Just like humans, every pet has a particular personality. Some are naturally active, ready for adventure, and eager to see what you’re up to. Others are more laid back and offer all the chill vibes. Puppy personality and development changes over weeks, too. But because every pet is unique, it’s important to look for a furry partner who shares a love of your lifestyle!
Before you rush out and adopt the cutest pet you find, think about what kind of pet personality would be a great match so you can share lots of love and fun times for years to come. Sometimes puppy temperament tests can help you predict the perfect puppy match.
Key Takeaways
Pets, like humans, have unique personalities; choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Consider personality types like The Couch Potato, The Social Butterfly, and The Healer when adopting pets.
Fostering pets can help you find the perfect match before deciding on adoption.
Understanding pet personalities can lead to a deeper bond and more enjoyable companionship.
Explore additional resources like the Complete Puppy Care book for more insights on choosing puppies.
Which pet personality matches you best?
The Couch Potato. If you tend towards a more sedentary lifestyle, a pet who is happy with daily healthy walks but doesn’t need hours of exercise to stay fit and mentally stimulated might be right for you.
The Social Butterfly. A pet who loves other people and pets and thinks of your car as their second home would love being out-and-about with you on your daily adventures. If you have other dogs or cats, be sure to introduce the new baby correctly.
The Healer. This pet is generally a quiet, people-and-kid loving pet who can join you on visits to schools, nursing homes or any place where a pet is a welcomed, soothing presence. The Healer might make a fantastic emotional support animal, too.
The Christopher Columbus. Are you an avid hiker who loves the outdoors? Look for an active pet who loves exploring and will happily join the fun! Before you hit the trails, train them to come when called and to tolerate being gently boosted into an SUV or over fallen trees and other obstacles. Treats and praise are key! And be sure to puppy proof the house and yard to keep your trekker safe!
The Bookworm. If you’d rather spend Friday night reading instead of buzzing about the town, a pet who enjoys lying quietly in your living room, on your porch, or simply people watching at the park will probably be your perfect companion.
The Overthinker. Are you a bit of a worrywart? A housetrained adult animal whose personality is fully developed or a breed with very few known health problems can help ease your mind. You may have fewer surprises later on.
The Globetrotter. If you’re living a jet-setting lifestyle, a pet who fits comfortably in an airline crate near your seat and doesn’t mind bustling airports, new sights, or changing weather could be your perfect traveling companion.
The Born Leader. A smart and highly trainable breed will thrive with a human mentor who enjoys learning new things together. Practice positive training with treats to build a strong, loving bond.
The Artist. Your pet is your muse. Depending on your medium, look for a pet who loves the sound of your voice, your musical instrument, long thoughtful walks in nature, etc.
Not quite sure which pet personality is right for you? Consider fostering from your local animal shelter until you find your perfect match! And you can find MORE fun puppy-licious infotainment in the Complete Puppy Care book!
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Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
It’s NATIONAL ADOPT A DOG MONTH! How will you spend your celebration? Wait, your dog didn’t tell you? Well, for Shadow, it’s “dog week” every week of the year, but the “official” celebration takes place the 4th week of September every year — and has been celebrated since the first event in 1928. But October celebrates dog adoptions all month long. Check out my most popular dog-centric blogs in this post.
Have you thought about dog bite Halloween safety? and I’m not talking about vampires, either. Many dogs enjoy the howl-idays. But dogs biting kids happens more often at this time of year than any other.
This is a timely subject so I try to revisit the information every year. I write about this every year because it’s so darned important. With Halloween in the offing, this is the perfect time to brush up on dog safety issues and protect your kids, too.
To give equal time, there are many kitty-centric Halloween myth-teries you’ll find fascinating, especially about black cats.
While nonstop doorbell rings and visitors showering attention may be doggy bliss for your pet, even friendly laid back pooches get their tails in a twist over the disruption to routine. That can be dangerous for the pet—and for the human. Learn more about dog bites and kid safety here…
August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day to counter the Halloween black cat negative myths. Of course, those folks who share their lives (and pillows!) with a special black cat know better. Sadly, too many black cats remain in shelters rather than being adopted.
In fact, some evidence supports the notion that black cats (one of the first “mutations” of wild coat color), enhanced what I call the feline friendly factor. Black cats often seem to be much more agreeable and love spending time with their chosen human. Maybe that’s why so many of the so-called witches were associated with black kitties.
People have more difficulty picking cats because they assume all felines are the same. And because usually, cats pick us.
Halloween pet safety is needed every year. Halloween at its best is a night of mystery, fun, and thrills for human children and many adults. It’s important to keep your human kiddoes safe with these tips, but no less important for the pets. I write about Halloween pets safety every year because it can be a nightmare for your furry kids.
Do you enjoy dressing up the house—and yourself—for the holidays? If you want to include Halloween pet costumes, start now to get them used to the notion. Most of the costumes don’t fit Bravo-Dawg, and I’ve not yet tried Shadow-Pup. I’ll share pictures if/when that happens.
Meanwhile, be sure to keep pets safe over Halloween, though. Dogs and cats aren’t always fans of wearing Halloween costumes, but with these tips, you can help pets accept the notion.
Halloween Pet Costumes
Some pets enjoy dressing up, particularly the small dogs already used to wearing coats and sweaters in cool weather. There are many pet costumes available from pet products stores, from fancy to plain. If your outgoing, confident pet is willing, you can have great fun with costumes. But if your pets don’t care for dress up, don’t press it. Many pets may bite over Halloween out of fear of change.
Even reluctant pets may be persuaded to wear a fancy collar or bandana or painted toenails.
Every year, I write about our old cat needs. While Karma-Kat has just reached middle age, cats age at different rates. When do you consider your cat old? Is your old cat a senior kitty by age 8, or 13, or…when? For cats, what is old? Here’s how the experts define ‘old age’ in cats…
Can we take a minute to talk about something almost every pet parent deals with?
Although pet hair and odors are a small price to pay to have our furry ones at home with us, the fuzz and funky smells can sometimes seem overwhelming!
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