Do Pets Really Have Personality?

[D-rock]

Hmmm...It depends on what their definition of "personality" is. If it is means traits that people would have if they did similar things then I agree animals have personality in a sense. Many animals of the same type will show different traits even between others of the same species. There is a difference in biological or trained quirks and emotion however. I know a lot of dogs that have become hyper and run around all the time. Being hyper might be considered a "personality trait" by some people. However that is a long ways off from saying the dog feels the emotion of exhilaration or panic like a human does. The same could be said of a cat that plays with it's pray after it catches it. Does the cat actually feel like being sadistic or have hatred for it's pray like a person might? I would say it's biological encoding that makes them do it, not that it feels like it wants to put torment into a mouse.

 

[slowhand]

I don't have any pets but I believe that they have there own Personalitys.

 

[squallumz]

Pets are not much different than human beings !

sometimes i think we are the pets.

 

[dave_rhino]

A lot of dogs are smarter and have more personality than their owners.

 

[dire_need]

Of course dogs have personality. Science is just beginning to see the truth. :nanner:

 

[member006]

I found this interesting, thought I'd share.

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Are-Cats-Like-People.14369

LL

 

[Stricolito]

I dont have really a straight opinion about this because by saying pets have personality that's something like say "pets can think" and about that I really dont believe it, but on the other side if we say that pets don't have personality we're saying that they're all the same, and they all do the same stuff, and that isn't the truth, because two dogs of the same race can be completely different from each other. Just my thought.

 

[ckjedi66]

Absolutely, I used to have 2 dogs and they had very different personalities, and there was visible traits to their personalities as well.

 

[member006]

I dont have really a straight opinion about this because by saying pets have personality that's something like say "pets can think" and about that I really dont believe it, but on the other side if we say that pets don't have personality we're saying that they're all the same, and they all do the same stuff, and that isn't the truth, because two dogs of the same race can be completely different from each other. Just my thought.

I have seen dogs look both ways before crossing a street. I for one fully believe they have the ability to think. Although I know many don't agree, even professionals in the field.

LL

 

[Stricolito]

I have seen dogs look both ways before crossing a street. I for one fully believe they have the ability to think. Although I know many don't agree, even professionals in the field.

LL

I don't believe they think because I believe we (human race) are the only animal (many people may take an offense with this, but yes, we're animal, but with racional thoughts) that thinks. In opinion if we use 20% of our brain capacities it's to much. But once again this is a subject that we'll never know, like if the universe is infinite or not.

 

[member006]

I don't believe they think because I believe we (human race) are the only animal (many people may take an offense with this, but yes, we're animal, but with racional thoughts) that thinks. In opinion if we use 20% of our brain capacities it's to much. But once again this is a subject that we'll never know, like if the universe is infinite or not.

I knew what you meant, honestly. While I certainly don't think they have our capabilities of in depth thinking. I also understand that a lot of what some see as thinking is really "instinct", but I also find many smarter than others and think to a degree some of the smarter ones think. I know they have personalities.

LL

 

[ChefChiTown]

I definitely agree that pets have a personality. A lot of it is probably biological but I feel that the owners actions towards the animal has a big effect on the development as well, just like humans as they grow up.

When I first got my old cat she was extremely hyper and outgoing. Gradually, she became a lazy piece of crap and layed around on the couch...just like me!

 

[alexios]

Of course they do! It would be foolish and narrow-minded for people to believe that humans are the only organisms with personality.

 

[sammy402002]

I have seen dogs look both ways before crossing a street. I for one fully believe they have the ability to think. Although I know many don't agree, even professionals in the field.

LL

Good point.I have seen that too.My dog also has many personality traits.The "thinking" part is interesting.I have noticed that too.She(the dog) knows that if I am leaving,I leave through the side door and if My Girl is leaving,She leaves through the front door.The Dog also responds to keys,jackets,etc.--they figure out what is up.---Anyway,,,My story....I have a friend in Ft.Lauderdale,Florida.His dog is a male black lab..(Spencer).--My friend placed 5 pieces of steak on the kitchen floor and said "Spencer..Wait!"---then We went to dinner and a nightclub,(gone about 5 hours)....when We came back to His home,the steak was still there and Spencer was on the sofa.He said..."OK Spencer" and the dog attacked and ate up the steak.-I was amazed!---pretty good dog.The kind of canine that You could trust Your life to.Dogs are the coolest.I have had cats too in My life,but for Me...Dogs are more of a companion/challenge.I have had dogs all My life.My current Dog is a Golden Retriever that I "inherited" two years ago when My Mom & Dad both passed away.I was in such despair,and I believe She saved My life.We get along so well and She has adapted to My/Our lifestyle.-She is wonderful.-Her name is Sandy