Curious about whether astrology can impact your dog’s character? It may appear intricate to determine why your dog possesses a certain personality trait, but exploring the stars may provide a straightforward explanation. (Indeed, dog astrology exists!)
Astrology And Your Dog
It is likely that you are familiar with horoscopes, which forecast your future according to the alignment of celestial bodies at a specific moment. However, astrology encompasses more than just horoscopes. By examining the mapped out stars, you can discover valuable information about yourself and even your pet.
Your dog’s zodiac sign in astrology determines how he interacts with the world, as well as his unique strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and attitudes, as there are 12 different signs to choose from.
A succinct overview of every zodiac sign and how it can reveal information about your dog’s character.
Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Refusing to accept rejection is ingrained in their mentality. If an Aries canine fails to respond to your summons, don’t feel offended. The Aries dog, being a fire sign, is exceedingly intelligent and exuberant. They desire to hold a prime position in your life and own your belongings.
Naturally inquisitive and self-assured, the Aries dog can find themselves getting into accidents. And you may find yourself at the vet more than you would like.
Taurus (April 21 – May 20)
The Taurus zodiac sign is associated with the element of earth and imbues individuals with great determination. Similarly, Taurus-born canines tend to desire the best of both worlds.
If they have their mind set on doing something, it’s unlikely to change. Taurus dogs have a natural tendency towards shyness and require a sense of security. Though they enjoy receiving affection, they only allow it when they are in the proper mood.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Dogs born under the Gemini zodiac sign exhibit traits of passivity and aggression, positivity and negativity, as well as being both outgoing and reserved.
Gemini dogs don’t believe in possession. Rather than being attached to a single person, Gemini dogs prefer to assume the guardianship role and intertwine their spirit with the universe.
The Gemini possesses a sharp intellect, enjoys physical activity, readily absorbs new information, and expresses fondness. However, they may also experience anxiety, exhibit hesitation in deciding what to eat, and suffer from separation angst as a result of their craving for company.
Cancer (June 21 – July 20)
Canine individuals born under this astrological sign are affectionate and kind-hearted. Despite their fondness for company, the majority of Cancers require ongoing affirmation.
Being in unfamiliar environments and around new individuals can cause them to lose interest and develop a bad temper. Dogs with cancer have a fondness for caring for other animals and are great companions for other canines. Their behavior is dictated by their hunger and they have a tendency to gain weight rapidly. Allowing them to eat freely should not be a part of a Cancer dog’s routine.
Leo (July 21 – August 20)
Leo, which is symbolized by the Lion and ruled by the Sun, is characterized by warmth, nobility, and generosity. Being a fire sign, Leo exudes abundant energy. Those born under this sign have a strong affinity for outdoor activities and are known to be vocal.
Whether a Leo dog is by your side or playing at the park, they crave attention and relish being in the spotlight. One of the greatest benefits of having a Leo dog is their unwavering loyalty, as they’re considered the most faithful among all zodiac dogs.
Virgo (August 21 – September 20)
The virgin sign of Virgo is under the rulership of Mercury, which represents intellect. The merge between Virgo and Mercury results in a serene canine that excels in challenging scenarios – the Virgo dog is a true winner.
Similar to Tauruses, Virgos have a preference for routine and struggle with adaptations. Additionally, they have a tendency to communicate frequently and shadow their owner’s movements. Therefore, they are an ideal companion for adventurers who relish outdoor activities and exploring new destinations.
Libra (September 21 – October 20)
Libra, which is symbolized by the Scales, is governed by the planet Venus. Because of Venus’s influence, canines born under this sign tend to be indecisive and may display symptoms of attention deficit disorder. As a result, they can be challenging to train because they struggle to maintain focus for extended stretches.
If gentle discipline is provided, dogs born under this sign in astrology are affectionate and agreeable. However, if you prefer a dog that can handle unruly situations without issue, then a Libra dog is not your best choice.
Libras’ eating habits are inconsistent as they only consume meals according to their own schedule, but structure is still deemed necessary.
Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)
Daily exercise is essential for Scorpios since it aids in reducing stress levels and fulfills their need for structure. In the absence of structure, the Scorpio pup may exploit others. These canines possess remarkable intuition and have an impeccable memory for any mistreatment they have received.
The Scorpio canine cherishes alone time, however, it also relishes companionship, particularly with its owner. They delight in receiving attention and being pampered.
Sagittarius (November 21 – December 20)
Happy, outgoing and kind are the characteristics of these dogs.
It is important to monitor your Sagittarius canine’s interactions with other dogs, as they may be susceptible to bullying. They have a strong desire for physical affection and consider themselves your one and only love.
Sagittarius dogs possess a natural inclination towards loyalty, causing them to desire your constant presence. However, if you fail to exercise caution, this attribute could transform into separation anxiety. These dogs have an intense need for companionship and tend to enjoy sharing their space with other animals.
Capricorn (December 21 – January 20)
Astrology suggests that dogs born under the Capricorn sign have a polished, elegant, and strong-willed character. They enjoy engaging in physical activities and running around. Unlike other dogs, Capricorns are not avid sleepers and tend to experience anxiety in tense circumstances.
Other animals may not always find Capricorns to be the most compatible companions. In the event that they are required to live with step-siblings, there could be an adjustment period.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 20)
Aquarians have a spontaneous nature and can suddenly become very active. Likewise, these canines can be challenging because they tend to follow their own agenda. Nevertheless, we admire their affectionate and amiable qualities towards people.
If you are seeking a furry friend that can get along with other dogs, cats, or even chickens, then the Aquarian dog is an ideal choice. They possess a spirited nature and are open to befriending any companion you introduce them to.
Pisces (February 20 – March 20)
The Fish is the symbol for Pisces, which is governed by Jupiter and falls under the water element. When combined with Jupiter’s air, it creates a canine with remarkable intuition.
Pisces-born dogs have a naturally sweet disposition in astrology and require a serene environment to thrive, as they are prone to stress. Similar to Leos, these dogs may suffer from bullying due to their non-threatening demeanor.
Pisces dogs exhibit a strong sense of independence and tend to go about their business without drawing attention from others. Consequently, it is important to not be deceived as they are likely to have you under their command.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
There exist two main categories of dog training, namely skills training which focuses on teaching your dog basic manners like sitting, lying down, and staying, and this is the domain of a dog trainer. On the other hand, if your dog has a behavioral issue such as anxiety, fearfulness, or aggressiveness, the ideal professional to seek help from would be a dog behavioral consultant such as Brianna Dick who works with Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
If you require training for both skills and behavior, it is recommended that you begin with behavior training, which is more intricate. Despite being knowledgeable in teaching dogs how to sit, a dog trainer is not as capable in addressing separation anxiety as a dog behavior consultant.
Be realistic.
Fratt explains that not all dogs will enjoy going to the dog park, just as not every person will develop a liking for going to raves.
Kim Brophey, the proprietor of The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an expert in applied ethology and a mediator for family dogs. She authored “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior.” Brophey employs a model known as L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self) to clarify dog behavior. For instance, if your dog barks at your visitors.
Brophey suggests that this could be a dog breed that has been bred for centuries to protect against intruders entering your home. As a German shepherd’s instinct to defend its space cannot be eliminated through training, adjustments to your expectations may be necessary.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are various training methods available, including group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training. While group classes are more affordable, they are less customized. Fratt warns that board and train options are pricier and carry more risks.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Your budget and training goals will determine your decision. If your dog is displaying aggression towards another dog in your home, then training outside your home is unlikely to be beneficial.
Be aware that you will be required to participate in your dog’s training, but it doesn’t need to consume a significant portion of your time. Fratt suggests that she dedicates roughly five minutes each day for training. Additionally, many of the exercises assigned by trainers can be enjoyable and effortlessly incorporated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or affordable resources available online for dog training if you prefer not to spend a significant amount of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
Some free resources can be found on Dick’s website, while Fratt offers a set of free lessons called Training Tuesday.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training is not regulated, allowing anyone with an online presence or physical shop to announce themselves as a dog trainer. As a result, there is no standard guide outlining which techniques are suitable for dog training, and there is a great deal of disagreement among trainers. Two general categories are commonly observed among dog trainers.
One approach to dog training is through positive reinforcement, as used by trainers like Fratt. This involves rewarding your dog with something good, such as a treat, when they exhibit desirable behavior, in order to encourage repetition. Similarly, positive experiences can be associated with something perceived as scary by the dog.
Another type of trainer, such as Brianna Dick, is the balanced trainer. This trainer uses positive reinforcement techniques but is also open to bringing in corrective measures like e-collars during the training process.
E-collar training involves “a collar that your dog wears, which you control via remote, that emits a stimulus to your dog’s neck — a shock, sound or, say, a citronella spray — whenever they need a correction,” Dick explains. E-collars are divisive in the dog training community, especially the ones which emit a shock.
Dick says to be wary of any trainer who uses e-collars on every dog. “That is cookie cutter, and it’s never going to garner very good results,” she says. “You want someone who is getting to know you, your relationship, your lifestyle with your dog.”
Find a good trainer.
To obtain a reliable list of trainers who use positive reinforcement or balanced methods within your vicinity, it is recommended to consult the lists created by several professional organizations. Numerous associations have compiled such lists, such as:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
Afterwards, conduct interviews by reaching out to previous clients. Determine which trainer gives you the sense of ease. Verify their ability to clarify their training techniques.
