What's Your Dog's Love Language?
Just like us, dogs have their own special ways of showing and receiving love. Ariel Santa Maria, a professional dog trainer for nearly two decades and the owner of Canine Coach in San Diego, California, has created a fun and insightful quiz based on the principles of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman but with a unique twist for dogs!
When my dog naps, he/she prefers to be
When I come home my dog
My dog appears to be very responsive to the tone and volume of my voice.
If I let my dog out in the yard/patio/balcony they enjoy being outside alone.
When I reach down to touch my dog he/she
When I give my dog a toy he/she
My dog responds very well with praise even when I don't have treats to give.
I can usually find my dog....
My dog initiates touch often throughout the day
My dog's favorite days are the ones where he/she
My dog usually watches me and listens to me closely.
When I talk sweetly or playfully with my dog he/she
I just let my dog outside without a leash and he/she...
My dog asks to go out into the yard/patio/balcony often.
My dog seems to like being cleaned, wiped off, or brushed by me.
How excited is your dog when you come home with a new toy
My dog really seems to want to spend time with me
My dog tends to try harder when I encourage them
When I take my dog to the coffee shop...
Choose the best answer
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Language of Affirmation
Great news! Your dog TRULY cares what you think. Since most dogs are masters of body language, affirmations don't just come in words, they present themselves in gestures too. Your dog could win an award for their ability to keep tabs on your patterns and energy, and therefore will notice your affirmations, or notice your lack therof.
Dogs who have strong desire for language of affirmation shine when they are told or shown that they are doing well. Your dog is pre-programmed with the desire to please that can be incredibly beneficial when used with training. These are my personal favorite dogs!
Dogs who speak this love language may also be negatively affected by it. If they have owners who lack self-awareness, are impatient, don't know how to deal with those who value affirmation or have their own negative insecurities and patterns of behavior, it may take a huge toll on these dogs. Dogs may also have lower quality obedience skills, lack confidence, or suffer from behavioral problems. Be aware your dog may have actually been responding to messages you DIDN’T mean for them to get. If you think your relationship could use some help, reach out and schedule a FREE consultation. Working with a professional trainer and learning about clear communication is vital for your dog, and your relationship.
Some examples of language of affirmation for a dog may include, but are not limited to:
Simply looking at your dog (eye contact) - often a reinforcer of behavior.
Telling your dog when they are doing well.
Letting your dog know when they are not doing well.
Talking to your dog.
Yelling at your dog.
Training with your dog.
Talking firmly to your dog.
Gesturing towards your dog.
Facing your dog directly.
Turning away from your dog.
Giving neutral feedback to your dog.
and much more.
Interesting facts about a dog's love language
Dogs often speak more than one love language but the levels of each love language will vary. Where your dog scores the HIGHEST is their main love language.
Your dog may score VERY similarly in two categories. For example, he may be MODERATE in both RECEIVING GIFTS and QUALITY TIME. Sometimes results vary since they may only be 1 point away from a different primary love language.
A dog’s language may be different based on the relationship they have with the human taking the quiz. For instance, your dog might score HIGH in PHYSICAL TOUCH but may score LOW in that same category with your partner.
Your dog's love language can change slightly throughout their life and also can change based on your everyday relationship.
STORY TIME!
When I first rescued my German Shepherd mix, Kiera, it didn’t seem as if her desire for PHYSICAL TOUCH would ever be anything but LOW. She came to me incredibly afraid, undersocialized and wanted nothing to do with being touched or pet. Cuddling with my new dog was simply OUT OF THE QUESTION. Heartbreaking, I know! This went on for months and months. After we began training, she started to build more confidence. I was able to prove to her that I was a trustworthy leader, teacher, and friend. In time, she began to accept physical touch more, and even initiated it on her own. She learned that I value it and it had an impact on her attitude about it as well. It never changed her primary love language (Quality time) but she didn't score as low as she did when I first brought her home.
I hope you learned a little more about your dog and I encourage you to keep learning! Understadning dog behavior is not common knowlege. Even for humans who have lived with dogs their entire lives don't fully understand the dog in front of them. If you are looking for help and want to speak with Coach Ariel of Canine Coach, schedule a free phone consultation with her!
Fill out the contact form here:
https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact
Thank you for taking the Quiz. If you found this interesting or helpful, please share it with other dog owners you know. It reaches more people when you share the link on social media and helps others learn about their dogs.
____________________________________
If you are interested in seeing more of what Coach Ariel does, visit these links:
-
Website: www.coachmycanine.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_coach Get involved with what I do! Follow, Like & Comment on posts. Enjoy daily stories and behind the scenes of real clients and their dogs.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmycanine
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Google Reviews: https://g.page/canine-coach-oceanside?share
- Contact Form: https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact
Quality Time
Your dog LOVES being with you. Whether you are going for a walks together, training, or just hanging out, there is no place your dog would rather be than where you are. Dogs who speak this love language need owners who make time for them regularly. These dogs do well with owners who enjoy playing, training, teaching, and guiding. They will excel at anything you spend time teaching them and will put in an effort if it includes you.
For these dogs, its important they have an owners who makes time to spend with them. Dogs who value quality time above all else can suffer from behavioral issues stemming from anxiety or low-confidence.
Dog's who value quality time may put a lot of effort into trying to get their owners (or anyones) attention. Responding to this often may actually cause problems around the home or when you're together outdoors.
Sometimes, these dogs may just appear downright bored. Providing them with constructive things to do when you are not interacting with them or when you cannot be around will help them stay balanced. Advice from a professional on how to give these love-seeking dogs the best guidance is extremely helpful and in many cases necessary in order to make sure you're meeting their needs.
Some examples of quality time for a dog may include, but are not limited to:
Spending time in the same area with your dog
Playing tug together
Training with your dog
Playing games together
Teaching your dog tricks
Just relaxing next to your dog
Interesting facts about a dog's love language
Dogs often speak more than one love language but the levels of each love language will vary. Where your dog scores the HIGHEST is their main love language.
Your dog may score VERY similarly in two categories. For example, he may be MODERATE in both RECEIVING GIFTS and QUALITY TIME. Sometimes results vary since they may only be 1 point away from a different primary love language.
A dog’s language may be different based on the relationship they have with the human taking the quiz. For instance, your dog might score HIGH in PHYSICAL TOUCH but may score LOW in that same category with your partner.
Your dog's love language can change slightly throughout their life and also can change based on your everyday relationship.
STORY TIME!
When I first rescued my German Shepherd mix, Kiera, it didn’t seem as if her desire for PHYSICAL TOUCH would ever be anything but LOW. She came to me incredibly afraid, undersocialized and wanted nothing to do with being touched or pet. Cuddling with my new dog was simply OUT OF THE QUESTION. Heartbreaking, I know! This went on for months and months. After we began training, she started to build more confidence. I was able to prove to her that I was a trustworthy leader, teacher, and friend. In time, she began to accept physical touch more, and even initiated it on her own. She learned that I value it and it had an impact on her attitude about it as well. It never changed her primary love language (Quality time) but she didn't score as low as she did when I first brought her home.
I hope you learned a little more about your dog and I encourage you to keep learning! Understadning dog behavior is not common knowlege. Even for humans who have lived with dogs their entire lives don't fully understand the dog in front of them. If you are looking for help and want to speak with Coach Ariel of Canine Coach, schedule a free phone consultation with her. You'll find the info below.
Thank you for taking the Quiz. If you found this interesting or helpful, please share it with other dog owners you know. It reaches more people when you share the link on social media and helps others learn about their dogs.
____________________________________
If you are interested in seeing more of what Coach Ariel does, visit these links:
-
Website: www.coachmycanine.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_coach
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmycanine
-
Google Reviews: https://g.page/canine-coach-oceanside?share
- Contact Form: https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact
Acts Of Service
Can taking your dog on a car ride really be an expression of love? You bet it can! Anything you can do that provides your dog with what they want and need the most can be considered LOVE to them. Owners whose dogs speak this love language should teach the concept of “everything good must be earned” and utilize it DAILY. Teaching them this at a young age is best but can be taught to any dog at any age. This will ensure a balance between you and your dog and help them appreciate you as the fine owner you are!
Dogs who’s main love language is acts of service may have a tendency to be bit demanding. They know what they want the most and some aren’t afraid to let you know. These dogs may enjoy time playing with other pets, friends, want to roam off-leash and if you are willing to be their buttler at the door, they’ll take advantage of it and receive it without even a thanks at times.
How to Provide Acts of Service
With these dogs, desired rewards are often outside of the owner, which can be problematic. Make sure you are the one to decide and initiate good things happening for the on your own terms, not theirs in order to avoid issues. The goal is not to do good things for them to PROVE your love, but instead offer them these "services" at the appropriate times, rather than every time. Use these external rewards to help reinforce good behaior, and show them that when they listen and behave in a desirable manner, they can receive good things. It's imporant that they appreiciate acts of service to the fullest, without EXPECTING it.
An owners inconsistency or lack of awareness over these things can create obedience or behavioral issues to the point where one day you wake up and say "I dont even know how it got this bad" Dont let it be you. Having boundaries around the home and beginning training early can really make life with these dogs much nicer for everyone.
Some examples of acts of service for a dog may include, but are not limited to:
Taking your dog to the beach or park
Taking your dog for a walk
Taking your dog to a play date or dog park
Opening doors for your dog
Training with your dog
Providing fresh cleaned bedding for your dog - or another nice place you prepared for them to lay down and relax.
Providing them with ways to get their energy out
and much more!
Interesting facts about a dog's love language
Dogs often speak more than one love language but the levels of each love language will vary. Where your dog scores the HIGHEST is their main love language.
Your dog may score VERY similarly in two categories. For example, he may be MODERATE in both RECEIVING GIFTS and QUALITY TIME. Sometimes results vary since they may only be 1 point away from a different primary love language.
A dog’s language may be different based on the relationship they have with the human taking the quiz. For instance, your dog might score HIGH in PHYSICAL TOUCH but may score LOW in that same category with your partner.
Your dog's love language can change slightly throughout their life and also can change based on your everyday relationship.
STORY TIME!
When I first rescued my German Shepherd mix, Kiera, it didn’t seem as if her desire for PHYSICAL TOUCH would ever be anything but LOW. She came to me incredibly afraid, undersocialized and wanted nothing to do with being touched or pet. Cuddling with my new dog was simply OUT OF THE QUESTION. Heartbreaking, I know! This went on for months and months. After we began training, she started to build more confidence. I was able to prove to her that I was a trustworthy leader, teacher, and friend. In time, she began to accept physical touch more, and even initiated it on her own. She learned that I value it and it had an impact on her attitude about it as well. It never changed her primary love language (Quality time) but she didn't score as low as she did when I first brought her home.
I hope you learned a little more about your dog and I encourage you to keep learning! Understadning dog behavior is not common knowlege. Even for humans who have lived with dogs their entire lives don't fully understand the dog in front of them. If you are looking for help and want to speak with Coach Ariel of Canine Coach, schedule a free phone consultation with her. You'll find the link below.
Thank you for taking the Quiz. If you found this interesting or helpful, please share it with other dog owners you know. It reaches more people when you share the link on social media and helps others learn about their dogs.
____________________________________
If you are interested in seeing more of what Coach Ariel does, visit these links:
-
Website: www.coachmycanine.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_coach
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmycanine
-
Google Reviews: https://g.page/canine-coach-oceanside?share
- Contact Form: https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact
Physical Touch
This language isn’t just about cuddling with your dog on the couch. Your dog enjoys touch as a sign of affirmation in itself. Pets, belly rubs, butt scratches, even just sitting next to you may be one of your dogs favorite parts of the day. Your presence to them is important because without it, they might feel like they are missing something.
Physical touch may help them feel good but TOO MUCH of it, and at the wrong times, can be detrimental for dogs who speak this language. They can begin to depend on it, learn to believe that's what is most important and throw them out of balance with the other things in life that is good. Some dogs who lack a lot of confidence may make it their GO TO for support in place of learning to feel better in their own space. It can become habitual as well. These dogs are sometimes referred to as ‘Velco dogs’ - the ones that cling to your every move. These behaviors can sometimes be seen in dogs with separation anxiety, general anxiety or fear.
Physical touch with your dog leaves a powerful message. It is especially powerful when used in training and behavior work. It is a good idea for owners with dogs who’s love language is physical touch to learn how to use physical touch INTENTIONALLY, rather than when your dog initiates it or when you feel like giving it. This will help you develop and keep a healthy balance in order to bring out the best in your pup. Contact me if you have a Physical Touch dog, I'd love to teach you more about the power of touch and how to bring out the best in your pup who speaks this language!
Some examples of physical touch for a dog may include, but are not limited to:
Brushing/Grooming
Petting
Belly rubs
Cuddling during a movie
Using touch for training
Using touch for play
Sleeping or napping next to your dog
Resting a hand or foot on your dog
Interesting facts about a dog's love language
Dogs often speak more than one love language but the levels of each love language will vary. Where your dog scores the HIGHEST is their main love language.
Your dog may score VERY similarly in two categories. For example, he may be MODERATE in both RECEIVING GIFTS and QUALITY TIME. Sometimes results vary since they may only be 1 point away from a different primary love language.
A dog’s language may be different based on the relationship they have with the human taking the quiz. For instance, your dog might score HIGH in PHYSICAL TOUCH but may score LOW in that same category with your partner.
Your dog's love language can change slightly throughout their life and also can change based on your everyday relationship.
STORY TIME!
When I first rescued my German Shepherd mix, Kiera, it didn’t seem as if her desire for PHYSICAL TOUCH would ever be anything but LOW. She came to me incredibly afraid, undersocialized and wanted nothing to do with being touched or pet. Cuddling with my new dog was simply OUT OF THE QUESTION. Heartbreaking, I know! This went on for months and months. After we began training, she started to build more confidence. I was able to prove to her that I was a trustworthy leader, teacher, and friend. In time, she began to accept physical touch more, and even initiated it on her own. She learned that I value it and it had an impact on her attitude about it as well. It never changed her primary love language (Quality time) but she didn't score as low as she did when I first brought her home.
I hope you learned a little more about your dog and I encourage you to keep learning! Understadning dog behavior is not common knowlege. Even for humans who have lived with dogs their entire lives don't fully understand the dog in front of them. If you are looking for help and want to speak with Coach Ariel of Canine Coach, schedule a free phone consultation with her. You'll find the info below.
Thank you for taking the Quiz. If you found this interesting or helpful, please share it with other dog owners you know. It reaches more people when you share the link on social media and helps others learn about their dogs.
____________________________________
If you are interested in seeing more of what Coach Ariel does, visit these links:
-
Website: www.coachmycanine.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_coach
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmycanine
-
Google Reviews: https://g.page/canine-coach-oceanside?share
- Contact Form: https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact
Receiving Gifts
Your dog LOVES gifts. Gifts may include toys, balls, treats, bones, bully sticks, heck - plain ol’ sticks you found on the ground might even make the cut. Your dog highly values THINGS and it’s even better if it came from you.
Dog’s whose main love language is receiving gifts are easy to train because they naturally value the things Coach Ariel uses in training! I can’t ask for a better student than the one who values what I have to offer. It makes it incredibly easy to show them the way when motivation is HIGH.
Things to be aware of
These dogs may value gifts a little TOO much. The challenge many owners have is holding them accountable for working and earning those gifts they value so dearly, and getting them to offer good behaviors if you DONT have something to give.
These dogs may develop issues with resource guarding, possession, and be called stubborn unless you have food or a toy on hand. These dogs respond best to more positive methods of training rather than correction but it can be a challenge for them to advance in their training skills if you try to wean them off those gifts during training too abruptly or just try to skip them all together. Owners may also struggle to get their gift receiving dog’s attention, engagement, and desired behavior if the dog receives gifts from others. This usually comes from other adult humans and children who may be giving the ultimate reward to them and not setting the bar high as well.
Some examples of receiving gifts for a dog may include, but are not limited to:
Giving your dog a ball
Giving your dog food or a treat
Giving your dog just about anything they find interesting!
Providing your dog with their own comfy bed
Providing your dog with their own crate
Washing your dogs bed or sheets
Receiving gifts from other dogs or people (including children)
Training with treats or toys
Interesting facts about a dog's love language
Dogs often speak more than one love language but the levels of each love language will vary. Where your dog scores the HIGHEST is their main love language.
Your dog may score VERY similarly in two categories. For example, he may be MODERATE in both RECEIVING GIFTS and QUALITY TIME. Sometimes results vary since they may only be 1 point away from a different primary love language.
A dog’s language may be different based on the relationship they have with the human taking the quiz. For instance, your dog might score HIGH in PHYSICAL TOUCH but may score LOW in that same category with your partner.
Your dog's love language can change slightly throughout their life and also can change based on your everyday relationship.
STORY TIME!
When I first rescued my German Shepherd mix, Kiera, it didn’t seem as if her desire for PHYSICAL TOUCH would ever be anything but LOW. She came to me incredibly afraid, undersocialized and wanted nothing to do with being touched or pet. Cuddling with my new dog was simply OUT OF THE QUESTION. Heartbreaking, I know! This went on for months and months. After we began training, she started to build more confidence. I was able to prove to her that I was a trustworthy leader, teacher, and friend. In time, she began to accept physical touch more, and even initiated it on her own. She learned that I value it and it had an impact on her attitude about it as well. It never changed her primary love language (Quality time) but she didn't score as low as she did when I first brought her home.
I hope you learned a little more about your dog and I encourage you to keep learning! Understadning dog behavior is not common knowlege. Even for humans who have lived with dogs their entire lives don't fully understand the dog in front of them. If you are looking for help and want to speak with Coach Ariel of Canine Coach, schedule a free phone consultation with her. You'll find the link below.
Thank you for taking the Quiz. If you found this interesting or helpful, please share it with other dog owners you know. It reaches more people when you share the link on social media and helps others learn about their dogs.
____________________________________
If you are interested in seeing more of what Coach Ariel does, visit these links:
-
Website: www.coachmycanine.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_coach
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmycanine
-
Google Reviews: https://g.page/canine-coach-oceanside?share
- Contact Form: https://www.coachmycanine.com/contact