A dog’s score from the Canine-ality™

A dog’s score from the Canine-ality™ Assessment places the dog in one of three color-coded categories

(purple, orange, or green) representing the dog’s level of persistence in pursuing something that he or she wants.

Each color category includes three Canine-ality descriptions that tell adopters how individual dogs are

motivated. The evaluator chooses the Canine-ality that best fits the dog based on the animal’s score and on the

evaluator’s determination of the dog’s source of motivation internal, external, or social (i.e. human attention)

while conducting the assessment.

The Meet Your Match Canine-ality Manual and Training Guide provide templates that shelters use to create

the purple, orange, and green cage cards with Canine-ality names and descriptions.

Couch Potato

Like the easy life? Then I’m the perfect match for you. I’m a relaxed, laidback

kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on

laps, and walking very short distances (Internally motivated)

Constant Companion

Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance

relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side,

and I’ll be your devoted companion forever. (Socially motivated)

Teacher’s Pet

I’ve got the whole package: smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn and live

to please. Go ahead and teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your

checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained (Externally motivated)

Wallflower

Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed

lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell.

Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom. (Internally motivated)

Busy Bee

I’m a naturally playful, curious, and trusting canine. Take me for a big

walk every day; give me something to do. After my job’s done, I’ll curl up

in front of the fire with you in the evenings. (Externally motivated)

Goofball

I’m a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking

for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense

of humor, and I’m a dog on a mission to please you. (Socially motivated)

Life of the Party

I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you.

Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of surprises, life

with me will keep you constantly on your toes. (Socially motivated)

Go-Getter

Want to get more exercise? I’ve got tons of energy, and my “Let’s GO!”

lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I’ll run for

miles, and still want to play at the end of the day. (Externally motivated)

Free Spirit

Intelligent, independent, confident and clever, I prefer making my own

decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We’re partners in

this adventure. Treat me like one and we’ll both live happily ever after.

(Internally motivated)