Ask Lemmy

If they don't like cats because you can't train a cat, and/or cats seemingly hate them, I consider it a warning sign they want people to obey them rather than exist with them.

Cats can't be trained like a dog. So when people complain about that and don't like them for that, I consider it a sign of "I want you to obey me, don't question it."

Generally the way they interact with the pet. Do they have empathy and respect for the pet or do they expect it to be and do what they want. You can usually pick up on this pretty quickly.

I keep asking the pets for their owners secrets but they don't tell me? I've tried pats, compliments and treats? Am I doing it wrong? How are you getting them to tell you about their owners?

Nothing ... unless it's a parrot

I stereotype that all animals are a reflection of their owner's behaviors. Mostly because I've shaped every animal I've ever been around for more than a few weeks. It is likely my consistent routine, intuition, and self awareness. I don't put up with crap, I reward good behavior, but I punish bad behavior. I primarily withdraw my attention in a pronounced way, but when an animal intentionally acts out by biting, stealing, scratching or trespassing intentionally, I toss a pillow at them. It only takes a couple of times and it stops the behavior to the point where I only need to grab a pillow in the future. I might need to toss a pillow once or twice a year. Above all, I am simply consistent in positive attention. My cats come when I call, one will fetch toys, the other asks to be brushed. We all prefer quiet. I am never scratched, bitten, or threatened with play biting or scratching. I've had a dog that played by the same rules. But like, when people come over I herd them into my room, there is a hideaway under my bed. I make new toys out of junk all the time, etc. All of my pets are like this, so I view all pets as a reflection of the consistency, self awareness, and intelligence of their owners.

In Australia theres a very specific breed of bird that generally (although not always) indicates that a man is gay.

If a guy has ever had a cockatoo, theres a good chance he is gay.

2 Dogs, 17 chickens, 5 hermit crabs, 1 fish, 4 shrimp, 1 snail, 1 silverfish. Tell me.

I have (have) had 13 cats at one time. I'm down to 6.

Don't have a dog ATM, but when I did, and had scummy friends and neighbors, I noticed that thieves are always afraid of dogs.

Unless they own a parrot, not much.

99% of dog owners chose a breed that looks similar to themselves.

If you ask people about their favorite pet or breed and why they chose it, they will tell you what they most value in humans as well. Usually it’s also how they define themselves (more or less accurately).

I have a cat, a dog, a rabbit, and chickens. Now I’m wondering what people assume about me because of them.

I think people who have active dog breeds (like shepherds, huskies, and other working dogs) are probably active themselves. Beyond that it’s more telling to me how they treat their pet, regardless of what kind of pet it is.

I have multiple fish tanks and a shrimp tank. What’s that say?

It tells me who has money and who doesn't.

The other day a little Yorkshire terrier told me his owner eats dead flies.

He was shaking when he said it. I didn’t know what to do, so I just floored it and got the fuck out of there.

1. They have a pet.

2. If they relate to them as if they were humans that usually correlate, in my experience, with them having very low empathy for actual humans.