Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: Is Your Dog an Introvert or an Extrovert?
When it comes to training and living harmoniously with your dog, understanding their core personality is key. Just like people, dogs can be broadly categorised as introverts or extroverts — and recognising which side your dog leans towards can transform your relationship, enhance your training, and ultimately lead to a much happier life together.
In this blog, we will explore:
• What makes a dog an introvert or an extrovert
• How to recognise the signs
• How personality affects training and socialisation
• Tips for working with your dog’s natural temperament, not against it
• A free quiz at the end to help you find out what type of dog you have!
What is an Extroverted Dog?
An extroverted dog is generally outgoing, sociable, energetic, and often thrives in stimulating environments. Extroverted dogs:
• Love meeting new people and other dogs
• Seek out attention and engagement
• Are often physically demonstrative – jumping, tail wagging, excited barking
• May become bored quickly if left alone or under-stimulated
• Often approach new experiences with curiosity rather than caution
Common Extrovert Breeds: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and many of the working and gundog breeds.
However, breed alone doesn’t determine personality — individual experiences, early socialisation, and genetics all play a role.
Challenges with Extroverted Dogs:
While their enthusiasm can be endearing, extroverts often struggle with:
• Impulse control: They act first and think later!
• Over-excitement: They may struggle to settle down.
• Over-stimulation: They can become “sensory overloaded” if exposed to too much excitement without structure.
• Attention seeking: Barking, jumping up, or pawing for attention can become problematic if not addressed.
What is an Introverted Dog?
An introverted dog is typically more reserved, thoughtful, and selective about their social interactions. Introverted dogs:
• May prefer the company of a few trusted humans or dogs
• Often observe before engaging in new situations
• Can be overwhelmed by busy environments
• Prefer calm, predictable routines
• May retreat or display subtle stress signals when uncomfortable
Common Introvert Breeds: Shiba Inu, Basenji, Chow Chow, Akita, Greyhound, and many livestock guardian breeds.
Again, it’s vital to remember that introversion is not breed-specific — it’s about the individual dog.
Challenges with Introverted Dogs:
Introverts bring their own set of unique challenges, such as:
• Reluctance to engage: They may seem aloof or standoffish.
• Heightened sensitivity: They notice subtle environmental changes that might go unnoticed by others.
• Stress with forced socialisation: “Flooding” an introvert with too many people, dogs, or stimuli can set their confidence back severely.
• Misinterpretation: Owners might mistake caution for stubbornness or disobedience.
How Introversion or Extroversion Affects Training
Understanding your dog’s core personality is the foundation of good training.
• Extroverted Dogs usually need help with boundaries, focus, and calming techniques. Training should harness their natural enthusiasm but also develop self-control.
• Introverted Dogs require confidence building, patience, and empowerment. Forcing them to “just get on with it” often backfires. Training should focus on gradual exposure, autonomy, and trust building.
In both cases, training must respect the dog’s emotional needs, not just teach mechanical obedience. A dog’s personality directly affects:
• How they learn
• What motivates them
• How they recover from mistakes
• Their resilience under pressure
Tips for Training Your Extroverted or Introverted Dog
If You Have an Extroverted Dog:
• Teach Impulse Control: Games like ‘It’s Yer Choice’ and structured tug play are excellent.
• Practise Calmness: Reward calm behaviour, not just excitement.
• Manage the Environment: Limit access to over-stimulating situations until calmness is reliable.
• Channel Energy: Scent work, obedience drills, structured walks, and meaningful play sessions keep their brains and bodies satisfied.
If You Have an Introverted Dog:
• Build Confidence Gradually: Use slow introductions to new environments, people, and experiences.
• Allow Choice: Give your dog the option to retreat or observe, rather than forcing interaction.
• Use Low-Arousal Training: Calm praise, food rewards, and quiet encouragement work best.
• Respect Their Pace: Pushing too hard can erode trust and confidence.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Recognising whether your dog is an introvert, or an extrovert isn’t about putting them in a box — it’s about meeting them where they are.
Training success isn’t just about the exercises you teach — it’s about understanding who you are teaching.
When you embrace your dog’s natural temperament, you build trust, reduce frustration (for both of you), and create a training relationship that feels like a true partnership rather than a battle of wills.
No dog is better or worse for being introverted or extroverted. They are simply different — and each personality brings beautiful strengths when understood and nurtured properly.
Find Out: Is Your Dog an Introvert or an Extrovert?
Take our quick quiz to discover whether your dog’s true personality is more introverted, extroverted — or somewhere in between. Knowing your dog’s personality type will help you tailor your training, exercise, and social life to their unique needs.