You live with your dog every single day. You know their quirks, their favorite spot on the couch, the exact sound of their hungry whine.
But here’s the thing. Knowing your dog’s routine isn’t the same as understanding what they actually need. Most loving pet parents miss the signals their dogs send constantly, from stress cues hiding in plain sight to preferences they express in ways we never notice. It’s not about being a bad owner. It’s about how much happens beneath the surface that we assume we’ve figured out. Even veterinarians and trainers get surprised by how much they overlook with their own pets.
In this article, you’ll take a quick quiz designed to reveal how well you truly understand your dog’s needs, emotions, and behavior. The questions aren’t trick questions, but the answers might challenge what you thought you knew. You’ll discover which areas you’re nailing as a dog parent and which ones have room to grow. Ready to see how you score? Let’s find out.
Budget tip:
Time with our dogs is all too short. Yes, there are always must-dos that have to be crossed off the list. But remember to take time and enjoy your dog in the quiet moments. Those are the priceless moments. Plus, it doesn't cost a thing and may help to bring a bit of sanity back to your world.
1. You and your dog land safely on a tropical deserted island. What do you think your dog’s thoughts are to do first?
A. Finds a crab and begins barking at the strange-moving toy.
B. Locates a fallen palm limb, drags it to you, and wants to play fetch.
C. Begins sniffing and peeing on everything in sight.
D. Looks around, doesn’t recognize anything, and tries to jump into your arms.
2. You find a coconut tree and notice some coconuts have fallen at the base. What do you think your dog does to express his/her needs?
A. Barks at the odd objects as if they will bark back.
B. Tries to pick up a coconut and wants to play fetch.
C. Sniffs all the fallen coconuts and attempts to pee on them all.
D. Doesn’t recognize these strange balls and hides behind you.
In this article, I talk about what to do if you have an aggressive dog.
3. You spot a tide pool with starfish and sea anemones. What does your dog do first?
A. Runs in splashing and barking without noticing the sea life.
B. Sees you leaning over looking at these weird squirmy things, tries to pick one to play with it.
C. Notices a sea anemone moving and decides that’s a good place to pee.
D. Seems fine until a starfish moves and startles your dog and almost knocks you over trying to escape.
4. There’s a nest of seaweed on the beach. You approach cautiously not knowing what’s in it. How does your pup express his/her dog needs?
A. Rushes the nest barking and pawing.
B Grabs one end of a long seaweed and begins running as if it’s a rope to play tug-of-war.
C. Sniffs the odd object, circles the mound, and pees on it with satisfaction.
D. Sits down about 20 yards away, whines, and refuses to approach the weird display.
5. There’s a loud noise that makes you jump. You realize it’s a tropical bird as it swoops in to inspect the new arrivals. What do you imagine your dog needs are in this situation? What does your dog do?
A. Begins jumping, barking, and trying to reach the fly by bird.
B. Runs along with the tropical welcoming committee wagging his/her tail with playful happiness.
C. Looks up at the dive-bombing bird, seems disgusted, walks over, and leaves a deposit on the beach.
D. Starts trembling in fear and tries to jump in your arms.
6. You see a high bluff you think you can scan the island better from and head toward it. How does your dog react to show you his/her needs?
A. Runs with you barking at every movement or sound.
B. Picks up a rather large stick and goes for a “fetching” walk.
C. Pees on every tree and rock along the way to the bluff
D. Walks in your shadow, still trembling a bit.
7. Arriving at the bluff you realize it’s actually an abandoned and rotting ship. You approach a bit anxious, yet hopeful. What does your pup do to show to express his/her dog thoughts?
A. Rushes the ship with a barrage of barks.
B. Finds a loose wooden plank, pulls it up, takes it to you, and wants to continue playing fetch with the new find.
C. Sniffs around the old ship and pees on everything he sees. Although, at this point, it’s air pee.
D. This seems to frighten your dog even more and your dog finds a rock to hide behind.
8. Entering the ship, you discover a cabinet of gems and tennis balls. You’re puzzled. How does your dog express his/her needs?
A. Runs down to the belly of the ship barking the whole way.
B. Becomes a squirrel and packs every tennis ball possible into his slobbery mouth.
C. Sniffs the cabinet and air pees on it.
D. Sees you go into the ship and begins to tremble more. But refuses to move from behind the rock.
9. Seeing that it’s starting to get dark, you head back to the beach. You hear something that sounds like a growl, which makes you run. What does your pup do to indicate his/her needs?
A. Leaps to attention barking and growling.
B. Twists his/her head unsure of what’s going on and then pushes a tennis ball your way wanting to play.
C. Torn between your calls for him/her to come and his/her desire to do something else, he/her opts to pee on a nearby rock.
D. This causes your dog to tremble so bad your he/she can’t move. You pick up your dog and continue back to the beach.
10. You make it back to the beach and find a rock to use as a pillow. You wake up to the overhead whooshing of a helicopter. How does your pup visually express his/her dog thoughts?
A. Jumps up toward the helicopter barking.
B. Unsure again what this is about, your dog twists his head, grabs a tennis ball, and runs with you as you chase the helicopter down.
C. The sound is not pleasing and your dog pees on your rock pillow before you can get up.
D. The sound seems to disturb your dog and your dog attempts to hide under your rock pillow. You pick up your dog and chase down the helicopter.
In this article, I talk about how to bond with your dog, which you can do even better now.
How to score quiz: learn more about your dog’s needs
While there is no right or wrong for this quiz it’s merely a fun activity it does give insights as to your dog’s thoughts and feelings might reside. Here’s a bit of an overview of the quiz. However, keep in mind that this is very simplistic and may not represent your dog. It’s meant to give you a bit of a glimpse of your dog from his/her eyes.
A – If you got more As then your dog’s need is probably very protective and could lean a bit aggressive at times.
B – More B selections, probably indicate your dog’s need is all about play. All things in your dog’s world centers around play.
C – If you chose more Cs, then your dog needs is probably to be the top dog and will mark his/her territory no matter where or when.
D – Getting more D answers, probably means your dog tends to be a bit anxious with possible separation anxiety issues.
What if my dog is a combination of these types of dogs?
That’s just perfect! It means your dog is a normal, typical dog. Not many dogs are going to always want to play or bark or be scared. Much like their human parents, they’re complex beings. How wonderful is that? My dog, Henry is a combo of mostly B and D. Whatever your dog is, that is perfect for your dog and you.
In this article, I talk about how I adopted Henry.
Even with a silly quiz you can learn more about your dog’s needs
Nearly three-quarters of US households have a dog. But knowing their dog’s needs is something else. This fun quiz helps you see life through your dog’s eyes a bit. While it is really goofy and over the top, it’s still fun and does give you insight into your general dog needs. With this information, you get to know your dog a bit more and can be respectful of his/her needs even more.
