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It's called the "What Kind of Dog Are
You" system, and it's a new approach to personal and professional
development that combines the broad appeal of Myers-Briggs,
astrology, tarot cards, with serious research on psychology,
cognition and learning. You don't even need to own a dog, although
both dog owners and dog lovers will find this system especially
appealing. Even cat lovers can use the system.
The program is based on the book "What
Kind of Dog Are You?" which will be published in a number of
countries throughout the world, including the United States, Japan
and China.
I got the idea for the program after
teaching classes on psychological profiling and writing a book
called "Do You Look Like Your Dog?" published by Broadway
Books/Random House in January. The book is based on the website
www.doyoulooklikeyourdog.com. I noticed that people not only
looked like their dogs, but shared many personality characteristics
with them -- and I discovered that many other people, whether they
owned dogs or not, were much like the dogs they most liked. And
thinking about other people as different types of dogs gives you
insights into their personalities, lifestyles and how to best relate
to them.
To use the system, start by selecting
your favorite dog or the dog you most identify with. This is called
your "Top Dog." The dog you like or identify with the next most is
called your "Watch Dog." Then, through a series of exercises, such
as imagining yourself as this dog, you discover what these choices
tell you about yourself. For example, if you chose a Siberian husky,
you tend to be a fairly independent, high-energy person very aware
of power and politics in relationships. If you choose a Pomeranian,
you tend to be a very warm, social, affectionate person.
Next pick the dog you least like or
identify with, called your "Underdog." This represents the qualities
you don't have or would like not to have, and you can work on
getting rid of these.
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The What Kind of Dog system
additionally provides insights on how to deal with different types
of people, based on the type of dog they prefer or the kind you
associate with them. For instance, if you have a co-worker who comes
on like a bulldog, you might want to back down and be more
accommodating. Or if a co-worker is more like a collie, that's
someone who will be especially gentle and patient -- and a great
source of help and support. They're usually very loyal and
trustworthy too.
Use the system to learn about people
you meet too. Just ask a new acquaintance: "What's your favorite
dog?" It's like asking, "What's your sign?" You immediately know
more about that person's characteristics and lifestyle -- and just
asking gives you an opening to break the ice.
The system is also a great way for
singles seeking to meet others, since knowing someone's preferences
in dogs tells you a lot about them. For example, if you're looking
for someone with similar personality traits and lifestyles, choose
someone who likes a similar type of dog. Though sometimes people who
like different types of dogs may make a perfect match -- such as the
strong, silent guy who likes Rottweilers but finds that women who
like small, warm, friendly pugs or Pomeranians are just right for
him.
Even managers and supervisors at work
can use the system to help with team-building -- say by bringing
together people with similar preferences to create a stronger bond
in the group.
In short, the What Kind of Dog Are You
system provides a new way to gain insights into yourself and others
and use these understandings to improve your relationships. So if
someone should ask you, "What kind of dog are you?" think of it as a
new icebreaker and a way to understand each other.
So what kind
of dog are you? And what does that say about who you are?
[Gini Graham
Scott]
Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author
of over 40 books, including "What Kind of Dog Are You?" and "Do You
Look Like Your Dog?" She specializes in business relationships and
professional and personal development and does workshops on these
topics, which now include programs on "What Kind of Dog Are You?"
For more
information, visit
www.whatkindofdogareyou.com or visit Gini Graham Scott's website
at www.ginigrahamscott.com.
Her e-mail address is
gini@ginigrahamscott.com.
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