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Paw-sonality
Who’s your doogie?
The Best Dog Breed for Your Personality…
By Michelle | January 22, 2009
Every dog breed is different, and you should have a basic understanding of their varying personalities before you decide to bring a pup home. Of course, this means you must first consider your own personality; what kind of individual are you? Choosing a dog is not quite as complicated as choosing a human partner, but it sure is close! In both cases, you must consider chemistry and commitment. But with a dog, there’s the added benefit of a wagging tail every time you walk in the door.
Just as important as identifying your own personality is a proper understanding of your lifestyle. How much time do you have for a dog? Do you have kids? How would a pooch fit into your daily schedule? When will you be able to walk, feed, and play with her? We covered these lifestyle issues extensively in another article, so be sure to read it before deciding on the pup of your dreams.
Like Owner, Like Dog?
Some believe dogs match their owners in look and personality. Is this true, or do opposites attract? Around here, we don’t subscribe so much to the “opposites attract” theory (not for dogs anyway), but feel that owners and dogs actually have a lot in common, physically and emotionally. For example, a stubborn owner works best with the stubborn pooch, and a caring parent loves to spend time with the gentler breeds.
How to Discover Your Personality
There are many ways to determine your personality type. For an accurate personality profile, you would actually need to visit a psychologist and subject yourself to an extensive battery of tests. But if you already have a sense of what type of person you are (or you really want a dog and just don’t have the time or patience right now), then this guide is for you! So, join us as we provide a fun way to discover your doggy soul mate.
The following personality types are actually derived from the Myers-Briggs assessment and the Keirsey model of four temperate types. Myers-Briggs is a test often used to gauge your interests and abilities. Read each type carefully, and decide which one describes you best. We had a wonderful time debating which dog breeds match which personalities, but remember, these are just our opinions—not hard fact—and should be viewed as a basic guide for fun.
1. Idealist
2. Rational
3. Artisan
4. Guardian
1. Idealist (“Fancy Talker”)
Oprah and her Spaniel, Sophie
Idealists are visionaries. Your lofty talk and captivating writing style inspires the rest of us to do our best. You are compassionate and have a keen talent for understanding what others are feeling. You want to make this world a better place, and this mission will drive you until the final breath. At home, you are encouraging parents and will do anything for loved ones. You’re often called imaginative, caring, passionate, values-oriented and creative. Your favorite activities include spending time with the family, volunteering, talking with friends, solving problems, and writing.
Typical Careers for Idealists
Community Organizer, Psychologist, Social Worker, Writer, Nurse, Motivational Speaker
Famous Idealists
Martin Luther King Jr., Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, President Obama
The Idealist Paw-sonality
You’ll be a loving and caring dog owner. However, you probably won’t discipline your pooch very harshly, so it’s best if you stay clear of the more stubborn breeds. Actually, your focus should be on the caring and easy going pups. You are an ideal candidate for adopting a dog from the local shelter, and your compassionate nature dictates that you need a dog who can tag along to volunteering, grocery shopping, or the hospital therapy group that you assist.
Breeds You Should Consider
* Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
* Golden Retriever
* Great Dane
* Yorkshire Terrier
* Bichon Frise
* Greyhound
* Cocker Spaniel
Tom Brady with Yorkie
2. Rational (“Smarty-Pants”)
Al Gore with his dog
Rationals are constantly searching for mental stimulation. You are an excellent problem solver and attack challenges in a very deliberate manner. You thrive on creating inventive solutions to complex problems. Technology is in your blood, and you love working in the theoretical abstract. You’re described by others as intellectual, inventive, and driven. People are drawn to your presence since leadership comes naturally to you. This is probably because you possess the ability to take control of situations. And even though people who don’t know you very well may think you’re arrogant, that’s really just your self confidence shining from within. You enjoy debates with friends, solving puzzles, writing, and learning new languages. Oh, and you certainly don’t make major life decisions (like getting a dog) on a whim without proper planning.
Typical Careers for Rationals
Professor, Entrepreneur, IT Analyst, Accountant, Lawyer, Doctor
Famous Rationals
Al Gore, Thomas Edison, Colin Powell, Katie Couric
The Rational Paw-sonality
If you can actually make time for a dog in your life, then you’ll be a great owner. But you’ll have to commit to it because you have a busy life full of side projects and half-written American novels to complete. When you do ultimately decide to get a dog, it will only be after you’ve thoroughly researched the topic, breeder, or adoption facility very carefully. You are a free thinker, and you want your dog to be the same. You’ll both have a blast playing mental games. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to maintain leadership with the stubborn breeds due to your natural self-confidence and “alpha” energy. Now, even though your mind is racing 24/7, your body may not be doing the same. So depending upon your level of activity, select a breed from either the “Sporty” or “Non-Sporty” category below.
Sporty Rationals: In addition to your intellectual pursuits, you enjoy running, biking, and spending time at the park. With this lifestyle, your hard-working dog will get plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
* Border Collie
* Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
* Portuguese Water Dog
* Australian Cattle dogs
* Poodle
* German Shepherd
* Boxer
Justin Timberlake and girlfriend
Non-Sporty Rationals: You love nothing more than hanging out in the library, coffee shop or at the nearest Whole Foods cafe. So you should look into a lower energy doggy genius. But remember, your pup still needs daily walks and mental stimulation. Be sure to play IQ games with your dog to drain her energy. Your canine Einstein might actually enjoy her mental exercises more than the walks!
* Pug
* Toy or Miniature Poodle
* Bichon Frise
* Shetland Sheepdog
3. Artisan (“Center of Attention”)
Artisans live for excitement and sensation. You’re very artistic and crave the spot light of a stage and the lens of a camera. Oftentimes, you’re also athletic and love the attention of a cheering sports crowd. You seize every moment and wear emotions on your sleeve like a badge of honor. Even in the presence of strangers, you don’t hesitate to dive into conversation, always meeting and greeting new people. Your free spirit leads you to new experiences.
Your days revolve around social events. You rarely miss an opportunity for a thrill, and your friends don’t remember the last time you said “no”. Loved ones describe you as energetic, free-spirited, exciting, fun-loving, and spontaneous. Your favorite activities include acting, dancing, playing sports, telling jokes.
Typical Careers for Artisans
Athlete, Artist, Actor, Entertainer, Politician, Salesperson, Construction Worker
Famous Artisans
Bill Clinton, Paris Hilton, Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, Matthew McConaughey, Serena Williams
The Artisan Paw-sonality
You need a dog with a personality just as big as yours. And that pooch had better carry her own weight by directing gobs of attention towards you! Also, be sure to get a pup that is relatively self-sufficient who won’t require excessive training. More than any other personality type, your dog must be ready to travel at the drop of the hat (small is better for that), so avoid the herding breeds who often display a chasing reflex for passing cars while riding shotgun. As with the Rationals (see above), Artisans are split into “Sporty” and “Non-Sporty” categories.
Sporty Artisans: Your dog is thrilled to accompany you on a hike, mountain bike ride, or to the lake with friends. And when back in the city, your pooch turns just as many heads as you do.
* Jack Russell Terrier
* Beagle
* Weimaraner
* German Short-haired Pointer
* Australian Cattle Dog
Non-Sporty Artisans: These lap pups have doggy dreams of new hair styles, adorable clothes, collars, and jewelry. When you grab the car keys, these dogs leap into your luxurious handbag in anticipation of the upcoming adventure. In short, just like you, they loved to be spoiled.
* Pomeranian
* Maltese
* Bichon Frise
* Poodle
* Yorkshire Terrier
4. Guardian (“Hero”)
Guardians are the people we all want as parents; you’re stable, loyal and dependable. Aside from immaculate organizational habits, you are a realist who spends time focusing intently on the task at hand. When leading, you ensure everyone involved is respected, listened to, and properly cared for. When loved ones are in need, yours is the first call they receive with plenty of reassuring words. Friends describe you as nurturing, kind, patient, selfless, responsible, and loyal.
Typical Careers for Guardians
Fireman, Teacher, Police Officer, Animal Trainer, Manager, Administrator, Accountant
Famous Guardians
Warren Buffet, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Stewart
The Guardian Paw-sonality
Let’s face it…you’d be an excellent owner for any type of dog. Easy-going “family” breeds seem like the obvious choice here, but your nurturing spirit attracts you to troubled pups from the local animal shelter. With their fate in question, you feel compelled to save a distressed life by rescuing one of those adorable faces staring back at you through the cage.
But remember, your positive outlook on life constantly draws others toward you, so be sure to select a dog that loves being around other people.
Breeds You Should Consider
* Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
* Labrador Retriever
* German Shepherd
* Golden Retriever
* Bulldog
* Dachshund
* Collie
* Dalmatian
* Australian Shepherd
Jake and Atticus
To learn more about yourself, an interesting personality test site and community offering several options: Jung, Big Five, Word Association, Enneagram, and an Ask the Oracle feature. Similar Mindsipod- k9 mix
You may just have to clear some space on your ipod and create a playlist for your dog. There is a new wave of music specifically created for the K9 ear. I sampled one for myself and Simon…
I was at Whole Foods not too long ago after taking a call from a new client requesting transportation services for her Wheaten who had anxiety and hated the car, and out of the blue I see a CD for relieving anxiety for dogs. I was like wow- it is a sign- so I purchased the CD! My prospective client explained even though Simon hated the car she was left with no other option for boarding then a farm hours from her home as his stay would be extended due to her husband away in China on business and pressing family issues out in California she needed to attend to. So when the day came for me to transport Simon out to the farm he would be staying at, I inserted Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, Vol. 1 into the CD player and it was natural xanax to the ears! Simon was chill and I was chill, which is saying a lot dealing with the beltway!
Does your dog suffer from anxiety issues that result in destructive behavior or incessant barking? Now you have a simple tool to help – without resorting to sedatives.
You know that your dog’s hearing is very sensitive, but did you know that you could create an environment of sound to improve the health and well being of your canine companion? Now psychoacoustic expert Joshua Leeds and veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner show you how with Through a Dog’s Ear.
Using the latest science on how dogs hear and react to sound, Leeds and Wagner provide a treasury of fresh insight on the inner auditory life of our best friends, including:
* How to use sound as a tool to help alleviate separation anxiety, excitement with visitors, thunderstorm panic, and other behavior challenges
* For nervous dogs: tips and tricks for making any house or apartment more comfortable for canines
* Sensory confusion, over- and under-stimulation, the orienting response, and keys to understanding how our dogs hear the human world
Psychoacoustics Meets Bioacoustics
An official definition of psychoacoustics is “a branch of science dealing with hearing, the sensations produced by sounds, and the problems of communication.” Psychoacoustics may also be thought of as “the study of the perception of sound.”
As a psychoacoustician, I study the effect of sound on the human nervous system. After a few decades of research and observation, I know that auditory input has a much larger impact on the psyche and body than most people think. When our auditory process is under- or overwhelmed, or when we have difficulty processing sound properly, there can be multiple and far-reaching ramifications.
One of the profound joys I have found in the clinical studies of music for dogs is the discovery that many of the same principles and effects of sound are shared by people and animals. This reinforces what soundworkers already know — that sound is a potent energy that is not to be taken for granted.
Over the last fifty years, musicians, producers, and therapeutic professionals have clarified and innovated music and sound techniques that naturally affect our human body pulses — brain waves, heart rate, and breath. We’ve learned to play the human body in a purposeful way. By adding the natural processes of resonance (the ability of one vibration to alter another), entrainment (the effect of periodic rhythms to speed up or slow down the brain, heart, and breath), and auditory pattern identification (determining when it is conducive for the brain to be in an active or passive mode) to the musical palette of harmony, melody and form, it is now possible to create potent soundtracks for specific purposes.
But what does psychoacoustics have to do with the health and well being of our canine companions? This is where bioacoustics comes into play. The Acoustical Society of America defines animal bioacoustics as the study of sound in non-human animals. Like psychoacoustics, it is a branch of science that deals with the relation between living beings and sound.
– Joshua Leeds
More mixes for your bestfriend’s special reserved playlist…website named petcds may be a useful place to pick up some tunes for your k9 companion.
Although I have not personally sampled the following CD it looks pretty good too…
An “animal communicator” has teamed with a Highland Park, Ill., record label to create a musical CD geared toward dogs.
Dr. Kim Ogden, whose dog communicating skills have led to appearances on ABC World News, CNN, CBS and NBC, guided Skip Haynes of the Laurel Canyon Animal Company record label in creating “Songs to Make Dogs Happy,” the label said in a release.The label said the CD is the first to be created and tested using a canine focus group.
The Laurel Canyon Animal Company said its CDs, which are all geared toward an animal audience, are used to raise funds for animal rescue and rights groups across the country, including the Best Friends Animal Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Summer Camp in Virgina!
When picking a summer camp to send your children too, check out this new
program- Doggone Fun Camp combines camp for your Child and your furry child.
A special camp designed for children and their dogs
With the start of summer comes the start of camps around the Washington DC area. One camp, sponsored by the Fairfax County Parks Authority, is designed not only for your child but for the family dog.
Doggone Fun Camp is designed for young adults ages 9 through 14 and their dog. It is a week long camp that combines fun with the learning practical skills in dog care. Participate in activities that are designed to promote a lifelong bond between the child and the dog. All dogs must be on a leash, have proof of vaccinations, and display a valid rabies tag.
amps are held at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia and Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia. Space is limited and fills up quickly, so register today if you are interested!
Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.htm for schedules and availability.
The formation of the Pack
Here are some pics of the beginning of the Pack. I need to add more and figure out how to organize the pics better
but this works for now….
Comrade Hime and me Rocky at Play! 
Shane had Cancer and beat it! He is 100% cancer free
And even with one leg he is still the leader of the Pack!
Crate training
Baxter
The District Dog firmly believes in crate training new puppies and will help guide new pet owners in how to make their new puppies’ crate a safe and cozy den …
We highly recommend adding a Snuggle Puppy to every crate to ease separation anxiety and create a warm, cozy, safe, den-like atmosphere while you are away.
Snuggle Puppies are the perfect companions for your pet. They have a “real feel” heartbeat and warm up. They have been called a “virtual mom” by a leading pet publication. They essentially act as a security blanket for animals. Ideal when shipping dogs, puppies and other animals. Orphaned and injured animals of all kinds & breeds and even perfectly healthy ones find comfort in the warmth and “beating hearts” of Snuggle Puppies.
Snuggle Puppies come complete with a “realistic” heart, which has the feel and sound of a heartbeat, and runs off batteries (included), 2 disposable, non-toxic heating packs (last 20 hours each), and a terry cloth pouch. The terry cloth pouch can be filled with dry rice and heated. The warmth will last up to 3 hours. Machine washable!
Why Crate Training is a must:
by Rene Knapp
Many people believe crating a dog for any length of time is cruel and they refuse to consider it. Thousands of dollars are spent by families every year because of the damage done by a new puppy who is given the run of the house while their owners are at work or out for an evening. The crate is a proven way to train dogs who act like … well, dogs.
Not punishment
The first and hardest thing to get into your mindset is that a crate is not for punishment. Crates need to be a positive place where your dog can find security and pleasure. An attractive crate makes for a welcoming den — a nice blanket, yummy treats, a favorite toy and a chew stick help to make the pup comfortable. The crate needs to be in a place where your dog will not feel isolated (our dog’s crate is in our bedroom), so the pup feels like part of the family.
Using a crate properly establishes limits for your dog when you are away from the house and unable to monitor your dog’s behavior. A crate is also a safe area for your dog to be if you’re having a party and have a less-than-social canine. Dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks often find refuge in their familiar crate.
The best way to get your dog to live happily with his crate is to introduce it when he is a puppy. Rather than have to punish him when he messes or chews your favorite pair of shoes, you can crate him before the trouble actually happens. While crates certainly don’t train your pup for you, they are a useful tool in housebreaking. You need to make sure the crate is the proper size for the animal. If the crate is too big, the puppy will use part of it as the bathroom, and that won’t help in the long run. You also have to be around to hear him. If the puppy is whining, chances are he needs to go to the bathroom and should be taken out. After meals and naps and before going into the crate, there should first be a trip outside.
The crate should be big enough to allow the dog to stand up and lie down comfortably. If you know your dog is going to grow into a big dog, then consider getting a divider so you will have the proper size crate in the beginning and the crate can grow with the dog. It should be put in a room where there is activity. Starting the puppy or dog in the crate for a few minutes at a time and working your way up in time is the best way for the dog to learn he is not being abandoned or “caged.”
Your dog will get accustomed to his crate and will enjoy the security of having his own space, but do not leave a puppy crated for longer than three or four hours at a time, or an adult dog for longer than eight hours. If left too long, your dog will start feeling trapped and frustrated. There are also many types of crates available: Aluminum, plastic, foldable tents, mesh or fabric, fiberglass, plastic, wicker and wire. All have pros and cons, including cost, ventilation, cleaning, etc. You will need to see which crate will work best for you.
The District Dog’s Puppy Play Program…
Have a new member of the family in the house? Our puppy play program is sure to help you and your new puppy navigate through the trials and tribulations of housebreaking and socializing well with others. Each program is customized to you and your puppy’s needs. We can come two or three times a day, and the timing is determined by your scheduling needs. This service includes a unique District Dog Snuggle Puppy, which has the feel and sound of a realistic heartbeat, two disposable non-toxic heating packs and a terry cloth pouch that can be filled with dry rice and be heated. The warmth lasts up to three hours at a time. It is the perfect snuggle companion for your new family member while you’re gone, helping relieve separation anxiety. Our service includes rewarming the District Dog Snuggle Puppy, refilling kongs, changing wee-wee pads and refreshing their water.
$20 initial consultation fee: includes a District Dog Snuggle Puppy
$22 a day: includes 2 visits per day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon
$30 a day: includes 3 visits per day
*Available until eight months of age
Cooper