might your dog do if she is stressed?

Most dogs yawn excessively. Sure, she might be tired, but pay attention next time she is in an unfamiliar setting.

What might you do to lessen your dog's separation anxiety?

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.

What might your dog do if he senses danger?

If your dog runs when he senses danger, you're in trouble. Most dogs will bark.

Cujo really loves you. What might he do to demonstrate his amour?

Yay! Doggie kisses. Many dogs will lick people they like.

Your dog cowers when another dog approaches. What is she displaying.

Your dog is likely showing the other dog she is submissive. The other dog may, in turn, be demonstrating dominant behavior.

The better to hear you. What does your dog do to show you he's listening?

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!

What do many dogs do after a bath?

Baths feel weird to a dog. He might run around like a dog possessed to get that wet feeling to go away.

Which of the following is typically a behavior most dog owners don't appreciate?

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.

Many tall dogs do what to snag your freshly-baked cake?

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.

What stereotypical object is nearly impossible for your dog to pass up?

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.

What do dogs do to greet each other?

Most dogs sniff each other as a way of saying "hi." Each dog has his/her own unique smell.

What might your dog do to show his emotions?

Dogs howl to show their emotions. They might be distressed, anxious or lonely.

What might your puppy do if he gets too excited?

Many puppies pee a bit when they get really excited. No worries, this behavior should stop as his bladder matures.

Which of the following treats does your dog instinctually love?

Dogs are carnivores, and they love bones. Make sure the bones you give him are safe for him to chew.

What do many dogs do before lying down?

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.

Your dog is happy. What does she do with her tail?

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.

A dog with food aggression issues might do what?

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.

What instinctive behavior once helped dogs create dens?

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.

What do most dogs do to communicate?

Barking, whining and howling are all communication behaviors. Your dog can also communicate via body language.

Your dog stands over another dog at the dog park. What is he expressing?

Standing over another dog is a sign of dominance. Many dogs will engage in this behavior when they first meet.

Why do some dogs roll around in smelly stuff?

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.

A dog might do which of the following if he is afraid or in pain?

Dogs often whine when they are afraid or in pain. However, Rover might just want attention, too.

Leash pulling might be a sign of what?

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 doing what?

Kicking up grass after doing his business is Rover's way of marking his territory. Dogs have scent glands in their paws.

What innate drive makes your dog want to chase squirrels?

Your dog loves to chase small animals because they were once dinner. Some dogs have a higher prey drive than others.

Dogs may display what confusing behavior when playing?

Dogs may growl and bite when playing, especially with each other. This is normal, but can be confusing for we humans.

True or False: Dogs are sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field.

This is true. This magnetic sensitivity is called magnetoreception .

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