Can dogs be introvert or extrovert

Is Your Dog an Introvert? 10 Ways You Can Tell (Vet-Reviewed)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? If youre an introvert, you know how quickly social batteries can drain and how long it can take to recharge them. If youre an extrovert, you probably enjoy being around others and meeting new people. Have you ever wondered if canines can be introverted or extroverted?

According to experts, our dogs can absolutely be categorized as introverts or extroverts. But how do you tell if your dog is an introvert? Introverted canines are fairly similar to introverted humans in that they prefer social interaction with just one or two people or dogs, and they may become anxious in new situations. If your pup is more of an introvert than an extrovert, youll be able to tell with the ten ways below.

The 10 Ways to Tell If Your Dog Is an Introvert

1. Becomes overwhelmed when put in new situations

When your pup is introduced to a new situation, such as a trip to the dog park, do they seem overwhelmed? If your dog is an introvert, then new situations can produce a lot of anxiety. Your dog may have their ears close to their head, their tail between their legs, or try to hide behind you when introduced to new things. If this sounds like your four-legged friend, it could indicate that your pet is an introvert.

However, if you adopted your dog from a shelter, it could also be a sign that theyve had something traumatic happen in the past that was similar to their current situation. Becoming overwhelmed in new situations could also signify your pup wasnt properly socialized when they were young, so they become fearful of new situations and environments.

2. Does best with structure and a routine

Introverted canines absolutely thrive on having a routine and structure. Why is that? Because having these things in their life means they always know what to expect. Not having surprises crop up is a huge anxiety reducer for these pups. If your dog seems happier with a strict daily routine and lots of structure, they may be an introvert.

3. Isnt a fan of large crowds

If youre an introvert, the thought of dealing with a large crowd may send you into hermit mode. Introverted dogs are no different! Pups on the shyer side arent going to be fond of hanging out with lots of people or even other dogs. Being surrounded by lots of noisy stimuli can be overwhelming for them, and being out and about in a large crowd means they dont have an opportunity to retreat to a quiet, safer area if needed. If your pet seems unhappy in a crowd, they could definitely be introverted.

4. Prefers to stick by your side

Dogs who are introverted may prefer to stick close to you when youre out rather than take an interest in their surroundings. They may also prefer sticking closer to you at home, essentially turning into a Velcro dog. Velcro dogs exhibit clingy behavior by following you everywhere and not letting you out of their sight. Being an introvert isnt the only thing that can cause this behavior, though. Separation anxiety can also be a cause, as can you being your pups favorite person.

5. Doesnt engage on daily walks

Most dogs taken on walks will engage with their surroundings in some way. They may greet other dogs and people they meet or become highly interested in squirrels or birds they see. But canines who are introverts wont do this as much; they will be more focused on you and the walk itself. If your pet is more likely to ignore other dogs and their surroundings, they could be introverted.

6. Would rather watch than join in on playtime with other dogs

Another behavior introverted dogs are likely to engage in? Not wanting to play with other dogs. A canine on the introverted side will be much happier sitting on the sidelines and watching other dogs play rather than joining in. If youve taken trips to the dog park and found that your pet has little interest in playing with the dogs they meet but prefers playing with you, on their own, or simply watching everybody else, they may be an introvert.

7. Doesnt enjoy meeting new people

Have you ever noticed your dog behaving timidly when someone new comes to your house? Have you seen them act standoffish with strangers on the street who want to pet them? Then, your pup probably dislikes meeting new people. One cause for this may be their introverted personality, but lack of socialization or unpleasant previous experiences may also be to blame. This doesnt mean they dont enjoy being around people other than you at all, though. You will likely find that your pet has moments where they want lots of attention and affection from the people they know and love.

8. Too much time spent with others makes them tired

If youre an introvert, you know that after spending a night with friends, your batteries are drained (and youll need at least two days of alone time before they recharge!). Introverted dogs can be the same way if they spend too much time with other people (and dogs!). It can absolutely wear them out. So, if you and your pup have spent the last couple of hours around others and your pet immediately crashes after, chances are theyre an introvert.

9. Prefers time alone

Introverted pups may prefer to spend much of their time alone. Theyll still want to hang out with you and the rest of their favorite people, but theyll also need plenty of time to do their own thing in their own space. If this sounds like your dog, give them their space when they indicate they want to be alone. They may wander into another room for a nap or just head to a quiet spot in the room theyre already in.

10. Dislikes changes to their daily routine

We already mentioned that canines who are introverts tend to do well with a daily routine because it means they dont have to deal with any surprises. So, it makes sense that introverted dogs will greatly dislike any changes to that routine. See what happens the next time you have to change the time you usually walk your pup; do they seem overwhelmed, anxious, or upset? Then, you might have an introvert on your hands!

Can I Help My Introverted Dog Be More Confident?

While being an introvert is fine, you may want to help your pup become a bit more confident in their interactions with others. These tips can help your dog become a little less shy when theyre out and about.

• Only use positive reinforcement during training. Positive reinforcement during training should be used with all canines, but its particularly useful for dogs who are introverts, as it can give them a confidence boost that is sorely needed. Introverted dogs are thought to be more sensitive to punishment than extroverted dogs so be kind and compassionate in your training methods.
• Step in for your pup when needed. For example, if you know your dog doesnt want strangers to pet them, step up and let people know that doing so isnt okay. If you arent comfortable saying, Please dont pet them, you can pop a bright colored collar and leadon your dog to indicate anxious dog, please give me space.
• Sneak in play training. You can train your pup by playing confidence games with them, and all theyll know is that theyre having fun!
• Consider a behaviorist or professional trainer. If your dogs introverted ways are interfering with their quality of life, it might be time to call in the professionals. A behaviorist or professional trainer can help your pet gain confidence.
• Live and let live! If your pup isnt unhappy and their introverted behavior doesnt interfere with everyday life, let them be. Your dog doesnt have to be outgoing to have a happy life.

Conclusion

Dogs can be introverts just like people! Theres nothing wrong with being an introvert, but having an introverted dog on your hands may mean making certain accommodations. Dogs on the shyer side may simply never enjoy playdates with other pups or going to the dog park. They might also not want to meet new people often.

If you think your pup would be better off with a boost of confidence, there are ways you can help them out. Use positive reinforcement and confidence games to help train them or advocate for their needs when youre out and about. Over time, your pet should gain some confidence when it comes to interacting with others.

Featured Image Credit: Alzbeta, Shutterstock

Can Dogs Be Introverts? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Many introverted humans love the company of dogs, often more than they do people. But can dogs be introverts? People are quick to say yes, but sometimes, humans like to project their own personalities onto their pets. However, according to experts, dogs can be introverts, but that might not always look like what people imagine.

Can Dogs Be Introverts?

Yes. According to dog behaviorists and trainers, dogs can be introverts much like humans can. In fact, most animals have enough personality variation to express an introvert and extrovert split. That includes other common domesticated animals like cats and horses, not just dogs. Just as with humans, introverted dogs are not necessarily anti-social. They also might not necessarily get along with introverted people, and they tend to be less likely to get along well with other dogs, even introverted ones. A dogs personality is a complicated mixture of genetics, living situation, and life experiences.

But what exactly does it mean for your dog to be introverted? And how can you tell if your dog is an introvert?

What Does It Mean to Be an Introvert?

Introverts are typically shy, introspective (hence the word) and reserved. Introverts are not necessarily anti-social, but they often need to balance social time with alone time to maintain their personality balance. Introverted dogs might like their owners and like playing with other dogs, but they may also like to spend quiet time by themselves, or just chilling quietly when they have the chance.

One of the simplest ways to define an introvert versus an extrovert is that introverts recharge by being alone or spending quiet time by themselves. Extroverts get energized by socialization. Extroverts start to feel angsty and down when they havent socialized in some time. Introverts start feeling angsty and down when they are socializing too much. If your dog seems energized by playing with other dogs or interacting with people, they might be an extrovert. If your dog seems to recharge by quietly snuggling or lying by themselves, they could be an introvert.

What Causes a Dog to Be an Introvert or an Extrovert?

There are two main things that influence whether your dog is an introvert or an extrovert: personality and experiences. A dogs base personality is often determined by genetics or inherent traits that are acquired at birth. Certain life events can cause a dog to go from extroverted to introverted. For example, if a dog has a bad experience with a stranger, suffers from abuse, or gets injured while playing, they could develop introverted tendencies in response to these specific experiences. An introverted base personality combined with experiences that reinforce introverted behavior will often result in a stubbornly introverted dog. Conversely, positive interactions with people and other dogs and strong reinforcement in social settings can cause a dog to be more extroverted than they normally would be.

The exact mixture of experience, genetics, and personality is going to be different for every single dog, which leads to a wide variety of behaviors and results. It is often not possible to change a dogs base nature from introverted to extroverted (or vice versa). If change does occur, it is usually very gradual over time in response to a variety of factors.

The 4 Ways to Tell If Your Dog Is an Introvert

1. They May Not Like Many Other Dogs

Have you ever met a dog and thought whoa, you are way too much for me,? Well, that can happen with our dogs as well.

Introverted dogs may not do well in situations where there are many other dogs present. For example, they might not enjoy going to the dog park when it is crowded. If there are numerous other dogs around, your dog might slink to the sidelines and stay out of the way of the main pack. This doesnt mean that your dog cant have doggy friends. Even introverted dogs can form bonds with one another. They just wont thrive on the chaos and energy of a large group of dogs.

2. They Tend to Be Wary Around Strangers

Introverted dogs are often wary around strangers. There are some dogs that have never met a stranger in their life and will go up to almost anyone. Introverted dogs are not like that. Introverted dogs may treat new people with suspicion and will always prefer their people or their owners to strangers or unfamiliar people.

3. They May Be Selective in Their Interactions With Others

Introverted dogs will be much more careful with their interactions with people and dogs than extroverted dogs. Some extroverted dogs will run up to almost any dog or person and try to initiate play. Introverted dogs are more cautious. They might still choose to interact with others, but they will take their time, think it through, and go slowly, especially at first. Introverted dogs are much more likely to decline an invitation from people or dogs to play than extroverted dogs. The same goes for accepting food such as treats or snacks.

4. They Tend to Have Good Focus

Due to their calm nature and cautious personalities, introverted dogs often have better focus than extroverted dogs. Extroverted dogs often get overly excited and distracted in new situations, which can make it hard for them to listen or focus on their owners. Introverted dogs are the opposite. They will often look to their owners for guidance in new situations and will focus on the task at hand.

How to Handle an Introverted Dog

One of the biggest differences between introverted dogs and extroverted dogs is how they respond to people. Introverted dogs tend to be much more sensitive. That means that yelling, using sharp language, making strong eye contact, or using pointed hand gestures are going to affect your introverted dog much more strongly than they would an extroverted dog. This can make it easier to correct your introverted pup, but it can also cause them to feel anxious and can make their introverted tendencies stronger. Using strong discipline with an introverted dog could cause them to become more withdrawn.

You might want to consider being more gentle and more considerate of your introverted dog, considering their strong response to discipline in most situations. Try to use rewards or ignore bad behavior for minor transgressions.

Another thing to avoid with your introverted dog is trying to force them, or even strongly encourage them, to play with other dogs. This is more likely to make them feel stressed or panic, which could result in defensive behaviors. Reward positive experiences with praise, but dont force it.

Final Thoughts

So now you know that dogs can indeed be introverted. Introverted dogs have some distinct personality traits that are often obvious when compared to extroverted dogs, but not always. Just like with people, there tends to be a spectrum of introvert and extrovert qualities, rather than an either/or situation. Introverted dogs will approach social situations, strangers, and discipline differently than extroverted dogs. Knowing whether your dog is an introvert or an extrovert can help you interact with them in a more positive way.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock