Dog Owner's Test

Dog Owner's Test

The following set of questions, extracted from "The Dog I.Q. Test" by Melissa Miller, attempts to measure your knowledge of your dog and your efforts in meeting responsibilities. There are seventy questions which are divided into four sections: Background, Training, Dedication and Sensitivity.
It took me approximately 2 hours to complete the test. So, feel free to download this page onto your work area or print this page out, and take the test at your leisure.

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INSTRUCTIONS:
Please select only one answer for each question. Jot down each answer for later reference to the scoring table. If a question does not apply or refers to you, try to imagine yourself in the situation and choose the given answer closest to the one you would like to give.

Good Luck and HAVE FUN!

Part I BACKGROUND

Did you have dogs when you were growing up and, if so, how many?

A
Yes, more than three.
B
Yes, one to three.
C
No.
D
I didn't have a dog of my own but I knew and played with other people's dogs when I could.
Did you spend any significant time during your childhood with animals other than dogs?

A
Yes, I had a number of different pets while I was growing up.
B
Yes, we had one or more cats.
C
Yes, but my favorites were always dogs.
D
No.
In general, what did you think about dogs when you were growing up?

A
I considered them as friends and playmates.
B
I felt neutral toward them.
C
I didn't like them much.
D
I liked them more than any other animal.
How would you compare dogs with cats?

A
Dogs are far friendlier, nicer, more honest and loyal than cats.
B
They're about the same, sometimes sweet and sometimes not. It depends on the breed and the animal's upbringing.
C
Dogs may be nicer, but I actually prefer cats.
As a child, when others were unkind to a dog, how did you feel?

A
Very upset. I would try to stop it if I could.
B
Amused.
C
Saddened.
D
I would have little or no reaction.
When you are greeted by a dog at a friend's house, what do you usually do?

A
Ask if the dog bites and/or watch with annoyance as it sniffs around my ankles.
B
Unless it's a particular intimidating breed, I'll say hello and start to par it immediately.
C
I might pat it on the head briefly.
Do you think dogs make suitable pets for children?

A
Yes, they can be excellent companions, teachers and guardians (except for overly aggressive dogs).
B
Yes, but other animals are just suitable.
C
No.
If you were to pass an attractive pet shop with time on your hands, would you:

A
go in right away, look at the puppies and other pets for sale.
B
go in and see if there was anything to buy for my dog.
C
probably not go in because it wouldn't interest me.
If you were to enter a room and find an adorable puppy, would you:

A
temporarily forget what I'd come into the room for and start to play with the puppy right away.
B
par the puppy for a few minutes, then carry on with my activities.
C
ignore the puppy.
Do you believe, as some studies suggest that keeping a dog as pet can be beneficial to one's health?

A
Yes, absolutely.
B
Perhaps.
C
no, I doubt whether it makes any difference.
How many dog-related items such as decorative accessories, ceramics, stationery and the like do you have in your home?

A
None that I can think of.
B
One of two.
C
Three to five.
D
More than five.
Dogs required more care and attention than other pets, especially if they're kept in the city. How do you feel about the responsibilities involved in keeping your dog?

A
I don't mind very much. My dog is worth it.
B
I rarely find the responsibilities any trouble at all.
C
They often feel like a burden.
It is said that people select a dog, they often tend to choose one which reflects aspects of their own character or self-image. Do you agree with this theory?

A
Yes.
B
In some cases this might be true.
C
No.
If you had to choose one of the following qualities as the one you most appreciate in dogs, which would you select?

A
Their loyalty.
B
Their trainability.
C
Their carefree enjoyment of life.

Part II TRAINING
How many commands have you tried to teach your dog (irrespective of the number it actually obeys)?

A
Five or more.
B
Three or four.
C
One or two.
D
None.
Of the commands you have tried to teach your dog, how many have you been able to get your dog to recognize and obey?

A
All of them.
B
Most of them.
C
Only one or two.
D
None.
How often would you day your dog does something it knows it shouldn't do?

A
Very rarely, if ever.
B
Every now and then but not often.
C
Once or twice a week perhaps.
D
Every day.
If caught misbehaving what does your dog usually do?

A
Carries on defiantly.
B
Tries to runaway.
C
Stops what it's doing and cowers in front of me, ears down, looking guilty.
With your dog close by, call it only once to come to you. Your dog:

A
ignores me completely.
B
comes over to me slowly.
C
immediately comes to my side.
If your dog needed to go outside to relieve itself but you weren't at home to let it out, what would it probably do?

A
Wait for me to come back and take it out (assuming I wasn't too long).
B
Go right ahead and use somewhere inside the house, as often as it does.
C
Use inside, but choose the least offensive spot it can.
Have you been able to teach your dog not to chew or play with your possessions?

A
My dog chews whatever it pleases, whenever it pleases.
B
In general, yes.
C
Yes, I've trained my dog to stay away from my things.
When you throw a stick or any object for your dog, what are the chances that it will retrieve it?

A
Slim. It usually gets distracted by something else along the way.
B
Variable. My dog will certainly chase after it, but may or may not bring it back to me.
C
Good.
D
Excellent.
E
My dog is not interested in such games.
Your dog is with you when you are eating something it particularly likes. If you left the room with the food on the table, your dog:

A
would move to the table immediately and help itself.
B
would wait patiently for my return and hope I'll share some.
C
would pace and sniff around the tab;e, debating whether to grab the food or not.
If you were to leave the room in the identical circumstances described above and your dog did not give in to temptation, you would:

A
wonder if my dog was feeling all right.
B
assume my dog was not hungry.
C
reward its good behavior with some of the food.
When friends come to visit or you have a party, how does your dog behave?

A
Very well. It is unobtrusive but responsive if guests wish to pet it.
B
Poorly. It growls menacingly and is upset at strangers in its home.
C
Like a guest, mingling with the visitors and enjoying the extra attention.
D
As an opportunist, sniffing at unattended table tops for food, while charming the guest for tit bits as well.
Do you let your dog sleep in your bed with you?

A
No.
B
Yes.
C
I would but it prefers its own bed.
You've just given your dog a command, which is not terribly important, but it doesn't obey you. What would you probably do?

A
Continue issuing the command until it does obey.
B
Issue the command once or twice again.
C
Shrug it off.
D
Think how adorable my free-spirited dog is.
How do you feel about giving your dog food from the table?

A
I sometimes give in.
B
I usually give in.
C
I always give in.
D
I don't give in as I think it might encourage bad behavior.
Of you've given your dog its usual amount of food, and it whines for more, do you:

A
ignore its request because I know it's had all the food it needs.
B
give it as much as it wants.
C
give it a little more if I'm feeling generous.
D
wait to see if it's truly hungry or just trying its luck.
What would you do if your dog caught a bad cold?

A
Refer to a dog-care book or ring the vet for guidance.
B
Take it to the vet as soon as possible.
C
Wait for my dog to get better, only ringing the vet if the condition becomes serious.
How affectionate are you with your dog?

A
Very affectionate. My dog is very lovable.
B
Not very affectionate.
C
Quite affectionate.
D
I'd like to be more affectionate but my dog is too independent.
How often do you let your dogs get its own way, for example, by letting it sit on a forbidden chair, taking it our on an unscheduled walk, etc?

A
All the time.
B
Quite frequently.
C
Every now and then.
D
Hardly ever.
According to most books on dog care, approximately how many fluid ounces of water should a dog consume each day for every 20 pound of body weight?

A
30 fl. ounces.
B
13 fl. ounces.
C
8 fl. ounces.
If you see your dogs chewing grass or a plant, what do you think?

A
That my dog likes greens.
B
That it may not feel well and craves extra nutrients.
C
That it has an appetite that will never cease to amaze me.
How often so you find yourself sharing your thoughts with your dog?

A
Several times a day.
B
Almost every day.
C
Once a week or so.
D
Only when I'm giving it a command or disciplining it.
How do you usually call your dog?

A
By its name in a stern voice.
B
By its name in a high-pitched or sweet voice.
C
By whistling.
D
By its name with my voice at its normal pitch.
If your dog started whining to be taken for a walk, but you were engrossed in a book, what would you probably do?

A
Mark my place in the book nd take the dog out.
B
Continue reading until I came to the end of a chapter, then take the dog out.
C
Ignore the dog unless it sounded quite desperate.
How would you react if your dog started eating food you had prepared for a dinner party?

A
I'd be furious with the dog, but more furious with myself for not putting the food out of reach.
B
I'd be annoyed but I'd realize that my dog just didn't know any better.
C
I'd be extremely irritated and would discipline my dog immediately to tech it not to so so again.

Part III Dedication
How often do you go ut of your way to do something nice for your dog?

A
Hardly ever.
B
A couple of times a year.
C
Fairly often.
D
Frequently.
How many photographs do you have of your dog?

A
Several.
B
Several, with one or more displayed in my home or kept in my wallet.
C
One or two.
D
None.
When playing with your dog, how long does it take before you get bored?

A
Only a minute or two.
B
Up to five minutes.
C
Ten minutes or more as I love playing games with it.
D
Not applicable as I don't play with my dog.
How often do you walk your dog?

A
Twice a day.
B
Once a day.
C
Several times a day if I can.
D
I don't need to as it goes out on its own quite safely.
E
although it can go out alone, still enjoy accompanying it whenever I can.
How often do you groom your dog (or have it groomed)?

A
Once a month or so.
B
Once a week.
C
Not very often because it doesn't need much grooming, but I'd do more it it was required.
D
Hardly ever.
Would you ever seriously consider taking your dog to a dog psychologist?

A
Yes.
B
Possibly, if the problem I had with my dog was serious.
C
Probably not.
D
Absolute not. It sounds ridiculous.
How often do you take your dog to the vet for a check-up (excluding emergencies and other unplanned visit)?

A
Once a year.
B
Twice a year.
C
I don't unless it's ill.
After taking your dog to the vet, do you ever do something special for it?

A
Yes, I like to treat it to its favorite food.
B
Yes, I'm extra nice to it for a day or so.
C
Perhaps, if the visit had been a harrowing one.
D
No, not really.
Most dog-care guides suggest that owners regularly give their dog a six-point check to help detect early signs of health problems (eyes, ears, mouth, nose, feet, paws and coat)/ How often do you look your dog over?

A
Never, unless it's obviously not feeling well.
B
A couple of times a year.
C
Once a month or so.
D
Every 7-10 days on average.
How often do you initiate playful games with your dog?

A
Several times a day.
B
Once a day.
C
A couple of times a week.
D
A couple of times a month.
What kind of collar does your dog wear?

A
The nicest one I could find or afford.
B
One that reflects my dog's personality and looks.
C
A collar that is purely functional.
Have you given your dog an identification tag to wear on its collar?

A
Yes.
B
No.
C
Not yet, but I plan to.
Do you buy your dog something special for its birthday, Christmas or other occasions?

A
No. It wouldn't appreciate the significance of the gift.
B
Yes. I treat it as any other member of the family in this respect.
C
Sometimes I do.
D
Rarely.
how often do you talk about your dog to other people?

A
Hardly ever, unless I'm asked about it.
B
Every now and then, usually because the subject has arisen in the conversation anyway.
C
Fairly often, especially if I think they'll be interested.
D
Very often, whether they're interested or not.
How do you like listening to other people tell stories about their dogs?

A
I don't mind but I rarely find their stories as interesting as my own.
B
I quite enjoy listening.
C
I occasionally enjoy them, as long as they keep the stories short.
D
I find it unbelievably boring and remind myself not to do the same thing.
What arrangements do you really make for your dog when you go away for a weekend?

A
I take it with me if possible, but otherwise I leave it with a friend or relative (using the kennels as the last resort).
B
I simply book it into a kennel.
C
I leave it at home and put out some extra food.
D
I leave it at home and arrange for someone to call in and look after it.
Do you enjoy having your dog sit on your lap or sleep by your side?

A
Not specially.
B
Sometimes.
C
Most of the time.
D
Yes, very much.
How would you react if your dog woke you in the middle of the night and insisted on going outside?

A
I'd be extremely irritated and shoo it out of my bedroom.
B
I'd be irritated but might get up and let it out.
C
I'd be concerned and would follow my dog to see if anything was wrong.
D
I'd get up immediately and let my dog out for as long as it wished.

Part IV SENSITIVITY
Understanding your dog's body language is an important part of your relationship. Which of the following best describe a dog in defensive mood?

A
Body, ears and tail high, teeth exposed.
B
Body tense, ears back, teeth exposed, tail lowered and rigid.
C
Front legs on th ground, hind legs up with back bent, tail moving back and forth, mouth open.
Of the different types of body language given above, which one applies to playful behavior?

A

B

C
How would you react if your dog accidentally broke something valuable in the house?

A
I'd be upset, but wouldn't shout at or punish my dog as it was an accident.
B
I'd be furious and shout at my dog to teach ti to be more careful.
C
I'd be upset and shout but would regret doing so.
How do you usually discipline your dog when it misbehaves?

A
By shouting at it.
B
By berating it firmly but kindly.
C
by staring it down.
If you are particularly irritated by your dog's misbehavior, would you ever take any of the following actions?
1. Order it into a corner or its cage.
2. Take away its toys.
3. Lock it our of the room.
4. Continue to chastise it after your initial scolding.
A
No, I would never do any of these things.
B
I might do one but only in extreme circumstances.
C
Yes, I'd probably do one or more.
If you were accidentally to step on your dog, without causing it serious injury, how would you feel?

A
Not great but since it wasn't really hurt, I'd move on.
B
Guilty, apologizing to it.
C
Quite guilty, stroking it or offering its some food to make up.
Your dog is usually chatty and you suspect that it is trying to tell you something. What do you do?

A
Tell it to be quite and go away.
B
Ignore it.
C
Try to understand the message it want to convey. making responsive sounds and following if it leads me somewhere.
D
Assume it just wants some attention, again.
Do you ever think twice before disciplining your dog in front of other people?

A
Sometimes but if the misdeed was serious, I'd go ahead anyway.
B
No.
C
Yes,particularly if there are other dogs around as I wouldn't want to humiliate it unnecessarily.
Your dog has dozed off in front of the television when you decide you would like to watch a program. Would you:

A
not turn the television on and do something else instead.
B
turn it on but keep the volume down.
C
go ahead and watch the program at the usual volume.
D
apologize and stroke my dog as I turn the television on.
If you are busy and hear your dog whining in another room, do you:

A
carry on with my activities unless it sounds serious.
B
go to see if It's all right.
C
listen for a while to interpret the nature of the whine before getting up.
Can you remember how your dog expresses any of the following emotions (through its barks, growls, eyes, tail, etc.)?
1. Delight or excitement.
2. Contentment.
3. Impatience.
4. Disappointment.
A
Yes, I can remember all four.
B
Yes, three.
C
Yes, two.
D
Yes, one.
E
No, none.
When you are about to sit down to a meal and your dog is watching, do you:

A
usually offer it a bit of food.
B
occasionally offer it something.
C
prepare a plate of its food, but only if it is its regular mealtime.
What kind of sleeping arrangements have you provided for your dog(whether it uses them or not)?

A
It has its own dog bed.
B
It has its own pillow or blanket.
C
I haven't made any special arrangement for it.
D
It has free use of anywhere in the house.
Your dog accompanies you to the door and would obviously like to follow you outside. Which of the following are you most likely to say to your dog as you leave?

A
'Go on, get back, get out of the way...'
B
Nothing.
C
'See you later.'
D
'I'll be back soon and take you on a nice, long walk' (patting the dog on the head).

SCORE BOARD

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