Celebrated on April 11th, National Pet Day celebrates the joy that pets bring to our lives—and, for many, it’s a psychic connection.
In fact, nearly three-quarters of pup parents claim they can read their furry companions’ minds.
The new poll results coincide with the annual calendar day founded in 2006 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, who also wanted to encourage adoptions.
Of the 2,000 dog owners surveyed, 74% are confident they understand what their pet wants at any given time. And, 71% feel their dog understands them, too.
Half of respondents recalled that it took about six months to get to that point, after bonding activities like playing fetch with a ball or taking them on walks.
Communication skills began while teaching some of the easiest commands for dogs: “sit,” “lie down” or “stay.” Other commands involved disciplining their furry friend, and took longer: “down,” “dinnertime” and “no.”
Most dog owners know their pets so well that even 70% consider their canines their mini-me because they have similar personalities.
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Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ollie, the survey also asked respondents to describe their dog’s funny or quirky characteristics and traits.
When it comes to personalities, owners would likely describe them as “The Guardian” (protective, imposing, attached), “The Family Dog” (easy to get along with, great with children, gentle) or “The Class Clown” (goofy, entertaining, clumsy).
84% of parents with Guardian dogs or Dedicated Workers (reliable, obedient, high-energy) believe they have some telepathic skills to know what their dog wants.
Similarly, 72% of all pup parents think they know what their dog will do before they do it. And, 62% of those who have “The Class Clown” insist they know what goofy antics their dog will do next, with two-thirds of those owners saying they are also as comical as their “Class Clown” canines.
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66% of those who have “The WatchDog” (vigilant, alert, barks a lot) or “The Independent Thinker” (intelligent, inquisitive, likes to do things on their own) attest to knowing what thoughts run through their furry friend’s head.
Half of those who have “Social Butterfly” pups (high-energy, loves attention, outgoing) see their own personality as matching their pup’s friendliness.
Being in-sync with their dogs comes in handy, too. Knowing what comes next with their furry friends proves helpful for the 78% of pet parents who said their dog knows exactly when they’re doing something they’re not supposed to.
TOP TRAITS PEOPLE USE TO DESCRIBE THEIR DOG:
Loving – 35%
Playful – 33%
Intelligent – 32%
Loyal – 32%
Protective – 31%
Gentle – 30%
Affectionate – 30%
Obedient – 29%
Brave – 29%
High-energy – 29%
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