By Njeri Dean
Being a part of a group is an essential part of life. When we are young, we’re taught that working with others is the best way to get a job done. Especially when it comes to the workforce, people are put into jobs that match their skill sets and personality. We also find ourselves in groups in our personal lives.
Imagine your daily life. Adults usually flock to each other based on shared interests and personality similarities. That goes for kids as well. Kids want to associate with people who understand and share interests.
Group dynamics can also be related to animals, especially dogs. Since dogs have different personalities, instincts, and challenges, they’re grouped into seven categories that fit their personalities and abilities. These groups are: the working group, the herding group, the hound group, the sporting group, the non-sporting group, the terrier group, and the toy group. Each group is different, but all together they shine with their different attributes.
Imagine if you were a dog. Which dog group would you fit into? Let’s explore all the seven dog groups and see which group fits you the best.
The Working Group
You are always on the go. Coming up for air doesn’t cross your mind, and going from one task to another is a fixation of yours. You know what you were born to do. You pursue goals and finish them to the best of your ability. Working is so much a part of your life that you forget what matters most. Your friends and family are often left on the sidelines while your focus is on other things. Remember that life is lived once, and that once you make decisions, most of the time you cannot go back to fix them.
The Herding Group
You take charge like no other. People follow and admire you because you always know what you are doing, and you make smart choices. Nobody gets out of line or slacks off in your care. People admire your bravery and knowledge to fix complex problems. You don’t hesitate to act, and you love being in charge. Some people see you as arrogant, but they know you practice what you preach.
The Hound Group
You’re very calculating. Once you spot someone that you like, you go for it without anyone giving you permission. You like routine and staying inside the lines. You’re so laser-focused sometimes that you don’t know how to relax or let loose. You’re a stickler for having people treat you with respect, and you’re vocal when a line is crossed with you. People read you as a person that is wound too tight. Letting people in is a game you don’t play, but you should occasionally. Being guarded is one thing but total isolation is another.
The Sporting Group
You love the great outdoors. Being a team player is what you live for. You need people around you, and especially an audience, to feel validated and complete. Your high energy and ability to learn new things is seen as highly attractive and useful. Your eagerness to please and to feel accepted could be looked upon as a need for attention. Watch out for people who take advantage of your kindness and willingness to belong.
The Non-Sporting Group
You don’t fit into a box. People can’t put labels on you, and you prefer it that way. You don’t fall in line with a group because you are unique. You don’t like to be defined by anything. What matters on the inside is what counts for you. Walking away from somebody isn’t in your mind until someone shows they can’t be trusted. Your loving nature and love for misfits, no matter what they bring to the table, is your talent. You should be proud of it. Fitting in isn’t always what is cracked up to be, and you would rather stand out than beg to belong.
The Terrier Group
You are highly intelligent. You need to enrich your mind, or you will go crazy. Sometimes working in a team doesn’t suit you, and you are better off working alone. Companionship can be hard when you think you’re the smartest one in the room. It’s important to dial your energy down, and that includes your smarty pants personality. It’s good to be independent sometimes, but teamwork makes the dream work. Your thirst for knowledge will always guide you to new adventures and amazing people.
The Toy Group
People often see you as the consolation prize, which is not fair. Although you don’t have the purpose to lead or take charge, people look to you by confiding in you and leaning on you when times are tough. Your ability to listen to and comfort people makes you a great friend. Sometimes people need a shoulder to cry on rather than a drill sergeant. Your approachable nature makes people want to be around you. It makes you a good friend.
