Bizarre as it seems, personality testing has now crossed the species line. Increasingly, animal shelters are attempting to match potential pet owners with their ideal companions on the basis of canine or feline personality tests. This article, which appeared in TIME Magazine in 2007, sites numerous benefits of the procedure, including fewer dogs and cats being euthanized (a 40% reduction)! For the full article from TIME Magazine, click here.Psych students, your assignment is to post a comment here after reading this article. And not simply, "Yup, I read it." Some questions to fuel your thinking: If you were in the market for a new canine companion or feline friend, would you want to get information from a pet personality test to help you make your decision? Given how successful these tests seem to be in pets (and, some claim, internet dating sites like eHarmony and Chemistry.com) would you consider using the results from a (human) personality test to help select friends or a date? Are there any drawbacks to our continuing obsession with personality testing (in animals or in humans)?
Wow...I think they went kinda too far making personality tests for pets.
ReplyDeleteSeriously.
Can't you just look at an animal and know if it's gonna work out?
I think this will be a big help for someone who wants a pet but doesn't want to pick between hundreds of animals. This should make the pet shopping experience a lot better for most people.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm not opposed to the idea of "pet personality tests", do I believe it is a little over the top, yes. What happens when certain dogs don't get matched with any people because of their inborn nature and way of acting. Most times when trying to decide anything, clothes, shoes, or pets I tend to pick what I think is cute and what needs me too. Almost always when you walk into an animal shelter you can tell by looking. I believe especially if I was a small child going to adopt a new puppy I wouldn't want to take the time to fill out an inventory.
ReplyDeleteI believe pet personality tests is a hoax for people to buy more animals, but I guess if pet euthanized is dropping, why stop?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Justin. It truly seems like a big hoax, but in the long run it is helping the animals, so I don't really see a reason to stop it. I like the part how they characterize pets. They have the "couch potato," and the "busy bee," types, but I think they should make a "I'm going to mark my territory in your basement," type. That would be a big deciding factor in a pet I chose.
ReplyDeleteThis might not be a hoax-- rather, a helpful deciding factor to apprehensive possible pet owners. Animal/human compatibility = pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteI think that these personality tests may just be a short term test. How the pet acts in an environment is different. How do the people know how the pet is going to act in a new environment. Maybe the pet will be hostile. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI think this could help with pet adoption, but some pets may not find a home because of this. Some animals just have traits that no one is going to want and if they get branded with that trait, justly or unjustly, that could hinder their ability to get adopted. I still think there is nothing wrong with this, just maybe a little over the top
ReplyDeleteI Think this is a little much. It's a good idea to a point but it could hurt the chances of some of the animals. I would rather not pick out an animal this way but for some people it may be a good idea. I mean if you work a lot your not going to want a pet that need a lot of attention!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that this is necesarily a bad idea, I mean it's good to know some traits that an animal has so you can figure out if they will fit in with your lifestyle. You wouldn't want a super hyper dog if you didn't have time to take it on regular walks. However I can see where people may think that it's a bit much.
ReplyDeleteOver the top is when my friend Johnny Hopkins got this cat Persphanie from the pound, Persphanie was depressed all the time. All she ever did was bring Johnny down. Johnny was a cool guy, a real good man, now he never leaves the house as for Persphanie she's back out on the street, he tried to save her but she was already gone. If Johnny would have had the chance to take a pet inventory I think he would have realized he needed a dog who was just as active as him. But some people don't realize that animals have personality types as do humans and its not just about how an animal looks. I think this would help give animals in shelters a solid owner who shares traits. Example, Someone who likes to sit and read or watch tv would be good with a cat.
ReplyDeleteKim M. said...
ReplyDeleteI think it's kind of weird that people are using personality tests to choose their pet. It seems as though it may be a bit much, but at the same time the euthanasia rate has declined a lot because of the tests, so as long as a person is willing to take the time to fill out the questionaire, they might as well do it.
I don't really see a problem with pet
ReplyDeletepersonality tests. I do think its over the top but if it helps animals find homes who cares.
Taylor.W.
Wow. It sounds crazy to think that you can size up an animal like that, but if it helps keep pets alive I'm all for it. Although it is a little over the top to think that people actually spend their time doing this. You'd just think that maybe there would be better things to do for psychologists. But maybe not.
ReplyDeleteMikayla
It sounds like a good idea to me. But I see the same problems that pop up with online dating. All profiles are subject to the concepts of the person filling them out. There maybe bias involved in filling out one test compared to another. But, if it helps find more pets a home... I'm all for it.
ReplyDelete-Nate P
I think it's sort of a cool idea. I don't think that some animals will have trouble finding a home since it doesn't use negative terminology like the Petfinder ads do, such as "Runs away", "Bites", "Hates children", and instead labels the pet as "Free Spirited" or something like that.
ReplyDeleteSimply looking at an animal won't show it its behavior right away, especially at a pound or shelter. Most of those animals will act nervous or shy and then when you get them home they'll act completely different in a few days.
I think this is a great idea. That way animals don't die and find a good home for them. I this would have help my family a couple years ago, when we got some really wild dogs we couldn't handle... if only we knew.
ReplyDeleteVivian carlson
When the employees do these personality types for the animals, it's really an opinion thing. It’s up to them to asses what they think the animal is like and each person might have their own way of describing how the animal behaves. Several of the things that they classify in the test can easily be seen if the possible pet own interacts with the pet. The person interested in the pet would be able to tell if animal was too high strung or lazy for them. Personal I don’t think that it is needed.
ReplyDeleteI think its a good idea if it gives more animals homes. Over-the-top or not, it has proven effective. But also, you might concider that pets can adapt to the personality and lifestyle of thier owners. My dog is pretty high-strung, but he's learned to sleep when we're not home so that he doesn't get in trouble. This system isn't fool proof, and may be unneeded but its not doing any harm.
ReplyDeleteBrianna Barnes
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good idea. It does narrow it down for someone who wants a pet to choose from. The potential owner would also understand the animal better. It also cuts down on euthenasia.
I think the idea is cool for those who want it. Though I hope people still take the time to look at the animals before a choice rather than just have the shelter pick a pet for them without seeing the animals.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea is a good idea becuase it does narrow down a person's search for the right pet. But what about those animals that need rehabilitation because of abuse, etc. These animals may have a lesser chance of being adopted unless the person using the personality test is searching specifically for that kind of animal.
ReplyDeletethis is too much. people should adopt pets on the basis of giving the pet a good home, not if the dog will be your new best friend.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way to try and reduce the amount of abandoned pets and unwanted animals, but I also think that the love of animals all comes down to how you to interact, not by how your personalities match.
ReplyDeleteThis article is really interesting and it brings up the questions of personalitly and is it just humans who have it, or other animal species?
ReplyDeleteI believe this is a good idea. Many animals are treated like animals. Some people aren't just ready for pets, although they may think otherwise and then the pets get neglected. This personality test doesn't seem to point out those flaws, but it does enlighten whom may suit whom and a better chance for a home for pets. Pets are often abused, neglected and suffer unjustly. This test it a huge plus for the animals that can't talk to us in our language and explain who they are and what they like...etc.
There are many personalities out there that anyone can be. I'm not sure if I would tkae one to find a friend on the internet. We trust the internet niavely, as if nothing bad can ever happen to us on there, but call me a pessimist, or cautious, I'd rather meet the date, friend, in person, by myself than take a personality test. Who knows? Maybe if you took the test and found out something you see as threatening, for example, the friend, date that you are being compared too is rather sarcastic, you might not like it. But if you were to meet that person in real life, you might end up seeing that as a flaw, but it's what makes that person who he/she is and there might also be good qualities in him/her. Moreover, all because you took that personality test, (is it really that accurate and not just generalizing?) you may have pasted up the opportunity to meet someone great all based on this personality test.
Overall, I think the pet personality test is something great. I'm biased because I'm an animal lover. However, there are still flaws within the testing system, which they probably noted and are trying to fix right now. I also don't believe in the EHarmony.com stuff. This is long, i know.
Compatibility tests with animals is not a bad idea. I can see how it would help rates of adoption and reduce rates of euthanasia, and it can help satisfaction with pets and a closer bond and experience. However, there are flaws in the assessments, and also, could the resources used in developing this have been better applied somewhere else? The spending could possibly have been used to fund something more important (which is also subjective).
ReplyDeleteI think that pet personality tests are a good idea. A lot of times people blindingly buy a pet because of how cute it is, and get home to find out that there is a lot more under the cute ball of fluff. You could save a lot of hassle on both the side of the owner, and the side of the pet. The pet has to get used to living in a new environment with new people; likewise, the owner has to get food and kennel and chew toys. This is a lot of work, only to return the animal a few weeks later. One of my friends recently drove all the way to the cities to buy a dog that looked "cute". The seller advertised the dog as "energetic". It has been a couple months, and after having half of their house chewed or slobbered on, they are returning the dog to the cities. IF they would've taken a pet personality test, they may have known how much attention and discipline the dog would need. I think there are a lot of positive effects of pet personality tests.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps reduce the rates of euthanasia and helps shelter animals find a good home with people that are a good match for the pet then what is wrong with the pet personality tests.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a great idea. It will help people find the right pets. It does also save you a lot of time and effort in trying to find a dog/cat that "fits" you.
ReplyDelete-Katie Hanson
I think the personality testing on the animals will help a lot of pets find homes and that it is a good idea. I believe the test will help because you can't just choose an animal that is "right" for you just by meeting them one time and choosing them because they're cute. The animals temperment has a lot to do with whether or not you'll get along. Choosing a pet is a long term committment and we should take measures to make it work.
ReplyDeleteI would love this test, but you can also kinda find out some of this stuff on your own. For example when my family was looking for a dog, we looked online for strategies for finding a dog that suits our personality. For example meeting the parents of the puppies/kitties. Looking at the environment they live in, (outside of a shelter) and to play with them a little bit, if they are really feisty and play bite too much. Then maybe they are not the right dog for you. When you roll a dog on its back, and just gently hold it still, if they fight you or just relax is another indicator of personality.
ReplyDeleteMaddie Gehirg
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karie, owning a pet is pretty big commitment. Even taking this sort of test shows some level of commitment and it helps ensure that when someone adopts a pet they're less likely change their mind and return it to the shelter.
This is a pretty cool idea to narrow down choices for people who want a pet. I'm sure if you know more about the pet's temperament/personality before actually owning it, less abusive cases to pets may occur. Besides, just like human, cuteness in pets does not last long while one personality wont varies much throughout the whole life. It's indeed quite hard to choose the right one just by looking at its appearance.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is kinda cool that they can now match personalities of pets to the owners. I also think that it is a little to extreme and will cause problems such as, what if the type of dog that you want doesn't come in the personality that want?
ReplyDeleteWell i think that if you would like to do something like that then have fun with it. It could be "for and extra $20 we can match your personality with a compatible dog..." or something like that. However if someone is adopting the pet from a shelter I dont think they would be very picky about the pet, they just love animals. If this test were to be used with breeders I think we would see if the personality really matches with people.
ReplyDeleteZach Andress
ReplyDeleteI think that this whole thing seems a little strange. But I also think that sites like eharmony are a little out there. But then again, if there is a problem in a human match, euthanasia usually isn't an option.
(I have absolutely no idea how to post as just my name)
That's a little much just to adopt a pet, but if it works then I suppose it might be worth it. You wouldn't necessarily get the personality quirks that make pets so special, though, if everyone just looks for the best behaved, or most normal. I know I'd never have my cockatiel if I did one of the those - he's crazy, but I still love him.
ReplyDeleteI think its a little over the top. The pets dont really know whats going on, which is a little unfair if you ask me. The fun of having a pet is trying to nurture your pet and train them to be part of you. Its like having a kid, you dont know what their personality is going to be like, you go through life and nurtre your children just like you should with your pets. Bad idea!
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea. Not sure if it would actually work, but if it's helping pets find good homes, all power to them.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a pretty cool idea. Maybe it would help out pet adoption which would be a very good thing. It may also help pets get the perfect home becuase they would be just likethe owner expected. This is still kind of weird because i dont think that someone should pick a pet just based on if it will be perfect for their personality. You should choose a pet because it is the one you want and you know that you could give it a good home.
ReplyDeleteMegan Randall
Whitney Flug
ReplyDeleteI think having personality test for animals is a very cool idea. If it can't hurt they animal i'm all for it. I think it would be very interesting to take that test and find out what kind of animal would be a good match for me!
The ways for getting the personality of the animals are a little bizarre to me, but overall i think it's a good idea. Adopting pets is a good thing, but if you only see the dog a day before you adopt it, then you need an outsiders opinion anyway.
ReplyDeleteERIN BLAIR
I think this article is very innovative. Personally, I would like to take a test to see what kind of animals I would fit best with. I like the names of the different assessments for cats and dogs. I also believe that many people think that they want an exact certain type of pet and when they finally get home with the pet of their dreams, that particular animal may not be "the one" for them. This new assessment might be just the thing that pet-owners all over the world are looking for.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good idea on the fact that the euthanasia rates for pets fell 40% or whatever it was. The fact that they are actually doing this is a really weird thing. I would've never imagined that pets would have their personalities tested by professionals. I'm sure, however, that there is gonna be a lot of people that follow with this idea of matching the person to the pet. Whatever floats the boat.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea for the most part. Some animals though, need to warm up to the people who are adopting them so they make act differently at first. But i guess if the euthanization amounts are that far down then it must be working.
ReplyDeleteHailey Brennan
I think that making the tests for pets is a good idea. It lets the possible owners know what kind of behaviors the pet is going to have. It's a good way to find more homes for pets in shelters so that not as many have to be euthanized.
ReplyDeleteDeanna Schultz
I think it would be hard to entirely categorize the personality of a pet in only 4 minutes, but if this worked cheaply and effectively then I think the shelter system would become a lot better. People would be less likely to return their animals and keep better care of them so that they don't get lost or returned to the shelter. Then the shelter can save the money and the burden of having to put animals down.
ReplyDeleteI think that if people wanted to adopt a pet if the first place they should be happy with what they get and not have everyone "guessing" what the pets personality is going to be. Plus animals age too and when they do their personality changes.
ReplyDeleteIt's good for the pets with good traits, but not so much for the others. If less are being euthanized i guess it's a good thing. I would love my pet whether we were matched up or not, so it's not necessarily for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good idea--in theory. Personally I am not much of an animal person so I think that it's a bit over the top but some people are very apprehensive to taking in the right animal. To each his own, I guess?
ReplyDelete