creative writing about a dog

1001 Writing Prompts About Dogs

March 10, 2021

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Running low on ideas for your next story? If so, try observing your dogs for a while. They might be able to ignite your creativity and give you new ideas for a novel or short story. After all, it is not new for writers to be inspired by the pets they had (or wished they had). In fact, the screenplay for the 2008 film Marley & Me was based on an autobiography written by journalist John Grogan about the 13 years he and his family spent with a yellow Labrador Retriever named Marley. On the other hand, the well-known children’s book series Clifford the Big Red Dog was made because of its author Norman Bridwell’s childhood desire for a dog the size of a horse.

Below are writing about dogs, you might want to check out:

A dog has an adventure on her first day alone in the house.
A baby dog plays with a baby human.
Write a Diary of a Dog.
A family votes to put their dog to sleep. A moral dilemma ensues.
A dog follows his master from fight to fight.
Dogs only want to talk about themselves.
A beggar boy with no legs has a medicinal dog. The dog rises from the dead to help save the baby of an abusive father and a negligent mother.
A dog confronts a burglar.
A dog goes missing in a grocery store.
A dog is typically calm but thrown into a chaotic environment.
What is the dog’s secret to having success in life?
A dog is rescued by a neighborhood boy.
A dog hates another dog.
A dog meets a werewolf.
A dog gets into a fight with the mailman over a bone, but they become friends when the mailman gives the dog her bone once he’s taken her mail from her.
Dogs hate cats. Cats hate dogs.
A poor family takes in a rescue dog.
Someone’s dog saves their life by waking them up from a seizure.
The dog mourns for her lost owner.
A dog survives climbing Mt. Everest.
Write about your dog.
The owners of a very sad looking dog are told they give off the wrong energy to the dog and their relationship with him needs to change. The dog understands English perfectly and they do not.
A dog who escapes bad weather looks up and sees that all humans carry umbrellas. Dogs immediately begin to carry umbrellas as well.
The day a dog realizes that it isn’t a pet.
A dog fears something and its owner does not understand.
A dog chases his tail for an hour.
A dog arrests a robbery suspect.
A dog dreams of being a movie star
A random stranger stops to help a crippled dog.
A group dog rescue turns the dog’s life around.
A dog spends the day in a coffee shop.
A blind man trains his dog to find his killer. But then the dog becomes his eyes.
Someone’s dog vanishes.
A young girl and her dog.
A service dog saves the life of a child.
A hunter is killed by her own dog.
An adorable puppy gets the surprise of its lifetime!
2. Dogs in Amtgard
When the dog dies, a family orders another one from a pet shop.
A dog sees a shooting star.
Three dogs approach an old man. One runs away, one threatens to bite, and the other rolls onto her back. Describe the old man’s reaction and how he chose his dog.
A dog makes a major life decision.
A dog runs into the house and tells the family they are about to have a baby.
Write a story about a dog rescue.
A man adopts a dog and then meets a woman.
A volunteer at a shelter cares for one dog with a rare medical problem.
A dog saves its owner from a raging fire.
A dog that travels with his human family takes a wrong turn.
Dogs get sent to the future.
The genetic enhancements that dogs and people receive for their loyalty and service are canceled out by non-cooperative humans who have competitive genes. What’s left of the dogs and humans must learn to coexist.
Dogs rescue a family that collapsed on a hiking trail.
Rescue a dog from an abusive owner.
A dog tries to help a woman who has become lost in the snow.
A dog acts based on his selfless nature.
A man who lost his wife leaves behind his beloved dog after his death.
A boy meets an imaginary friend who helps him with problems.
A dog decides to move to Alaska for a change of scenery.
A girl meets the dog that killed her mother and she realizes the dog was just doing what it was told.
A dog has a birthday gift that his master cannot give him.
Your dog is hiding something from you.
A dog adopts a human.
A dog has a thought.
A dog adopted from a shelter saves a child from drowning.
A dog saves a woman’s life as she walks home from work.
A runaway dog finds another dog and they become best friends.
A dog’s family hosts a swanky dinner party but the dog causes a mess.
A dog is the only witness to a planned crime.
A children’s book about a dog. Have each student write a first, middle, and last sentence. Combine these three sentences for a beginning, middle, and end to a children’s book.
A dog is mistaken for a criminal.
The core plot of the story is a family being moved out of their home so a dog show is held in their home.
A dog is the best listener a guy has ever had.
A dog gets lost in the woods but finds his way home.
A dog decides that her dog parents are no longer needed.
A boy and his dog have a special bond.
The story of a service dog in the Vietnam War.
A dog fights alongside a soldier in a war.
Write about a particularly rough and tough dog.
Write a story about a dog with a phobia.
A dog saves her owner/a baby/a child from death.
A deaf dog survives in a world that doesn’t seem to like him.
A dog reflects on his life.
A dog is given the power of speech.
A dog walks 5,000 miles back home after being stolen.
Describe your dog before he died.
A cat and a dog have just met. Describe the first meeting between cat and dog.
A dog’s hilarious efforts to communicate his thoughts to humans.
A dog is adopted from a shelter and has issues settling in.
A dog that is rescued by a person from a shelter is the best dog.
A dog helps retrieve evidence in a big case.
A dog has the ability to talk to humans, but keeps quiet so as to remain in secret.
A dog rescues a child from drowning.
A girl is walking a large cat on a leash when a dog runs up and barks at it.
A dog owner is murdered by his dog.
A dog dons a tutu & pajamas and attends a baby shower.
Sonnet dedicated to a dog.
A celebrity is bitten by a dog.
Dogs have made wonderful human companions. Share why you like them.
A dog chases a mailman rigorously. The scene finally ends but the mailman is nowhere to be seen.
A family has to choose a dog from the pound.
The main character whose point of view story we have been reading switches bodies with her dog.
What can dogs do that humans can’t?
A cat finds a letter in a bottle in a trash can.
Man vs Dog in a marathon.
A blind boy gets a seeing-eye dog. The dog disappears.
A dog changes the life of an old man.
A dog finds a very interesting bone.
A dog saves the ship while the captain panics.
A dog owner loses their dog and can’t find him anywhere.
Write a story from the dog’s point of view.
A sleazy salesperson has refused to allow a dog to accompany a blind man onto a bus.
A dog owner travels into the future and brings a dog home.
The dog comes back to life the next day.
A dog is left at an animal shelter.
Dogs are allowed to live longer on their planet.
A dog is injured because her owners didn’t take her to the vets.
Recent studies show that older animals are being euthanized in shelters in unfair numbers. What would you say to upset people who think this is an easy problem to solve?
A self-centered man is suddenly given a dog for his birthday.
What would you do if you woke up one morning and you could speak to a dog?
A family is stuck on the freeway, the dad talks about how they have their current life because of the faithful love of their dog.
A dog gets sick and goes to the vet with his master.
“I As You” from the perspective of a dog starring
A guide dog takes a wrong turn.
A dog lives in the sun.
A dog helps a wounded soul get their groove back.
A dog sees an injured child and brings him inside and cares for him until help comes.
Write from the point of view of a dog searching for dinner.
Cats and dogs must compete against each other to prove which species is superior.
A dog writes a letter to a newspaper editor.
A dog runs away from home after a fight with the puppy.
Write about a dog who didn’t get walked and has to pee on the floor when someone is about to walk into the room.
Write a dog poem.
Write about the best friend that any person could have.
A dog changes another person’s life or ours.
A dog becomes famous on the internet.
A teen jogs while on the phone with his sister. He never sees the large dog before it attacks.
A man finds a dog-eared book and gives it to a man he doesn’t know in a waiting room. The stranger finds the steam engine figure and gives it to a little girl. The two never meet again but their lives are changed forever.
A dog meets President Obama and they have a conversation.
A stray dog earns his family’s love and respect after years of loyalty and affection.
A dog saves his owner from a grizzly bear.
A man’s search for his lost dog winds up being a journey of reflection on life.
Write a story about your dog’s dream.
Help your toddler come up with her own story.
The fiercest Chihuahua on Earth
Someone writes a letter to their dog explaining that they must be rehomed.
A dog goes through a wizard’s door to meet his owner’s spirit in the afterlife.
A family adopts a golden retriever and takes him home.
When a dog is injured, she overcomes her limitations through medical treatment.
A dog is left outside during winter and another character acts heroically.
A dog is depressed because the family is moving.
The dog interacts with a stray cat.
A dog participates in an Olympic sport.
A dog is on death row. Euthanize him or set him free?
Is it cruel to make a dog race?
A girl adopts three turtle doves.
A dog and a cat team up to catch a burglar.
A dog finds a new family after being lost or abandoned.
Something happens to a dog.
Write a story initiated by one word.
A dog survives a hurricane.
Write a story from the point of view of a cat.
A dog uncovers a mystery while taking a walk.
A dog’s life told by the pet psychic.
A dog teacher tries to teach other dogs how to fetch.
A marriage turns sour and the wife leaves to form a political party.
A man is saved from a vicious dog or wolf by its wise leader.
A pet dog turns out to have been a circus act before.
A woman loves her dog more than her husband.
A paralyzed dog is nursed back to health by his favorite boy.
A dog writes at a dog’s blog.
A dog discovers a human body in the woods.
A dog becomes man’s best friend.
A pompous dog flexes his muscles but is a coward when it matters most.
A dog has nine lives. This is her second.
A dog that everyone thought was bad turns out to be a hero.
A mother dog packs her kids off to school.
Write a love letter from your dog to yourself.
The gang fights off a pack of wolves.
A dog tries to communicate with humans after a serious accident.
A dog is stuck inside a home during a house fire.
Might be hard to write, as you don’t want to deprive the baby either.
A dog wakes up one day and realizes he’s turned into a human.
A girl writes the final entry in her dog’s diary.
What will you name your dog? Write a story about that dog.
Write a story about a dog who is hurt or dying.
A dog’s paw is badly injured.
A guard dog suddenly starts cuddling after being scared by a burglar.
A dog saves a family from hanging.
A group of stray dogs help a homeless man.
Dogs falling from a magical bridge into a land that no one has ever returned from.
Describe someone getting the dog they always wanted.
A dog makes an impression on the local populace.
A dog teaches kids to love.
A dog gets a job at a supermarket.
A dog is the voice of Common Sense on a talk radio show.
A dog tells her veterinary story.
A dog is discovered still loyal to his deceased owner allowing him to be free of cancer.
She comes home to retrieve something she left behind in the house.
A dog goes crazy for a dove.
Someone finds a dog wandering the streets and takes him in.
A dog is hit by a car.
A family that has a pet dog is in an accident and the pet dog is lost.
Think of a favourite dog who you knew when you were a kid. Write about how much you liked that dog.
A dog encounters a person for the first time.
What it means to be loyal to one’s species.
Dogs are not allowed in libraries, but everyone knows about the dog who sneaks in every day to get books.
A dog finds a valuable stolen necklace.
The life of a stray dog.
Write a book poem about a dog.
Someone is forced to be a pet for a dog.
A dog is abandoned by his owner, which is now living with a new family.
Study a dog on a walk, and write about what you observe.
A dog’s view of her family.
A woman adopts a dog without her boyfriend finding out.
A dog cannot read, write, or talk.
A dog disappears.
Someone kidnaps a dog and places an ad in the newspaper.
A boy realises the dog he is about to kill is his best friend.
A dog finds a dead body while out with its owner.
A dog drowns and goes to heaven.
An old woman and her dog encounter a book about training dogs while on vacation.
The next time you’re on a plane, write about what it would be like to be a dog on that plane.
Describe what you’d be like as a dog.
A stray dog witnesses her owner being murdered and vows to catch the murderer.
A dog finds what it’s looking for in the most unexpected place.
You care for your older uncle whose dog has run away.
Write a poem about your dog.
A dog dies saving its owner.
The owner takes him from a pound.
A man has had his dog for years and now he wants a divorce.
A dog protects a baby from a rattlesnake.
Write a dialogue between a dog and his master.
A dog becomes famous after haunting a movie set.
A dog is separated from his/her family and now they have to find their way home.
A dog gives birth at a family reunion.
A soldier comes home to a dog that has hurt herself while he was away.
A dog receives the gift of the power to read minds.
A dog is a detective.
A family can speak to their dog like a person and the dog can understand it.
A dog develops a really bad habit and his person no longer bonds with him.
A dog is lost and no one is going to call the shelter to help her.
A homeless dog finds a home when the snow starts to fall.
A dog suffers from nightmares every night.
A boy’s dog is found guilty of murder.
An interviewer interviewing the dog.
Someone finds love in a shelter dog.
Dog misses the family that rejected him.
A dog becomes a hero in the Great Depression.
Dogs come to live in a house at the start of a war.
A special dog ward at a hospital has a particularly difficult patient.
A dog discovers that housework is not as bad as she thought.
A dog has an eating disorder. He grosses everyone out.
A dog gets in trouble for stealing food he’s just fed.
A man with the worst temper ever gets a dog to train him.
Write about a dog that unintentionally injures or kills someone.
A dog tells its story.
A pet is taken away by animal control and the owners realize that they shouldn’t have bought it.
A dog is bitten by a man but forgives him.
A letter to a dog from the dog’s former master.
A dog falls off a boat and gets stranded on an island.
A man wrecks his car into a tree but feels no guilt because his dog made it out okay.
Dogs running wild in the streets.
A dog saves his owner’s marriage.
After a decade of war, a soldier is separated from his dog.
A famous detective owns a shih-tzu.
A dog causes a traffic accident.
A boy adores his dog right from the first day they meet.
A dog movie festival.
My dog dies of cancer.
A dog cannot pick just one scent in the air and has decided to follow every scent.
A guy believes that he has ESP powers and that he can contact others via his dog.
A lonely he or she dog adopts a doll as his new best friend.
Rehabilitation for a dog who attacked a person.
A toddler’s first day at school.
The parents have a dog that does tricks.
Write a scary story based on something your dog has done.
The grieving parents adopt a dog.
Write a poem about dogs.
The dog overdosed on her chores.
A dog reunites family members who have been apart for a long time.
A giant dog discovers Alaska.
A mutt becomes a model dog.
A girl leaves a dog in the park and he gets attacked by another dog and the owners won’t help.
A dog loses his best friend when the owner dies.
A boy has been having a tough time living with his dog and
A dog makes someone famous.
A dog is upset because she isn’t named Captain and she’d really want the job.
A dog becomes a hero by testifying against her master for a crime.
Give a dog a job it is otherwise unlikely to have, like a waiter.
A dog gets lost leaves for several days, then finds his way home on his own.
The diary of the dog who is left home alone all day while everyone is at work.
A dog is adopted, but the person who buys him fails to vaccinate him and he gets rabies.
An attached dog will not be able to have a vacation at the family cottage.
The number of puppies an adult dog has at a certain point in its life.
A dog becomes a CIA secret agent.
A family adopts a puppy, eventually regretting it.
A dog is a suspect in a crime.
One dog suspiciously watches a telephone cable line while the other dog crawls under to inspect the line.
A dog is abandoned in the woods at a young age and manages to survive in the wild alone.
How does the dog feel about nail clippings?
Two dogs discover the meaning of fear living next door to the killer.
A dog accompanies his owner to the party in the hope of getting a biscuit.
A documentary of a dog’s life in the pond.
Do you ever dream of your dog coming back?
The first dog to reach space.
A dog has a dream or nightmare.
A dog that dies saving someone.
A dog relives his best days with his owner.
A dog is rescued from being an agility competitor.
The owner of a puppy tries to teach his dog to talk.
A dog falls in love with a porcupine.
A family recounts the death of their previously perfect dog.
Interpret/rewrite a myth from the perspective of the dog.
The town hires a dog to be the sheriff.
A dog gets onto a plane and disrupts the service by eating the meals.
You have one wish and you can use it to grant intelligence to a dog or obtain the brain of Albert Einstein.
Write, draw, or do something that brings your dog to life.
Write a story describing a morning walking a dog.
A dog is a messenger from Heaven.
A dog manages a team of rescue dogs.
Write something that shows the relationship between a dog and a human.
A family keeps a dog hidden in their basement.
A neighbor adopts a stray dog and chaos ensues.
The parents make sure that their pet dog is well-taken care of, while raising their kids.
A man in Texas adopts a dog, only to have it stolen by a pregnant woman.
An unhappy dog wanders into the woods and finds a dog motel that prepares her for adoption.
A dog dies and goes to heaven.
A child wishes they were a dog because of his heroic nature.
A boy wanted a dog desperately.
The dog of a blind boy proves to be the boy’s eyes.
An abandoned dog is rescued by a stranger but then stays out all night.
Steps to Writing a Story is a book designed to give students the opportunity to tap into their creativity. By design, this flexible-format book allows for teachers to decide whether to compose a story about Freddie and Mr. Brasco or to have students compose their own stories about two of their favorite characters.
A dog steals money to buy food for her sick companion.
A man and dog’s telepathic bond serves them in life-or-death situations.
A dog tells the story of her owner’s suicide.
A dog plays fetch for the first time.
What if you went to the dog park and didn’t bring any dog treats?
A rock star owns a dog.
A family has a tennis ball that’s either too new to throw or too old to keep.
A French dog goes on holiday but his owner doesn’t realise he can’t swim.
A dog refuses to lie for his life.
A paralyzed dog meets a new hooman friend.
A boy visits his father at work. Once there, his father’s boss keeps staring at him.
Do dogs feel guilt?
A dog barks all night because the owner is bitten by a snake, he monitors the health of the victim.
A baseball player falls in love with the dogs in his neighborhood.
Driving with the dog in the car—one animal’s perspective.
A dog is found stranded on a faraway island.
A dog witnesses a crime.
An old man buys a dog because his wife is gone.
A dog is found with a dismembered body and buried underneath.
The dog watches his owner with another woman.
A dog loses his sense of smell.
A dog is repurposed into a cow and gets fat off the plains.
A police dog dies doing its job.
A dog from the first half of the story is brought back to a family from the second half of the story.
A boy dreams of being a wizard and can talk to his dog.
A children’s book about a cat and dog.
A blind girl gets a seeing eye dog and meets his old partner who can’t be around him anymore.
A dog dies protecting a baby from a wood chipper.
A dog falls in love with a talking human.
A dog wakes up after a nuclear blast and hears voices.
A man acquires a dog as a pet years ago when the woman in his life kicks him out. The dog’s is a secret long kept participant in the dirty details of their past relationship and helps him move on.
The story of a dog and his favorite owner.
Dogs gone wild at the board game Monopoly.
A girl goes to school with one of her pet dogs.
A dog therapist uses her powers to heal troubled teens at school.
A man receives news that his dog’s cancer is in remission.
A dog can communicate by phone.
A dog’s sad thoughts.
A cat and dog have a dog in common and fight over him.
A dog suddenly develops the ability to speak and is discovered to be from the future.
The dog who saved my city.
Animals are scheduled for destruction.
A dog plays fetch with himself.
A woman runs away to join the circus and realizes she is expected to work the freak show.
A dog plays a trick on its owner.
A dog and his/her owner are friends forever.
A dog lives the life of a rich man while his master is out.
A shoe becomes a dog’s best friend.
A child is injured and they are treated by an extraordinary vet.
How does your dog feel when you leave for work in the morning? What does your dog do while you’re gone?
A dog growled at a small child, but actually only wanted to play.
A homeless dog decides to train as a K-9 police dog.
A dog tells his side of the story.
WWII, from the dog’s, not the soldier’s, perspective.
Write about the benefits of pet therapy.
A dog wishes to be a human.
A dog helps people lost at a festival find their friends.
A dog pushes its master’s wheelchair into traffic.
A dog knows the TV weatherman correctly predicted that we will have an awful storm and foils an explosive robbery at the bank across the street as a result.
A police dog experiences her first snow.
A dog breaks free, kills a villain and saves the puppies.
An author discovers a ghostwriter.
A grieving family sues the neighbor because their dog keeps eating from the grave.
The adopted dog grows and grows and just keeps growing.
A dog spends the entire day in a shoe store looking at all the shoes.
The dog’s partner dies.
A dog longs to go back to the womb.
A woman is attacked by a dog as a child and pursues revenge years later.
Write a fictional biography about your dog.
An elderly dog gives a young boy advice.
A father abandons his daughter and his dog to start a new life.
A dog helps save a lost child at the mall.
A police dog stops a person trying to break into a home.
While their owner is at work, a dog and a cat form an unconventional bond.
What it would be like to be inside the head of a dog.
A dog is a new parent and struggles with her job.
A dog is chained to a tree to prevent him from attacking a mailman.
A dog is an alcoholic.
A dog accompanies her owner on three different missions.
A stray dog leads his village during a conflict.
A dog describes its best friend, a human.
Tyson the dog witnesses a murder.
A dog who loves his owner despite all he has been put through by the owner.
A dog is mistaken for a god.
Write a tragedy about a dog.
A dog jumps in the path of a bullet meant for the owner.
A dog sees his reflection in a puddle and thinks he sees another dog until someone tells him “No, it’s just you.”
Dogs spend their day counseling each other.
Describe how you came to pick the name you have for your dog.
A dog runs into a burning building and loses all of her puppies.
A dog is looking for a friend.
A cat mocks a dog.
A dog learns it is not taboo to chew on a bone in the house.
A dog’s life means nothing compared to the love he shares with his owner.
The first dog to break the sound barrier.
Write about a family that is ashamed and disappointed that their child turned out to be a dog.
A dog tells a parent they are not acting like a true family member.
A dog helps her master overcome his fear of tall places.
A dog goes on a magical adventure.
The further your son or daughter makes it into the list the more sensitive it gets. For example the first writing prompt inserted is “A couple adopts a stray dog, only to find out when it reaches maturity that it’s actually a female cat”. That’s quite a hefty helping of black humor – at least for a ten-year old.
A dog dies but hopes his people find another dog that they love as much as him.
A terrorist sabotages a bus tour before the Olympics. Each bus stops to let one person off. One person gets on, but they have a bomb. The story follows the dog’s perspective through the bomb detection process.
A game of rounders interrupted by a fight between dogs.
Dogs are illegal and corrupt government agents catch a family with two dogs.
There’s a dog stuck on top of a building when…
A family dog sleeps alone because everyone is out for the night.
The first dog obtains an interesting magical power.
A dog competes in the Iditarod race.
A dog chases the mail carrier and gets caught in a bear trap.
A dog dons an old military costume and battles enemy cats with a water gun.
A child is caught misbehaving by a neighbor’s dog.
A family finds a dog and during the night the dog bites one of their members.
An earthquake rips apart the city, killing everyone except a dog.
A dog goes missing and the family searches high and low for her.
A dog is picked to star in a Hollywood movie.
A dog is alone in the world.
Important non-fiction book about a dog.
A dog protects a caged baby from aggressive house pets.
Write from the perspective of a dog about to die.
A dog confesses that he ate the baby’s homework.
A dog gets lost during Hurricane Katrina.
A stranger is bitten by a stranger.
Write a story about a veterinarian.
A dog falls in love with a cat.
A dog escapes from his yard, goes to town, and causes trouble. A dog discovers that overcoming his fears is not as much fun as he imagined. A dog gets her butt kicked by someone she usually can take on. A dog experiences her first snowstorm.
A dog builds a house.
A dog gets mistaken for an elephant.
A dog falls in love with a blind man.
Write about a dog who is claimed by a family who was not his.
The perfect dog which cannot bark, make farts or beg for food turns out to be a threat to mankind.
A dog writes a book on his way to a pet store.
A dog’s life is not easy but that is how he likes it.
A dog fulfills a dream.
A dog describes her perfect day.
An evil robot manages to take over the world, but has a weakness to dogs.
A family is flying with their dog to a different country but the dog is so nervous he barely makes it.
Dog wakes up to find someone missing.
Someone goes through a lot to keep a dog from being put down.
A dog is accidentally teleported and struggles to find his way back home.
A train driving off its rails hits a dog and it dies.
A dog gets way too sleepy and it ruins the entire family vacation.
A disabled man rescues a dog from an abusive owner and cures his disability.
The farm dog dreams of living in the city.
A dog is rescued from a puppy mill and goes up for adoption.
A dog saves his family on 9/11.
Found dog, lost dog, outwitting cats, mad scientist and ghost
Write a letter to squirrels attacking the bird feeder.
A dog experiences the horrible pains of a human soldier on the battlefield. This could be enlightening to human readers who argue that we should never mix man and animal.
A dog tells her life story.
Someone tries to train a dog to be a model.
A dog successfully escapes from the pound and meets up with his new owner.
A dog wakes up to see his own funeral.
A dog helps a child adjust to a new life through a harsh divorce.
A dog doesn’t get along with the family’s new cat.
Dogs in foster care help dogs at animal shelters learn how to trust.
Your dog writes her own autobiography.
A dog loses the love of her life.
A stray dog is taken in by a woman who worked as a dog trainer in a five star hotel as a young man before life led him away from those best years.
A dog has his day on the town.
A dog saves a baby from a house fire.
A dog accidentally ingests a smartphone.
Write a 500 words essay on a certain character you like to read.
A dog poses as a competition champion.
If your dog could speak, what would he say?
A boy adopts a dog because of a promise to his grandma.
A dog is rescued by two sisters.
A family takes a trip to pick up a dog from the pound or the shelter.
When a dog dies, she goes to Heaven.
A dog tells his life story.
A dog must leave his best friend upon surrendering to the shelter.
A dog gets sick.
A crying dog conveys his sadness by howling at the moon.
A dog saves a person from a burning building.
A dog teaches her human how to be a better person.
A dog begs a thief to eat her children first.
A dog has to decide whether or not to return to his family.
A dog saves her owner from a robber but ends up paying an unexpected price.
The dog smells death.
A dog is able to speak human.
A dog finds $1,000 in the park.
It’s July, and a dog reaches 100 years old.
After being thrown in the trash, a stray dog is adopted by a Hong Kong Konger.
A dog subdues a raging hoard.
Write the conversation between a dog and a cat.
What is the saddest day of your dog’s life?
A dog’s life goes from bad to good.
The veterinarian has disturbing news for a dog owner.
A dog dies, and leaves last words.
A dog goes on a quest.
A fatal disease infects the world. Dogs become the new humans by default.
A white dog sees something frightening.
A dog’s lifelong friend goes missing under mysterious circumstances.
A dog witnesses a murder.
The dog is insane.
A dog spends a whole day napping.
A savage dog tears their neighbor’s child apart.
A dog tells the story of the last dog he ate.
A dog talks like a human.
A dog dies.
Dogs get superpowers.
A dog goes for a walk but is lost in the city.
A dog that has been trained to attack suddenly starts forgiving everyone.
Hit a parked car with your car and see what happens.
The viewpoint of one of the dogs in “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
A person buys a pet and then feels guilty when the dog meets an unfortunate death.
A dog tells a life story
Write from the perspective of an animal lover. Write about your feelings regarding rescuing animals.
A dog saves an abused child or old woman.
A man is so depressed that he wants to kill himself. He decides to wait for his new dog to arrive before he hangs himself. You can find one here .
Dogs can’t buy things online so they get creative, hilarious consequences ensue.
The family dog helps an ill child to get over his fear.
A dog helps a mother take out the trash.
Write about a dog finding his eternal reward.
A dog is turned into a zombie.
A high school student has a dog she uses to grow marijuana.
What if my dog could talk to me?
You and your dog discover you are the only ones left.
Someone in your life is not who you thought he or she was.
Some of your best memories were with a pet.
A dog gets married and runs off with the bride.
Describe what the streets and neighbourhood look like through the eyes of a dog.
A person goes insane when a beloved dog dies.
A father and son take a walk with the dog on the father’s birthday.
A dog wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
A sad dog story.
A dog kills an old lady’s cat.
A dog is rescued by a teenager. Ten years later she meets a woman who aids the teen to a comedy career.
A family mourns after their dog dies.
A successful businesswoman has a breakdown.
A man tries to save a dog from a truck but it runs out and is hit.
A dog becomes affected by the holidays as people around him celebrate.
A police dog is injured in pursuit of a criminal and serves as a trainer for future canine officers.
A dog is found guilty of murder and put to death without any proof of its guilt.
What would you do if your dog died?
A man that lives alone saves a dog from dying.
A dog saves a man’s life in a plane crash.
A dog imitates her master and gets into trouble.
A dog steals the neighbor’s newspaper but it disappears on her.
A dog saved his owner from dying in an accident.
A dog is at a peak.
Dogs are the god’s gift to humanity
A family dog who has lived for many years finally dies.
A dog teaches a cat some new tricks.
A dog steals a juicy marrow bone.
Dogs have always helped each other in times of distress.
Dogs win the lottery.
A dog saves the day for his child owner.
The dog does something despicable that you love him for in the end.
A dog’s life is shattered in a heartbeat.
A dog serves in the Marines.
Either a dog’s perspective of it’s friend dying or what it’s like to be dead.
A man encounters a dog on his travels.
How could Helen Keller have used a dog?
A dog saves a person from a life of poverty.
All dogs have since died from a dog flu epidemic and a police dog is given a cloning experiment to save the dog race.
A dog walks into a party.
Where do dogs go when they die?
A dog’s life is saved by a crook, who is then put in a position of responsibility.
A family adopts a puppy that smells.
A young boy wants a dog more than anything in the world.
The letters a dog writes home from college.
A dog shows up homeless at someone’s home.
A dog makes a sacrifice for its owner.
A dog chooses to save a human instead of her puppies
A dog waits at the window for his owner who is at work.
She was a beautiful dog, the sweetest dog who ever walked God’s green earth.
The backyard fence is the only thing that saved them from escaping a fire.
The dog needs help from a magician to save his master.
A dog is forced to spend the evening and weekend locked in the bathroom.
He roams the earth for decades, searching for his lost master.
A dog who relentlessly goes after a car that she fears may hurt the boy she just saw drive away having shot his dog.
A dog saves his wounded master during WWII.
A child finds a letter written to Santa on a piece of paper that was dropped by a dog.
A dog escapes from its cage and is found wandering the streets in the big city.
A dog does not realize what is happening around him.
Dogs that have been adopted from an animal shelter describe their favorite activities before they were adopted.
A dog in Hong Kong runs away to find the American owner.
A dog chases a tumbleweed into the future.
A dog mauls his owner and has to face animal control.
A man in a dog costume wins the local dog show.
A dog doesn’t let a flying squirrel get too comfortable.
A talking dog learns to speak to other dogs when he discovers a mystical land.
A girl has a bad family life and a baby dog is her only comfort in life.
Witches have been talking to cats, not talking rabbits. Dogs are the monsters they created.
A dog finds his identity by attacking a burglar.
A successful girl with dating problems adopts a dog.
The song “Cats in the Cradle” applies to dogs.
A family adopts a dog but then has to give him away.
A dog magically transforms into a person.
A talking dog reflects on his human owner.
A dog tells a riddle.
An elderly couple adopts a dog together for the first time.
A dog’s owner had terrible intentions when they got the dog.
Dog meets cat.
A disobedient dog discovers being obedient can be rewarding.
A poor young boy is in a fight with other kids and gangs.
A dog awakens to a shout from a child that leads to a child’s death.
A dog is trained to do human activities.
Write a diary excerpt from the perspective of a dog.
Someone adopts a dog that they declare to be ‘man’s best friend’.
An old dog dies and meets his master.
A dog is adopted because the family is having trouble conceiving.
A dog with arthritis is able to walk again.
A dog is accidentally left on an airport runway as a plane takes off.
A dog finds a bone, attached to it is a note from a soldier to his parents that he was killed.
Dogs bite children ten times more often than pit bull terriers by Nate Silver If so, why are pit bulls demonized?
What happens when a robot dog malfunctions?
Our heroine is a Dachshund named Bea.
Apply a dog’s life to a fairy tale.
Dogs and dog people hate cats.
A dog saves a baby from a kidnapper.
Someone loses their dog and it brings them together with another person.
An abused dog along with an abused child unite to overcome the devastating effects of their harsh beginnings.
Write two different major characters in the same story, then choose a different one as the doges perspective throughout.
A greyhound goes missing at a sporting event.
A dog turns into a werewolf.
A dog attends a fake therapy session to train to become an office dog.
A dog predicts when the dead return to life.
A red dog needs help crossing the road.
The owners of a dog learn that they have been infected with a disease that turns people into dogs.
A dog wins the Westminster Dog Show.
A dog causes the divorce of his owners.
A dog works as a handyman and yard worker.
A girl is lost in the woods. Based on the book “A Dog Called Kitty” by Karma Wilson.
A boy with a pet snake who is also his best friend has a pet dog.
A man buys a dog on a whim and doesn’t really want it.
A dog becomes human and has to learn to fit in.
A dog prevents a criminal advance.
A man tries to capture a dog.
Before her wedding, a woman develops a fear of dogs.
A dog is lost and finds its way home with the help of a local ice cream truck.
A strong dog manages to save his owners from a tornado.
Write about a bad dog.
A defense lawyer constructs a case for his client- a dog- with the arguments being that the dog is not guilty because he was not the one who committed the crime.
A dog has got the better of someone.
Cleaning day at a pet store lives up to its name.
Write a story about a dog who’s very good at hiding.
A dog describes what it was like to be a dog before humans existed.
A dog owner disowns his dog for picking up things like cigar stems, love letters, contraceptives, etc. and bringing them home to him. The dog is loyal when the owner is down and out and indebted to various bookies for money.
Dogs travel to another planet in a rocket ship in search of a new or better home.
A game ranger is mauled by a lion. A stray dog arrives and scares it away.
The story starts as a normal day for a dog but then…
A dog saves a sheltered family from a wildfire.
A dog changes her owner’s life.
A dog catches its owner having an affair.
After her dog dies, a woman finds him mysteriously waiting for her on the Other Side.
Write about a dog pulling on a rope.
A dog joins the army.
A dog rescues a family from a house fire.
A dog loses his memory after being hit by a car.
A stray dog finds a home with a family.
A dog must choose between its master and a piece of steak.
A human saves a dog from a pack of dogs.
Thunder/Lightning is the pet dog of the Fates.
Who are you going to vote for? A dog named Obama Mutt or a dog named Mitt omRitt?
Your dog dies and you can’t sleep.
A town bans dogs.
Dog gets discharged from the army.
A man and his faithful dog stay on for another year in Antarctica at 80 degrees south.
Write about a dog that you had as a close companion.
Write a compare and contrast essay about dogs and cats.
A dog’s life after the dog dies.
A dog has something to say.
A dog makes friends with a teen who is lonely.
A dog sees their owner kissing their new crush.
A dog likes kids who got in trouble at school.
A dog gets his head stuck in a tennis ball.
A dog finds a new loving family after its old one dies.
A dog plays with a panda at the zoo.
A dog swallows a million dollar necklace.
How dogs helped give their owners purpose.
Show dogs competing in their own show, similar to the Westminster Dog Show.
Your dog is in trouble and needs your help.
You are a dog and you hear the voice of god.
Poem in the voice of the dog.
A male dog is in heat and goes crazy.
A dog tries very hard to solve a human problem.
A dog hits a person in the head with a stick.
A ring thief uses a dog to steal rings from people’s hands.
It’s the dog’s birthday.
A dog saves a farmer’s crops from a plague of crows.
A veterinarian makes a small house call to a dog.
A dog is placed in the witness protection program.
A dog sits on the porch of an old man weathering the sun, rain, and snow.
A dog shows off his tricks for his owner.
A dog has an unlikely new owner.
A dog ends his legacy by stealing the show at his doggy funeral.
There is an abandoned dog living behind the grocery store.
A tragedy happens and a dog has a chance to save a loved one.
Write a story inspired by your dog.
A service dog
A dog slowly takes over the world.
Write about one dog that was owned by a historical person.
The dog puts out the fire in the kitchen.
A dog becomes obsessed with a scent from a trash can.
A dog gets flushed down the toilet to the zoo in the municipal swimming pool.
A dog competes in an agility competition and discovers he enjoys the game.
A dog is the real antagonist in a horror story.
A dog wakes up after being asleep for 10 years.
A dog comes back from the dead.
If humans were dogs.
A dog becomes depressed after the death of his owner.
A dog transports a friendly letter across war-torn lands.
The family dog saves his owner from a robber who is in the home.
A dog remembers the soldier who died in the Iraq war.
A dog writes an autobiography.
A mother and son adopt the dog that was meant to be put down.
A dog is thankful for all the dog petting and does something to pay back.
A dog looks into the eyes of a dying man.
A dog dreams of becoming a superhero.
A dog dies and tries to come back as a cat.
A dog sheds and it makes you allergic to dogs.
Dogs are the new celebrities.
Write a story about a dog that gets lost and finds his way back.
Hold a focus on one dog for your entire story.
A dog saves a boy from drowning in a pond.
A woman gets a dog and does not like the attention it requires.
A dog inherits a fortune and moves into the mansion.
All of your pets can talk, so, how do they all get along?
A dog moves to a family who has already decided not to have a pet.
Write a page about your dog.
A child is in love with a neighbor’s dog of the opposite gender.
The dog section of a pet store escapes during a fire.
You can even join in online and leave us a comment with your writing. We would love to check it out, share it on the site and possibly even publish it.
Write a scene where a dog befriends a mannequin or a corpse.
Dogs are held to be a part of the family.
A child dies in his sleep and goes to dog heaven.
A dog is mistreated.
A dog is thinking about life.
A dog becomes a celebrity.
A dog sits with her owner in her final moments.
Two dogs that look identical are mistook for the same dog.
A dog reports on the war.
A dog goes on a hunger strike.
A blind woman adopts a dog.
A scientific study about dog intelligibility begins.
Write a story of the first time you met your significant other.
A dog saves its owner from a house fire.
What happens when two different dogs on two different continents experience the same event?
A man builds a statue and tries to get a dog to stay for as long as possible.
A dog helps a person escape from prison.
A dog searches for an injured child.
A dog is jealous of his master’s new pet horse.
A dog saves his owner from a piece of heavy furniture or an active shooter.
You are the dog’s thoughts.
A dog dies as he is trying to save a man.
A dog visits the emergency room.
A dog chases his tail and circles the drain.
A child reports a dog to animal control because her parents don’t believe there is such a thing as a good dog.
A mother comes home to find her dog dead.
Two dogs fall in love.
Rescue a dog who had been shot by an abusive owner, how do you do so?
A dog is a great source of comfort to someone in distress.
A dog drowned in a lake is brought back from the dead.
The husband doesn’t want a dog in the house because he feels it’s his domain.
A dog changes for the better after an event.
A police dog suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after he is retired.
A dog finds a mama cat giving birth and helps things along.
An elderly woman adopts a stray dog who changes her life.
What do pets of the future look like?
A dog has superhero powers that only activates when her loud bark is heard.
A male dog is going to kill puppies, but the female dog saves them.
A dog is actually an alien in disguise.
Write a story about the worst day of the worst dog’s life.
A baby is attacked by a dog but saved by his fearless puppy who can’t be touched by the dog.
A dog returns from heaven and unveils to the humans that dogs are actually superior to humans.
Rudy’s Rules by Abbey Robertson and Jim Robertson
A dog is a hero during an earthquake, or natural disaster.
A talking dog speaks English with a deep voice and human dialogue.
Game of Thrones – Princess Myrcella has been poisoned by a snake. Get inside the head of the poisoned dog to write a scene finding out how the dog was poisoned as a baby, and then goes and gets revenge on the king.
Drama, or comedy, of course, for that matter. We would like to know the story starters you have used from Chapter 1 in your dog stories!
A man visits his dog in Afterlife.
A dog witnesses a crime and takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.
A dog turns into a human.
A character goes to get a new pet and comes home with a puppy instead.
A dog wins the lottery and becomes a millionaire.
A dog rescues a girl from a bear.
A dog is coming of age as a puppy.
A dog visits an old man every day for a week, but only stays for a few minutes.
A story about Elvis.
A dog befriends a group of meddling children.
A dog sees his reflection in a window and concludes he is a wealthy mage with an apprentice.
A guide dog pretends to lead her blind owner into oncoming traffic.
A dog secretly lives in a small house while disguising as a person.
A dog adopts a predictable twin.
A dog is about to go to the dog pound and meet another dog.
A guardian dog protects his humans by barking at every person who walks past the yard.
A baby human speaks to the family dog.
A tragedy occurs and the main character reminisces about a deceased dog.
A person writes off a dog only to regret it later.
A dog gives its life to save another dog.
A dog at the gates of heaven needs one more chance.
A family sits shiva for their dead dog.
Write a dog’s bucket-list.
A dog world is finally achieved, in which humanity is extinct.
A dog becomes an actor in Hollywood.
A dog that only barks when spoken to by the owner.
A rat attempts to have a dog for dinner.
Some dogs are born to overcome their flaws.
A lazy dog inherits a fortune from his deceased owner.
A dog dies in a car accident.
A life of loneliness because of a dog ghost or family legend.
A puppy and an old dog switch bodies.
A dog is rejected from being “adopted” because he is old. The next day the family has a son instead.
When the call comes, you say good-bye to Bailey one more time.
A dog-napper adopts a motherless dog.
A dog does something heroic.
An old dog is given away when its owner dies.
A dog counsels her husband after the loss of her child.
A homeless person carries a dog around.
A dog writes a letter to his owner.
A dog takes care of five cats.
A dog goes on a quest to find his master.
A famous celebrity receives a dog as a gift from his record company, but the dog is actually crazy.
There’s a subtle theme in stories in which a dog writes the story about herself—you might call it reverse anthropomorphism. If you were to write this kind of story, what would be the dog character’s trait?
Just like any other muse, the muse for a dog lover must be the dog. The long-term goal of the writer should be to create a five hundred word blog post or short story for solely dog lovers. In doing so, more people will hear about the dog lover writer’s work. This is what happened with Cocoabeans featuring a Beautiful Chocolate Lab on December 23rd. Additionally, there have been dozens of new female writers on the Cocoabeans blog in the last month alone. The representation of Women in general is okay with Black women topping the list followed by white women, Asian women, Indian women and Latinas.
The same scenario but the dog saves a baby from a burning building.
Describe your dog in one word.
A dog on vacation in the country helps a farmer.
A dog mysteriously disappears and has to find her way home.
A dog learns to fly, gets lost and enjoys being in her lost state.
A family that believes dogs are a breed apart is asked to include a dog in their little boy’s wedding
A dog with depression who can talk, cries convincingly to strangers.
A dog saves his owner from his abusive mother.
A dog finds a violin in the street.
A dog searches for his long-lost master after they finally get adopted from the pound.
A dog saves another dog from the dog pound.
A musician becomes the target of animal rights extremists because she hunts with dogs.
A couple adopts a dog and names him Lucky and later regrets the name.
A dog feels jealous after an owner adopts a new dog.
My Imaginary Dog
A dog raises kittens.
A dog mysteriously appears in an empty home.
A dog is bought at a pet store and sent home to a couple.
A dog takes revenge on the neighbor who kicked him.
Write about the first night your dog stays with you at your house.
A boy rediscovers a beloved dog’s past and finds hope for the future.
A dog confesses to beating up a woman.
A dog hits a rabbit on his way home.
A dog almost dies saving a human.
A dog is about to be put down, but he escapes and runs away.
A kidnapped dog waits six years for her owner.
A regular dog goes home with a cyclops.
A dog chases his tail for an entire day.
The dog from your favorite movie makes a cameo appearance in an interview.
A lonely dog tries to make a friend.
A woman has a pet dog that stops her from eating unhealthy food.
A dog mated with a human, now which species is smarter?
A dog starts a trend on the internet.
A pony and a dog team up to rescue a stranded traveller.
A dog is arrested by the police for doing something illegal.
A dog tells her thoughts about humans.
A dog is lost for a while and has to survive on his own.
A dog therapist cannot save a depressed dog with hard-earned lessons.
Dogs used to be the servants of humans.
Two dogs become friends but they have their difficulties.
An innocent dog gets accused of a crime by the neighborhood kids.
A dog waits for his owner every night for 11 hours by sitting on his hind legs at the door he last saw him.
A dog and a cat team up to steal food from a restaurant.
A dog’s best friend runs away.
A golden retriever falls into shark-infested waters.
The winner of this contest wanted to write a song about dogs so the topic was picked with her song in mind.
It is directed by Kulyapin Sergey Borisovich and was produced by Dzhar Film Studio.
A dog is left at an abandoned building.
A dog meets his maker.
A dog dies from a household accident.
Nothing interesting ever happens in my life. One typical day in the life of my uninteresting dog.
A mother has a closet monster that eats her babies and her dog chases this monster down the street in her rocking chair.
A dog goes to the United States Senate.
A dog sees what is inside of a tunnel.
Dogs are performing in the circus, but something goes wrong.
Before writing your creative piece, it is important that you choose a theme. You can write about a certain incident or an incident that has not happened. There are a lot of interesting stories to write about when you are a kid and puppies. It is advisable that you learn to write in various styles to keep you creative and inventive.
Dogs can talk to one another, and so they realize they should have rebelled against the human race long ago. Finally they decide they do need humans.
A dog saves her owner’s life.
The day a dog first became part of a family.
A dog gets lost in a part of a town he’s never seen before.
A dog can sense when a person has died even before the person’s body goes into rigor mortis.
You meet an old friend in the park and she wants to tell you her life story, but she only has sixty seconds. Write it.
A dog and his owner take a journey.
Parents bury the errant dog behind the house.
A puppy gets loose during a parade.
A dog writes a story about another dog who doesn’t like him.
A dog sacrifices himself to save his master and friends.
An animal rights activist steals dogs and uses them for meat.
A one-hit wonder pop star moves in with Günter, a stream-of-consciousness rapper who tortured her when she was a bookkeeper.
A woman adopts a pet. Her neighbors have huge dogs.
Five dogs open up a business in Seattle where people bring their phones to be chewed, says Napoleon Bonepanda, President of Good City Dog Chewing Offices and Love Your Scents.
A group of dogs gang up on a very large bad dog.
A story about a homeless dog.
The family dog makes a mistake and runs off.
The biggest bully in school finds friendship with a small dog.
A dog is jealous of her owner’s new relationship.
A stray dog learns what it means to be a pack animal.
A dog dies but comes back to haunt family members as a ghost.
A puppy jumps up on a cushioned chair and dies right away.
A fire breaks out in a club. A hero dog saves as many lives as he can but dies in the blaze.
A dog witnesses the most horrific crime.
Your dog is madly in love with your mother-in-law.
In 250 words write a story of the rescue of a dog from a shelter.
A boy uses his dog to bully others at school.
A dog poses as a substitute babysitter so that her owner and her husband can have the night off.
A dog brings home his ball.
A dog is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
A shop owner gets his dog badly beaten when he won’t tie up his pet.
A girl wants a puppy from a well-known champion dog.
A dog’s pack abandons him and he is dependent on a wolf pack for survival.
A disease outbreak hits dogs and all the dogs are put in quarantine but they break out.
A dog saves a girl from drowning.
A dog tells of his life working on a child farm.
The dog sits in a family in order to get what they don’t want.
The story of a dog that falls in love with someone’s husband.
A dog sits on his owner’s grave.
The dog who has lost her house, family, and friends moves into a condo. She misses the kids and family that are gone..
The world is ending and it’s called Death Day.
A dog goes to obedience school and becomes the proudest dog in the world.
A grieving family adopts a dog and it helps them through.
You become allergic to dogs.
A dog confronts a bully.
A dog steals his owner’s phone and finds a Tinder match.
The dog takes her owner for a walk.
A city councilman pushes to ban dogs from city parks.
A dog person goes into a fake dog war with another family.
A dreamy child never learns to walk or sign, and relies on her dog for communication. The dog develops into a huge problem for the family.
A dog is given working dog certification.
The world’s most wanted dog has a date at the local rescue shelter.
A dog performs a heroic or unusual act.
A dog has to make the hardest decision in her life.
A dog steals food meant for the family.
A dog saves another’s life, and dies in the undertaking.
The new vet treats the dog too quickly and he mistakes the dog for a human.
A puppy chases a ball or bone into a street and gets hit by a car.
The dog guards the house at night.
A dog’s nose mysteriously grows.
A dog mourns the loss of a fallen best friend.
What did your childhood dog say about you?
A dog’s tail tells a story.
During the Great Depression, a boy barters with a dog for his dinner.
Two friends see their bond tested.
The boss’s dog has been missing for months.
An alien spaceship crashes to Earth, killing the alien dogs as well as the family dog. Soldiers wipe out the rest of the alien dogs. A pizza man is killed too.
The dog tags along while the family goes on vacation to…
Write about a dog and his favourite toy.
Two dogs decide the fate of the world.
A dog goes missing and his owner talks about what was important about him.
The owner loses her dog but finds its pups in a box behind her animal shelter.
Dogs mysteriously gain human intelligence.
A dog meets his doppelganger.
A dog keeps a secret/lies about a person or event that is painful to her.
Write a horror story using the perspective of the dog.
A dog runs for President.
A dog is lost and resorts to some unusual methods to survive.
A man steals another’s dog and has a change of heart. A dog’s night of mischief creates panic for the entire neighborhood. A child or young adult dog is neglected and abused and redeeming powers are revealed when she becomes an emotional support animal for one of the worst bullies in high school.
Write about a dog who complains about his job.
What was happening at the same time the dogs had a conversation in the park?
A dog thinks everything is Christmas.
Write about your dog running away.
A dog saves a person’s life.
A man has lost his dog.
The dog dreams of being a veterinarian.
The animal shelter has a break out and dogs escape.
Your rescue dog is rescued by a person, an animal, or being.
A sheep and a dog help each other out of trouble.
A boy tries to raise a goldfish as a pet but it is secretly a disguised dog.
A dog tries to steal food from the table but succeeds.

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January 21, 2013

How To Describe Dogs in Your Novel

I’ve spent years collecting snippets on how to describe characters, create settings, describe actions that I am now going to share with you over a period of, oh, a lot of weeks. I have a big Excel spreadsheet with cells for things like:

how eyes move
how mouths move
how faces look

…it goes on and on. They are all written by other authors, so don’t use them . Treat them as imagination starters. They force you to think about what it was in your character’s face that gave away his lie. Why the horse in the corral looked so agitated. Those types of descriptions that, being in a book, can only be conveyed with words.

I’ll start with dogs (if you read my blog on Michael Vick, you won’t be surprised this is where I’d start):

The dog snorted happily and bounded forward
The dog curled into a wet lump and lay shivering on the ground
Dog was doing impression of a corpse
He stretched, shook himself and circled several times before dropping to the ground
With pricked ears, he watched for a moment and then yawned
Roaming the backyard, engaged in dog intrigue
Dog’s eyes wide, ears flat, a vibrating growl deep in his chest
Exulting in whatever it is that dogs exult in
dogs wandered off to rest their noses in their paws
roughed them up the way Labs expect to be treated
paws up, aerial
The dog was sprawled across her lap, his sides rising and falling, his nose mashed against the ground in a most uncomfortable-looking manner. Dogs were funny. They could sleep in peculiar positions.
Dogs, after voiding their excrement, often make with all four feet a few scratches backwards, even on a bare stone pavement, Wolves and jackals behave in the same manner, yet, as I am assured by the keepers, neither wolves, jackals, nor foxes, when they have the means of doing so, ever cover up their excrement, any more than do dogs. All these animals, however, bury superfluous food.
Dogs and jackals take much pleasure in rolling and rubbing their necks and backs on carrion. The odor seems delightful to them. wolves don’t roll in the odor
Dogs scratch themselves with one of their hind-feet; and when their backs are rubbed, they rapidly scratch the air or the ground in a useless and ludicrous manner. by licking the air as if it were a hand.
As he prepares to spring with a savage growl, canine teeth are uncovered, and the ears pressed close backwards on the head
flopped onto the floor in a full doggy snit
happy woofing sounds of a dog discovering hidden treasures
wag its tale and watch with hopeful eyes
dog watched him, ears up, head slightly cocked
dogs, when intently watching and slowly approaching prey, keep one of their fore-legs doubled up for a long time, ready for the next cautious step. they behave in exactly the same manner whenever their attention is aroused. I have seen a dog at the foot of a high wall, listening attentively to a sound on the opposite side, with one leg doubled up
the one which first sees the other, lowers its bead, crouches a little, or even lies down; takes the proper attitude for concealing himself
When a dog approaches a strange dog or man in a savage or hostile frame of mind he walks upright and stiffly; his head slightly raised; tail held erect and rigid; the hairs bristle, especially along the neck and back; the pricked ears are directed forwards, and the eyes have a fixed stare
trotting gravely with high steps, head much raised, moderately erected ears, and tail carried aloft but not stiffly
young dogs in play growling and biting each other’s faces and legs
The dog got worried, crawled up on the bed, raced around chasing a ball, finally chased it out of the room. From her roommates room, she heard her barking, growling at the dog, slapping and playing, tossing the ball and the dog returned. She wondered who thought who was whose pack.

Who could not love a dog? Our furry friends deserves the best, so go the extra mile and make sure to only buy the best cbd oil for dogs . Look into WoofConnect home dog boarding services if you need someone to take care of your pet dog for a short while.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers , Cisco guest blog , Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-weekly contributor to Today’s Author . In her free time, s he is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum , K-8 keyboard curriculum , K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum , and creator of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Jacqui Murray

A Dog’s-eye view

By Juliet Marillier | December 6, 2012 | 37 Comments

I made numerous attempts to write these stories, trying many different approaches to style and structure. That was unusual for me – I generally have a good intuitive feel for what will work. The problem in this instance lay with the voice.

Each of the stories had an animal as the main protagonist, the character whose journey the piece was built around. The obvious way to write the story was to give the animal the point of view. The easier, less effective way would be to write in detached, omniscient third person. I knew that would lessen the impact of the story.

The trouble is, animals don’t think in human words. Dogs respond to a certain number of familiar words and phrases, such as their name and various commands. They are sensitive to tone of voice and body language. But their thought patterns are not those of a human being, and I suspect the workings of a cat’s mind are even more alien. We often interpret the behaviour of our domestic pets through the filter of our human perception, but we can’t really know what is going on inside that feline or canine mind.

Here’s an excerpt from my most recent draft of the dog story. Muffin, a terrier, has sensed that his owner is about to go away. Pooty is a recently adopted, smaller dog. Yes, she does have a silly name – it came with her from the shelter.

His dinner is late. Pack Leader rushes about doing things. Muffin feels hollow inside, hollow and jangly and wrong. Pooty runs around the house. She has a nap. She plays with her squeaky toy until Pack Leader yells at her. Pooty cringes. Pack Leader picks her up and cuddles her, making soothing noises. Muffin watches. Finally, dinner comes. Muffin has a mouthful, but it just doesn’t taste right. He goes under the table. Pooty empties her bowl and licks it clean. She glances at Muffin, then sidles towards his leftovers. Muffin barks, and she retreats. Pack Leader crouches down and speaks to Muffin in her special voice. Muffin is not taken in. He lets her fondle his ears and scratch his belly. Her tone tells him she’s upset. ‘Calm and quiet, Muffin,’ she says. ‘Be nice to Pooty.’ Wretched Pooty! She changed everything. Muffin is not scared of big dogs – well, usually not – or thunderstorms. But when things change, when The Way Things Should Be is forgotten, his belly fills with terror. He feels it now, deep down, like an ant starting to crawl inside him, an ant that may soon become a monster. Pack Leader opens the door and calls them outside. Muffin sulks, but Pack Leader throws the ball, and all else disappears. Run, run, run, snatch! Waaaaait – run, run, run, catch! He forgets the suitcase. Run, run, run, grab! He even forgets Pooty, who’s digging in a corner.

I soon got bogged down with this style. What should have been simple (What name does your dog use for you?) became ridiculously difficult – if I had another go at writing this I wouldn’t use Pack Leader, but I failed to think of anything better. I think the story reflects my understanding of canine behaviour, and the simplicity of Muffin’s thoughts works OK. But I was always aware of how inappropriate human language is to convey animal thoughts and feelings. The story became easier to write once Muffin and Pooty were alone in the kennels and not interacting much with humans.

Knowing there were many successful stories out there with animal protagonists, I looked at a sample to see how the writers approached the problem, starting with a couple of classics.

Animal stories have changed with the times, reflecting changes in society. Fashions in writing have also changed, so a mode of storytelling that worked brilliantly for a 19 th century audience may not be so effective for contemporary readers. I limited my research to stories in which the animal is presented semi-realistically, since if the animal is anthropomorphised or the book has magical/fantasy elements, the writer doesn’t face the same challenges with voice.

Jack London’s The Call of the Wild (1903) was hugely popular in its time. Buck, a rich family’s pet dog, is stolen and becomes a sled dog in the Alaskan hinterland before going off to run with a wolf pack. The novel contains overwrought language and racist values; it also has a strong message against cruelty to animals. Despite its flaws, it’s a grand and thrilling story. We see Buck through the author’s eyes, complete with philosophical commentary on his actions, so there’s a distance between reader and canine protagonist. However, the dog is a well-drawn character and his thoughts and actions ring true. When we are in Buck’s POV the language is kept simple and appropriate. This passage comes after Buck has seen one of the working dogs lose a fight, then get torn apart by the pack: ‘The scene often came back to Buck to trouble him in his sleep. So that was the way. No fair play. Once down, that was the end of you. Well, he would see to it that he never went down.’

Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty (1877) is told in first person by the horse of the title. The writer used the story to draw public attention to issues of cruelty to animals. Beauty has human perceptions; he understands human speech and motivations and can comment on his own situation. For its period, this is a story told simply and directly – it is a children’s book – and the reader can suspend disbelief quite easily.

A later classic was Richard Adams’ Watership Down (1972) with its cast of rabbits. I prefer Adams’ novel The Plague Dogs (1977), a powerful story about two dogs escaping from an animal testing laboratory. Stalwart Rowf and brain-damaged Snitter talk to each other in English, and have conversations with a fox who speaks in heavy dialect. The gripping nature of the story compensates for Adams’ wordy and rather selfconscious style.

I recently began reading A Dog’s Journey by W. Bruce Cameron (a companion book to A Dog’s Purpose.) Cameron makes the dog, Buddy, the first person narrator, but includes human dialogue of which Buddy can only understand his own name and his familiar commands. The combination is illogical – if Buddy thinks in English, why can’t he understand English speech? Despite this, I imagine the book will be immensely popular. Cameron’s understanding of a dog’s natural instincts strengthens the narrative.

Writer friends gave me a long list of successful stories with animal protagonists, many of which are outside the scope of this discussion because the animals in them act or think like humans. Top of my reading list is the wonderfully imagined cat-world fantasy, Tailchaser’s Song by Tad Williams.

What should you remember when writing a story with an animal protagonist?

When in the animal POV, keep the language simple. Tailor the vocabulary to the animal’s perceptions. Short sentences work well.
First person is rarely convincing. It requires a high degree of writing expertise.
The better you know animals, the better you will write them. You need a sound understanding of animal behaviour to craft this kind of story.
Animal POV is easier to write well when the animal is interacting with others of its kind, not with humans!

The story of Muffin’s terrifying stay in the kennels has been set aside for now and won’t appear in Prickle Moon. I wrote instead a much darker animal story called The Angel of Death, which has a human narrator.

Have you written fiction with animal protagonists? What approach did you take?

Photo credit: © Photodynamx | Dreamstime.com

Juliet Marillier has written twenty-four novels for adults and young adults and two collections of short fiction. Her works of historical fantasy have been published around the world and have won numerous awards. Juliet’s most recent series was Warrior Bards, of which the third and final book, A Song of Flight, was published in 2021. Her collection of reimagined fairy tales, Mother Thorn and Other Tales of Courage and Kindness, had its trade release in 2022. Mother Thorn is illustrated by Kathleen Jennings and published by Serenity Press. Juliet is currently working on a two-book fantasy series, the first instalment of which will be published by New Dawn in 2025. When not writing, Juliet looks after a small crew of rescue dogs.

37 Comments

I read a great book (it’s very ‘easy reading’) from the dogs POV called ‘Dog on it’. It’s a detective story, but what really stood out was how the author really captured the essence of dog. It was very smart, witty writing that he made appear simple. I was really impressed. Worth having a browse through. The book should be on my shelf, i could find out the author.

I never thought about writing a story from an animal’s POV but as a child, I loved Black Beauty. I’d never thought about how difficult it could be. You’re right, finding the perfect tone is a challenge. Making something completely imaginative take on a realistic tone is a fine balance.

Your example certainly illustrates the difficulty. Now that I think about it, the animal stories I’ve loved as a child and as an adult are all either human POV or anthropomorphized. I liked Watership Down and before that, The Wind in the Willows. My wife read The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein, which we’d heard broke new ground in animal POV, but afterward she advised me not to bother. I love animals and they play an important role in my work (mostly horses), but always from a human POV.

Great tips. Good luck with a worthy pursuit, Juliet. I hope others weigh in with feedback.

I am writing a modern-day myth with a sunglasses-wearing komodo dragon named Rex who speaks through rap music. He is one of two faithful and supportive sidekicks to the princess hero. :)

Wow, Juliet. What an interesting and insightful post.

I love the reminder that we humans like to impose things (our view of the world, our voice) on animals. But that doesn’t honor the animal . . . gosh, we humans can be so arrogant!

Thank you for sharing this with us. (And I love the photo. Sweet dog.)

Juliet, I’ve experimented with ideas that center around a shape-shifting protagonist–a man who shifts into animal form–and even that I’ve found hugely challenging to write, to come up with a voice that accurately reflects what human consciousness would sound like when stretched and compressed in equal measures into what an animal’s view of the world might be. The idea keeps nagging at me . . . maybe someday. :)

Michelle Paver’s Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series contains portions that are written from the POV of a wolf (though there are other human POV characters, as well) and IMO she does an EXCELLENT job with them in terms of language choices and thought patterns; truly, her ‘wolf’ voice is probably the most compelling and convincing animal point of view I’ve read.

Thanks, Anna. I have seen the Michelle Paver books but not yet read them – another thing to add to my massive ‘to be read’ pile!

Goodness, I would really suck at writing from an animal’s POV. I never know what the heck my dog wants, and I’ve loved her for 11 years.

Kudos to you, Juliet, for being insightful enough to even attempt such a feat.

Denise Willson Author of A Keeper’s Truth

Another example to consider is the final chapter of Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer,” where she uses third-person-close narration for a coyote. Her choice of vocabulary is rich, but always reflective of the nuance a coyote might actually discern:

“She had reached the place where the trail descended into a field of wild apple trees, and she hesitated there. She wouldn’t have minded nosing through the hummocks of tall grass and briars for a few sweet, sun-softened apples. That whole field and the orchard below it had a welcoming scent, a noticeable absence of chemical burn in the air, that always made it attractive to birds and field mice, just as surely as it was drawing her right now. But she felt restless and distracted to be this far from her sister and the children. She turned uphill, back toward safer ground where she could disappear inside slicks and shadows if she needed to.”

Animals don’t think in language, or stories for that matter, they think in terms of their senses, of their direct experiences. So as a writer, isn’t our job in an animal story to translate that sense of experience? In a way, it’s the same for our human characters, too, because so much of our experience is, well, experiential, rather than linguistic. I do think animals, especially smart animals, have experiences of sufficient complexity to warrant more sophisticated literary techniques, like the kinds of sentences Kingsolver employs above.

I loved ‘Prodigal Summer’, Jane. You’re right, the sensory description does conjure up for us a wild creature’s way of thinking and feeling. And what beautiful writing.

Your comments caught my eye Jane and the example of the author’s way of having the coyote communicate is the best I’ve ever read. Thank you for sharing this and I’m definitely going to buy this book. For anyone else interested it is on Amazon Uk at a very cheap price indeed. As Juliet commented….The writing is beautiful.

Let’s not forget Temple Grandin here when we discuss animal perceptions. I’ve heard the woman interviewed several times. and she lacks the natural sense of story that writers who don’t have to overcome autism possess. Her idea of how an animal thinks in stories is the rapid sequencing of sensory experiences, like running a movie in 3D with smells and other senses heightened in a way that replaces narrative.

I also work as a poet, and sometimes I have struggled with a style called L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E, that is, the deliberate obscuring of the conventions of grammar. It’s amazing how hard it is to write that way. I think that both Juliet and Jane have identified the key issues around this POV, especially important in writing for children.

I’ve read some of Temple Grandin’s work and I find her ideas about how animals think convincing.

Interestingly, she differs from Cesar Millan in her view of the way we interact with our domestic pets, dogs in particular. Temple Grandin has said that because we tend to infantilise our pets, our relationship with them is more like adoptive parent/child than pack leader/pack member. This colours the way we write about them.

Thanks for these insights! While sometimes I get the feeling that writing from a cat’s point of view would be fun (because I live with a cat who has a strong personality), I know it would never work with me. I’d probably anthropomorphize the story and it would go down hill from there. But it is wonderful when writers master this challenge. A difference in species should not divide us from a good story!

Books from animal POV were some of my favourites as a child and they seem to be making a bit of a comeback. I prefer somewhat more complex language that captures the animal’s experience; anyone who lives with an animal knows their feelings are more subtle than they could possibly explain in the words they know. I tend to enjoy even further anthropomorphosis for the sake of humour or drama.

This story of mine is from dog POV and won Five Stop Story’s August competition (warning: adult themes!) https://www.fivestopstory.com/read/story.php?storyId=3660

By the way, if anyone wants an example of a powerful opening, look at Jack London’s “White Fang” – I re-read it recently and it is gripping!

Thank you Juliet for your interesting thoughts on writing a story from the POV of animals. I have written both poetry spoken from my cat’s POV and confess I have her speaking as a human would. I also wrote a short stoy based on John Clare’s poem about the grasshpper and the ant. Again I used human speech for both creatures, though this was a story for children.

Your thoughts have now got me thinking……. Perhaps stories for children would be acceptable using human language? As I said….You’ve got me thinking!!!

Another animal POV book that has gotten lots of praise is THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein.

“Squirrel!” (OK, somebody had to say it.) But seriously, one of the things the writers of the movie Up! captured well in that running gag was how powerful survival-based behaviors are, even after millenia of domestication. That was something you captured in your excerpt too, Juliet.

Your point about living among aliens is on target as well. A long time ago I reminded my writers’ group that we live among aliens: our spouse or significant other, our kids, our in-laws–to say nothing of our pets! Aliens don’t have to come from another country or another planet.

This is something science fiction and fantasy writers have struggled with for centuries. No matter what we do, our aliens end up being humans in rubber suits to some degree. They have to be: they wouldn’t be comprehensible otherwise. The same is true for earthly animals. We will ALWAYS and unavoidably view and understand them through the lens of our humanness. Once we’re aware of that, we can start to peel away those layers and emphasize the characteristics that make that animal who and what it is–IF that’s what we want to do (as opposed to making it a human in disguise for other writerly purposes).

Great point. And human language is the tool we have to set these stories down, so we have to use it even if it’s a blunt instrument at times. I guess there’s no ‘right way’ or ‘wrong way’ to do it – different approaches work for different kinds of narrative and for different readers. A Dog’s Purpose was a New York Times bestseller, proving that what one person finds hard to swallow, others lap up with enthusiasm.

Ursula K. LeGuin has several brilliant stories in nonhuman POVs. Ants who are artists and dancers; a worried wolf wife; a decrepit Western town of coyotes, bluejays, and rattlesnakes; and Cat Wings, her kids’ books. Always convincing, never condescending, inviting the reader into a magical parallel universe of experience. Hey, that’s why I read.

I remember being quite entranced by Kipling when I was a youngster: The Jungle Book, Just So Stories. I reread them recently and they hold up well, in part because of the storyteller’s tone. Now that I think of it, many fables and fairytales have nonhuman actors, who often show more “humanity” than the people.

Last month, the 10 minute animated DVD ‘Titanic Dog’ based on my children’s story from the viewpoint of the ‘Newfie’ sea rescue dog from the Titanic, was released. The challenge was to make the story positive, as so many children and dogs died, so an appealing dog perspective was my choice. Earlier I had even considered writing from the viewpoint of a flea on the dog. How to handle issues of smell, counting ( enough or not enough lifeboats) and the survival via legend in story telling had to be solved. Now animator Tobi Jessop has a computer game planned too. http://www.tobop.com.au ‘Titanic Dog’ was his first animation and took six months to research and draw so the dog viewpoint was credible and not scary.

I find it interesting that you presume to know how an animal “thinks” and I heartily disagree. Empirical evidence suggest far more than you seem to realize. This preconceived idea can do nothing but limit the work. Take a step back, get to know your dog or cat–give them the full voice of which they are capable. It will go better.

Perhaps I should have included my credentials. The two major activities in my life are (a) writing and (b) fostering and rehabilitating shelter dogs. I don’t claim to be Cesar Millan, but I spend a lot of time around dogs and am extremely close to my permanent pack. I’m also a member of a local canine training club and have the opportunity to observe a pretty wide range of other people’s dogs on a regular basis. I would rate my understanding of domesticated dogs as well above average.

I do know the story isn’t working – I said so in the post.

I never considered this, really interesting.

I don’t see why it should be a problem to let the animal think in English even though it can’t understand English speech because we are reading it in English. So you could think of it as translating from animal language to English language.

To me, writing it the way we believe an animal might think like in the excerpt sounded a bit like a children’s book.

The story is not told entirely in Muffin’s POV. It begins with a section in the POV of his human, and there are other human POV scenes later. However, the significant events in the story happen when no human is present, hence the need to find an authentic voice for Muffin. It does seem that what I did was too simple – I guess I was trying to capture his frame of mind in few words.

There are some very insightful comments above. If I tackle a similar challenge in future I’ll be less hung-up about using rich language, and will remember the very significant point about sensory description.

Though I haven’t written and animal story myself, I enjoyed Kathryn Davis’s The Thin Place. Now it’s not all from the animals’ points of view, but I think she did a good job. Maybe that’s the key, inserting the dog’s tale into something else that might offer context and give you a break from dog-think :) Break a pencil :) (superstitious writer’s good luck)

Thanks, I agree! See comment above – the story opens with a human POV section.

What might help is to consider interacting with the environment the way the protagonist might; as dogs tend to favor input from their noses and ears over their eyes (i.e., they go by smell more than sight, and have a more developed hearing range at the expense of their sight), perhaps stressing what the dogs’ smell and hear over what they see might help.

I had some dog stories I worked on (not yet finished) that flowed a lot better when I went with that approach, and this might be of help. I also had a piece that did get published where briefly we get the cat’s POV; because it was a lap cat, the perspective was, well, overly simple, but I assure you that there’s no prejudice involved in the limited motivations the cat had voiced…

A very good point. That’s why the Barbara Kingsolver example someone quoted above is so effective – we’re experiencing everything as the coyote does (and, of course, Kingsolver’s beautiful use of language enhances that.)

I do hope you solve your problems with your story Juliet. Y

Thanks! I think it’s been relegated to the bottom drawer forever, though. :)

While my novel–The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles–is hardly a classic, it is told from a cat’s point of view, and is in first person. If you want to take a look, there’s a sample chapter on http://www.vampirekittycat.com . In fact, the whole website is written “by” my cat character. Good luck!

How could I forget The Vampire Kitty-Cat Chronicles?? Seriously, I did think of it while writing the piece, but had to cut my examples down as it was all getting too long. This website is definitely worth a visit!

Wonderful and interesting post, Juliet. By giving a brief example of your writing you were able to really clarify the issue. In my book, Pet Sitter’s Diary, some of the animals ‘talk’, but it’s clear that I am interpreting what I THINK they would say in the given situation. In my opinion, the very best example of an author who was able to get inside the heart and mind of a dog was done by Eva Hornung in her novel, Dog Boy. An abandoned four year old Russian boy follows a wild dog pack back to their den and becomes one of them. It is an absolutely riveting tale of dog behavior.

Thanks, Sally! Dog Boy sounds wonderful, I will look it up.

(Coming to the conversation a bit late, via Elizabeth Craig’s tweeted link)

For my part, I’d say roughly 95% of my stories involve some sort of talking animal character, though I write fantasy and sf, so most of my animal POVs are far more anthropomorphized than what it looks like you’re going for. :)

You mention that you excluded works where the animals in them “act or think like humans,” but as others have already said, I think any time you write from the POV of a nonhuman character (whether it’s an animal, an alien, an inanimate object, etc.), you’re automatically anthropomorphizing that character to some extent. I think it’s just a question of what degree of humanization suits the story and genre. Something like Watership Down is, to my mind, already on the fantastic side of the anthropomorphism scale, because the rabbits, while still being ‘normal’ quadrupedal rabbits, also have gods and myths and societal structures and perform behaviors that normal rabbits probably wouldn’t engage in during the course of their lives. And there’s even a distinction to be made between the stories like Black Beauty, where the animals actually talk to each other in straight-out dialogue, and something like Call of the Wild where (as far as I remember; it’s been years since I read it) the animal characters communicate only as real canines would.

I think part of the problem with writing from the POV of ‘realistic’ animal characters, especially pets, is that it seems there’s a tendency to make the writing too simple and/or too cutesy or self-conscious. I don’t know if this has something to do with the infantilization of pets that you mentioned, but I wonder if it’s just that some writers find it hard to take an animal POV seriously (for whatever reason, whether it’s their own unconscious attitude about animals or the automatic association of animal characters with children’s stories), and then the writing automatically reflects an attitude of “yeah, the dog’s telling this story, I know that’s kind of silly.” So I guess I’d say that, like any aspect of craft, if you’re writing from that POV as a gimmick, it’ll show, and you have to have some conviction that your story really does need to be told by the dog, for whatever reason.

You make some really good points here, Renee. The example someone quoted from Barbara Kingsolver illustrates really well that if the writer takes the animal viewpoint seriously the narrative can be completely believable – this is assisted in Kingsolver’s case by her exquisite use of language of course! I agree with you that animal viewpoint should only be used where it is absolutely necessary for the story.

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Writing Prompts

10 Writing Prompts About Dogs for Kids

Few weeks ago we shared our 10 writing prompts about cats . It’s only fair to share you our 10 writing prompts about dogs this week. Through the hard times and the good times, man’s best friend, Dogs have accompanied their owners through it all. To honour this beautiful bond between dog and man, National Dog Day is celebrated on the 26 th August. This is the day to appreciate the love and loyalty of these spectacular animals. Here at Imagine Forest, we appreciate these beautiful creatures the Imagine Forest way. That’s through creative writing! To help you write some “dog-terrific” stories we created some awesome writing prompts for kids. To celebrate man’s best friend on National Dog day, use these 10 writing prompts about dogs for kids.

10 Writing Prompts about Dogs for Kids:

Write a step by step guide on how to train a dog.
A hurricane destroyed a whole city. Write a story about a search and rescue dog.
Write from the perspective of a dog who hates dressing up in all the embarrassing costumes that their owner makes them.
Write a story about a secret agent dog who solves crimes.
You find out that your dog can speak. Write a conversation between you and your dog.
Your dog finds a strange glowing object in your backyard. What happens next?
What would it be like growing up as a puppy?
Write a story of true friendship between a dog and a squirrel.
Write a story about a dog who helps Santa deliver presents.
By day your dog lays around the house, by night he saves lives.

How will you celebrate National Dog day? Will you be writing a poem or story about dogs? Our writing prompts about dogs for kids are the perfect tool for writing “dog-terrific” stories. You can even share your dog stories in the comments below.

Have you tried out our summer writing challenge yet? That’s 31 days of summer writing prompts !

10 Writing Prompts about dogs for kids _imagine forest

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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30 Writing Prompts About Dogs

We all know dogs are the best. Loyal companions, endless entertainment, and cuddle champions – they make life way more fun .

So why not unleash your inner writer with these awesome prompts about our furry best friends ?

These prompts will get your creative tail wagging, whether you want to write an adventure story, a heartfelt memoir , or something in between.

Let’s go.

Writing Prompts About Dogs

A Day in the Life of a Dog. Consider writing a story from the perspective of a dog. You could detail a typical day in its life, its thoughts and feelings, the relationships it has with humans and other animals . Highlight how it perceives the world around it through its unique senses, and provide insight into its emotions and thoughts that we, as humans, might overlook or misunderstand.
The Lost Dog’s Journey Home . Imagine a scenario where a beloved family dog gets lost during a vacation in an unfamiliar city. The story should describe the dog’s adventures and encounters as it tries to navigate its way back home. Focus on the dog’s resilience, instinctive abilities and the bonds it creates with the strangers it meets along the way.
The Dog Whisperer. Write about a character who has a unique ability to communicate with dogs, understanding their thoughts, emotions, and desires. Explore the complexities and benefits of this special gift , and also its downsides. How would such an ability change their relationship with dogs and people?
A Dog’s Transformative Impact on a Lonely Character. This prompt revolves around a character who is lonely or going through a tough time in life and then adopts a dog. Write about how the dog’s presence changes the character’s life , helps them overcome loneliness and makes them a better person.
The Canine Hero . Your story is centered on a dog who performs an incredible act of bravery , like saving someone from a fire or preventing a crime. Describe the event in detail, and bring to light the heroic qualities of the dog , the reactions of people around, and the aftermath of the incident.
The Canine Companion in a Post- Apocalyptic World. In a dystopian , post-apocalyptic world, where a character is struggling to survive , they come across a dog. Focus on their evolving relationship and the hope the dog brings into the character’s bleak existence, showing how they rely on each other to navigate this new reality.
Retirement Home Therapy Dog. Write about a dog who works in a retirement home as a therapy dog. The dog forms a special bond with one of the elderly residents, transforming their life. Describe their relationship and the joy the dog brings to the retirement home residents.
A Dog’s Legacy . This prompt is about an old dog who has been a part of a family for several generations. As the dog reaches the end of its life, the family starts reminiscing about all the moments they shared. Write about the legacy the dog leaves behind , showing how its impact continues even after it’s gone.
The Stray’s Redemption. This prompt revolves around a stray dog with a notorious reputation in a small town. When a dangerous situation arises, the stray ends up saving the day. Detail the change in the town’s perception of the dog and the journey of the stray from being an outcast to a hero.
The Therapy Dog and The Child . Write about a therapy dog that is introduced to a child with severe anxiety issues. Explore the bond that develops between them , how the dog helps the child overcome their fears and anxiety, and how this influences their relationship with their family and friends.
The Service Dog’s Challenge. Craft a story from the viewpoint of a service dog assigned to a visually impaired person. Portray the daily challenges, responsibilities , and rewards of the dog’s job , demonstrating the intense relationship of trust and dependence between the dog and its owner.
Canine Detective. In this story, a dog with an extraordinary sense of smell becomes instrumental in solving a local mystery or crime. Write about the dog’s adventures, describing how it uses its unique abilities to uncover clues and lead investigators to the truth.
Canine’s War Tale. Write a story about a military dog and its handler serving in a war zone. Capture their camaraderie, shared experiences and the perils they face together . You could highlight a specific mission where the dog’s role is vital, or focus on their overall experience of war.
The Dog Park Chronicles. This prompt is about a local dog park that serves as a social hub for dogs and their owners. Through the eyes of a frequent canine visitor, describe the dynamics, friendships, and drama that occur in this unique microcosm of society .
The Aging Dog’s Wisdom. Write a reflective piece from the viewpoint of an old, wise dog who has seen and experienced much in life. Explore the dog’s wisdom, perspectives, and reflections on a life well-lived and the lessons it might have for the younger generation of puppies or its human family.
The Search and Rescue Canine. Write about a search and rescue dog trained to locate lost individuals in dangerous environments. Describe a critical rescue mission , highlighting the dog’s training, skills, bravery, and the deep trust between the dog and its handler.
The Inspirational Journey of a Three -Legged Dog. Detail the story of a dog that loses a leg due to an accident, and how it overcomes this challenge with resilience and the support of its loving owners. Highlight its journey of adaptation and the joy it continues to bring to the lives of its family despite the setback.
The Ghost Dog. Craft a story set in a town haunted by the legend of a ghost dog. The legend has been passed down from generation to generation, and the apparition is said to appear before significant events. Describe an event that triggers the appearance of the ghost dog and the impact it has on the town .
The Celebrity Canine. Write about a dog that unexpectedly becomes an internet sensation due to a hilarious or heartwarming video . Explore the changes this fame brings into the dog’s life, the opportunities and challenges it faces, and the impact on its family.
The Dog and the Alien . In this story, a dog becomes the first to encounter an alien being that lands on Earth . Write about their unusual friendship and how the dog, with its instinctive trust and curiosity, helps bridge the gap between the alien and humanity .
The Runaway Dog’s Adventure. Write a tale about a pampered suburban dog that runs away on an unexpected adventure into the wild. Detail the dog’s experiences and how it copes with the challenges of the wild , along with its realization of the value of its domestic life.
The Dog’s Reincarnation. In this story, a family’s beloved dog passes away and then seemingly returns to them in the form of a new puppy exhibiting uncannily similar behavior. Explore the family’s reaction and the spiritual questions this raises .
The Dog Shelter Heroine. Write about a woman who runs a dog shelter single-handedly, rescuing, nurturing, and finding homes for abandoned dogs. Showcase the challenges she faces, her dedication, and the heartwarming stories of the dogs she saves .
The Canine Time-Traveler. Craft a story about a dog that mysteriously has the ability to time travel . Through the dog’s eyes, experience different eras, historical events, or even foresee the future . How does this impact the dog’s relationship with its owner, and what role does it play in the grander scheme of things?
The Dog’s Unusual Friend. Create a story around a dog that forms an unexpected friendship with a creature usually considered a natural enemy, like a cat or a squirrel. Show how they challenge the norms and grow their bond , and how this unusual friendship impacts their lives and their community ’s perceptions.
The Homeless Man and His Dog. Write about a homeless man whose only companion is his loyal dog. Highlight their bond, their struggles, and the comfort they provide each other . Explore how the dog becomes a beacon of hope and love for the man amidst his challenging circumstances.
The Canine Cupid. Craft a tale of a dog that has an uncanny ability to bring people together, leading to unexpected friendships or even romantic relationships. Describe the charming scenarios created by the dog and how it unknowingly plays matchmaker in its community.
The Accidental Stowaway Dog. In this story, a family dog unintentionally stows away on a cross-country road trip planned by the neighborhood teenagers . Depict the adventure from the dog’s perspective , including the places it sees, the people it meets, and how it finally finds its way back home.
The Mysterious Canine Benefactor. Write about a neighborhood where small, meaningful gifts start appearing at people’s doorsteps, only to discover that they are delivered by a generous dog. Capture the joy and curiosity spread by the dog and the eventual revelation of its identity .
The Dog’s Midnight Escapades. Craft a story centered on a pet dog that goes on secret midnight escapades and returns home before dawn. The dog’s owners remain unaware of these nightly outings until they start noticing clues. Describe the dog’s secret adventures and how the owners uncover the truth .

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Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing.

Creating Memorable Animal Characters

By Ellen Buikema

Animal characters are created in all genres, either in cartoon-like or realistic forms. They may be walking, talking substitutes for human characters, or reality-based beings that may or may not be augmented with special abilities. No matter how you incorporate an animal into your story, they should be a memorable character.

Choose Your Animal

Some animals will better fit a particular function in a story. In a reality-based fight scene, a snake probably wouldn’t do as well as a dog or a cat.

Say you are writing fantasy and want a reality-based animal to act as a spy. A bird might work well in this instance, perhaps a raven, as was done in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Ravens are intelligent, playful, and have a sense of humor, having been known to perch on snowy rooftops waiting for people to pass by, and then pushing snow on top of them.

When writing historical fiction, consider researching which animals were popular pets of the era so the animals will be a good fit for the story. Jean Auel conducted an immense amount of research for her brilliant prehistoric fictional Earth’s Children series. She incorporated the domestication of wolves in her work. The main protagonist, Ayla, studies animals in order to hunt for food and learn their habits. Those wolf studies enable her to understand pack behavior and the similarities to the human pack or extended family unit—leading to the domestication of a wolf pup.

One of my favorite animal characters is the dog in Dean R. Koontz’s suspense novel, Watchers . Einstein is a golden retriever, altered at the genetic level by scientists working with the military. This dog has a high intelligence level, psychic ability, and sense of humor along with the characteristics typical of a golden retriever. Einstein functions as a secondary protagonist, a protector, and in a way serves as a comment on human behavior.

Animal stories for children

Children may be more likely to recognize their own traits, the good and the not so good, seen humorously in an animal than written as a child. Frankie Fish, from my Adventures of Charlie Chameleon series is naughty but well meaning. Many children relate to Frankie.

Stories for children often have pets as characters that help their humans learn important life lessons. Sometimes they are a bit like guardian angels with paws. Often the child is the hero but the pet is a crucial character in the story. Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie uses a pup that enables the main protagonist, young India Opal Buloni, to learn how to trust.

One of the oldest forms of children’s literature is the Fable. In these stories, the animal is affiliated with a particular human trait and there is a lesson to be learned. One of my favorites is Aesop’s The Ant and the Dove . The lesson learned is that a kindness is never wasted.

Creating your animal character

Is the story for adults or children? Animal characters for teen and adult stories will need more subtlety than animals in stories for children.

Prominence and type

What is the animal character’s role? The animal characters may be secondary sidekicks (comic relief), protagonists, or antagonists.

Perspective

Who is the story’s voice? The story may be written from the perspective of the human or the animal.
Consider physical size. If the character is tiny it will see the world in a much different way than a large one. For example Mouse vs. giraffe; Toddler vs. teen; Toddler vs. Great Dane.

Personality

The best animal characters feel authentic to the animal type and relatable to the reader. This is true for either cartoon or realistic characters. A cat character may be playful but a little too much affection, like one pet too many, will still get you smacked in most realities.
Whichever animal you choose, writing a list of personality traits and quirks will help as you introduce the character to your readers and develop the story.

Special characteristics

What makes your character different? The animal character may have a similar emotional or physical trait as the protagonist.
For SciFi and fantasy stories the animal character might read minds or defy the laws of physics.
Writing a list of special abilities and traits in advance will be useful, especially if there are several characters of varying abilities.
Your creatures have certain looks and personalities. Names may follow suit. Bandit for one with a mask coloring in the fur, Jester for another with a multi-colored face, Spot, Blackie, Chairman Meow, Dude, the possibilities are many.
For humor, try a huge dog named Tiny, a tuxedo cat named Scruffy.
Alliteration works well for animal characters in children’s stories. Black Beauty, Frankie Fish, Tamika Turtle, Mickey Mouse, Peppa Pig.
The background information of the character does not need to be in the story itself, but is handy to know in order to understand what motivates the character. Fictional characters need to feel real. Knowing the backstory helps define that reality.
Goals, the driving forces, mold the character’s personality. It may give love to a child, or encouragement to an adult. Whatever the case, subtlety weaving goals into the story adds richness and depth.

Obviously, like a human character, there are many details to consider when writing an animal character. Doing it well will make your story memorable.

Do you have animal characters in your stories? Of all the stories you’ve read, do any of the animal characters still bring a smile to your face or terror to your heart? We want to hear all about it down in the comments section!

* * * * * *

About Ellen

Author, speaker, and former teacher, Ellen L. Buikema has written non-fiction for parents and a series of chapter books for children with stories encouraging the development of empathy—sprinkling humor wherever possible. Her Work In Progress, The Hobo Code , is YA historical fiction.

Find her at http://ellenbuikema.com or on Amazon .

19 comments on “Creating Memorable Animal Characters”

In my murder mystery "Body In The Bush", I have a sarcastic moose and an intelligent German Shepherd. Both make me smile, and I hope they do the same for the reader. I too, loved Einstein in "Watchers". It's my favourite Koontz novel, just because of Einstein.

I feel exactly the same way about "Watchers". The Einstein character is brilliantly written.

A sarcastic moose! What an interesting concept. Do you have a backstory?

For the sarcastic moose? No. It is an interesting scene where the moose steps out into the road, barely avoids being hit by a Jeep and ... well... here's a sneak peek https://dragonquillca.wordpress.com/2020/05/25/too-close/

Thanks, Carolyn! I'll have a look.

Thanks for a great post, Ellen. Loved the reference to Einstein, who pretty much stole the show in Dean Koontz' book (my favorite was his "Fiddle broken" statement) . -- Considering a dog in a WIP, and your suggestions will help tremendously. Thanks again!

Mary, how exciting! I'd love to know about your dog character when it's ready. I'm happy the suggestions are helpful.

Oh, I love this topic! I write fantasy in Deep 3rd and having an animal around when a character is alone is invaluable. It provides the character someone to talk to, even if they're interpreting the animal's responses. On page one of Riparia's series she shares her misgivings about a situation with her horse. "Doppla snorted. Odd how it summed up the situation." My only talking character was a crow, Mazatta. He manages sarcasm in his 2-4 word declarations that also serve as a character's conscience on her way to redemption. There are various other horses, along with Riparia's cirque cat, Trayla (think lynx + sabertooth). Most fun and entertaining were Zepha's rylls (beaver + dwarf lemur). Each has a different personality. Together, they help drive the story early on because of Zepha's intense introversion and awkwardness early in the tale. Animals can be silent companions, almost background, but they can also be friends, comforters, supporters, and so much more.

Wow! The rylls sound interesting. Maybe feisty? I like your creature combinations.

I keep a separate document for each book I write that helps me keep track of characters looks, personalities ... otherwise I lose track of who and what.

I became curious about ravens after reading "A Game of Thrones". The bit about pushing snow on top of passers-by made me laugh out loud. Very clever.

Love this post! All my stories contain at least one animal. In my current fantasy romance WIP, I have a mouse familiar and a Chihuaha familiar. As I'm editing, I'm fleshing out their backgrounds and roles as appropriate, and they both have a role to play in the climax. But I hadn't thought about actually doing a character chart for them. Now I will. Dean Koontz is a favorite writer of mine in the horror genre. Loved Watchers. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him and getting his autograph on the book he wrote about his golden retriever Trixie--Life is Good. He has written other books featuring goldens, one that could disappear and reappear at will that inspired another book of mine. His recent release, Devoted, also features a golden. Anyway, thanks for this post!

Hi Barb! A Chihuahua familiar is intriguing. I look forward to learning more about your WIP.

The character chart has saved my bacon a number of times, particularly if I step away from a project for a while. Life gets in the way for all of us.

How fortunate for you to have met and chatted with Dean Koontz! I should have a look at "Life is Good".

Wasn't WATCHERS the best book ever? And he is such a very nice man. I haven't read LIFE IS GOOD. I really need to. 🙂

Watchers is wonderful. I hope to meet the author some day.

I always dig it in witchy stories where there is a familiar. I also like authors who let their animals take active roles. I'm thinking about Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series with Bob the Dog. That dog makes me laugh my butt off.

One of my favorite animals in literature is Enzo, the dog in The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The story is told in first person by the dog. It's brilliantly written, but keep a box of tissues near by as you read...I'm not kidding.

In the third James McCarthy book, Cold Karma (soon to be released...finally) I use animals to show personal growth in the main character. James is afraid of dogs, so the first time he encounters Nestor's over-sized beast (described as a bounding mass of fur, teeth, and tongue), he's terrified. Learning how to face his fear and deal with Nestor's dog gives him something new he can draw on that will come into play later in the story.

Excellent! More good books to peruse. I haven't read this Garth Stein book. Thanks for the tissue tip.

Using an animal character to show personal growth is a fabulous idea. My main protagonist in my WIP has a tuxedo cat named Macduff. I'm still pondering his role. Now I have more to think about.

Loved Enzo in the movie.

I have a few chapters written with a possible dog adoption as part of the plot, but one character has an allergy. I found a dog known to have less allergen for humans and I asked my allergist about reactions, shots, etc... so the story could be realistic.

Personally, I'd love to find a hypoallergenic cat that isn't so unattractive. My kid is dying for a cat and I just can't.

I understand.

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The 3 Golden Rules Of Writing About Your Pet

Many authors have considered sharing the adventures of their beloved pet, or thought about what amazing characters they are in their own right. Some leave it at that, but many authors take the next step and commit to writing about their pets – whether by including them in a fictional story, mentioning them in non-fiction , or even basing an entire work around them.

Rule #1 – Avoid ‘that’ argument

The argument as to whether cats or dogs are better is a long running quarrel, but it’s one that seldom leads to commendable writing. While the differences in the animals’ behavior – and, more importantly, our perception of those differences – can make enjoyable reading, few readers are going to be genuinely engaged by a sincere argument against one type of domestic pet.

Dogs, then, are peasants and the pets of peasants; cats are gentlemen and the pets of gentlemen. The dog is for him who places crude feeling and outgrown ethics and humanocentricity above austere and disinterested beauty; who just loves ‘folks and folksiness’ and doesn’t mind sloppy clumsiness if only something will truly care for him… that’s the sort of go-getter that had ought to go in for dogs. – H.P. Lovecraft, Cats and Dogs

This venom makes the text far less accessible to cat lovers – a genuine shame, since the passages celebrating Lovecraft’s favored animal are otherwise eloquent and enjoyable.

[The cat is for the] dilettante—the connoisseur—the decadent, if you will, though in a healthier age than this there were things for such men to do, so that they were the planners and leaders of those glorious pagan times. The cat is for him who does things not for empty duty but for power, pleasure, splendour, romance, and glamour—for the harpist who sings alone in the night of old battles, or the warrior who goes out to fight such battles for beauty, glory, fame… For the man who knows that play, not work, and leisure, not bustle, are the great things of life; and that the round of striving merely in order to strive some more is a bitter irony of which the civilised soul accepts as little as it can. – H.P. Lovecraft, Cats and Dogs

Rule #2 – Make the reader care about your pet

The stupid new dog is under my bed. She has got pregnant by the small dog, Oscar, who lives over the road. None of us can quite work out how this has happened, as Oscar is one of those small, yappy types of dogs, only slightly bigger than a family-sized tin of baked beans, and the stupid new dog is a fully grown German Shepherd… I look into the dog’s eyes. She is as stupid as a barrel of toes. Galaxies of nothing are going on in her eyes. I get up. ‘I’m going to talk to Mum,’ I explain. The dog remains under my bed, looking, as always, deeply nervous about being a dog. – Caitlin Moran, How to be a Woman

In the extract above, Moran uses personification and humor to endear her dog to the reader – the phrase ‘stupid as a barrel of toes’ delivers a core idea of the dog’s nature while making the reader laugh. It’s the kind of description that sticks because the reader enjoyed taking it on board.

Cats don’t hunt seals. They would if they knew what they were and where to find them. But they don’t, so that’s all right. – Terry Pratchett, The Unadulterated Cat

It’s through this type of writing that the pet stops being a subject (a source of events in a piece of writing) and becomes a character in their own right. This is essential to great pet writing, because it allows you to develop a decent story.

Rule #3 – Tell a story

I was in tears much of the time, blaming myself for bringing this confused little puppy into a home where he was not fully wanted, where I struggled to get him to learn faster. It broke my heart to think of losing Boo, and I was starting to resent Lawrence for not wanting him. I couldn’t make Lawrence love Boo. Only Boo could make Lawrence love Boo. But to get Boo to the place where he could do that, he needed confidence and to learn how to live in a world outlined by the social mores of humans. It had taken me years to develop confidence and a rudimentary understanding of life skills. Boo didn’t have years. – Lisa Edwards, Boo! The Underdog with a Heart of Gold

I had known that A Street Cat Named Bob , the book I wrote about my life-changing friendship with a ginger tomcat I met eight years ago, has been a huge bestseller in Germany, spending more than a year in the bestseller list and selling more than 1.5 million copies. But I had no idea of the impact the story had made there… Crowds of up to 900 people turned up at signings in Cologne, Berlin and Brunswick. Many had queued for five or more hours just to say hello, get an autographed copy of one of our books and, of course, get a glimpse and a hurried smartphone snap of Bob. It was a wonderful experience, one that I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams. To know that so many people have been touched by our story was truly humbling. – James Bowen, The Big Issue

What genre suits your story?

Suspension of disbelief: what is it and how to use it, what is conflict in a story, and why should i care, how to write characters who actually like each other, 6 daring plot twists to try in your writing – part 2, 6 daring plot twists to try in your writing – part 1, how to write about your hobby (as an author), robert wood, 8 thoughts on “the 3 golden rules of writing about your pet”.

We love dogs! Canine writing prompts for your homeschool

by Daniella Dautrich | Jun 12, 2019 | Writing & Journal Prompts

If your kids have a dog, writing prompts about canine tricks, search and rescue teams, and a puppy business will fire up their creative writing!

From the deck of the Mayflower to the White House lawn , dogs have rightfully earned their titles as “man’s best friend.” Encourage your kids to try their hand at these fun writing prompts for dog lovers!

1. I Will Always Find You

Search and rescue (SAR) dogs work alongside their handlers to track missing humans. With their acute sense of smell, SAR dogs can work in most kinds of weather and environments, whether day or night. Write a story about a search and rescue German Shepherd who is called to action after a powerful earthquake hits Los Angeles.

2. Doggy Dress-up

You are a friendly chihuahua who just met the poodle who lives next door. The two of you quickly discover how much you have in common, including a history of embarrassing Halloween costumes. Describe the fairy costume your family made you wear this October, and explain how you really feel about playing dress-up.

3. That’s a Strange Dog, Charlie Brown

Poor Charlie Brown wants to train his dog to play fetch, but once again Snoopy won’t cooperate. Describe the steps Charlie Brown must take to convince Snoopy to play, and insert as many onomatopoeic (sound) words as possible.

4. In the Dog House

Who says a night in the dog house is cold and lonely? Imagine that you’ve come up with plans for a luxury dog house for your pet. Write a persuasive paragraph to convince your parents that Fido deserves this posh, two-story pad. (If you want to take the opposite side, write a letter to the editor about why people should stop spoiling their pets.)

5. Puppy Love

Raising puppies for profit is no small task when you consider the time and energy involved (not to mention possible damage to your home and yard). Prepare a list of six questions for someone who specializes in raising and selling Black Labrador Retrievers . You want to know if this could be a successful and fulfilling business for you.

Did you like these dog writing prompts? If so, you’ll also appreciate these fun writing prompts about animals.

Journal Prompts for Horse-loving Kids
Crazy for Cats | Cat Journal Prompts
Journal Prompts about Animals
Writing Prompts about Unusual Pets

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Writing Prompts

10 Writing Prompts—Written by Cats and a Dog

by Pamela Hodges | 34 comments

Your writing brain has turned into a lump of frozen hamburger meat. The only way to thaw out your creativity is to write, and if you don't know what to write, here is a list of writing prompts . A gentle nudge towards getting words on the page.

10 Writing Prompts—Written by Cats and a Dog

Writing prompts are always helpful.

My cats thought writing prompts about cats would be a good idea. The cats, Charlie, Nepeta, JR and Harper helped me write Ten Cat Writing Prompts.

Ten Cat Writing Prompts

Harper the kitten helps with the illustration.

1. The cat scratched at the door. 2. There was no money to buy cat food. 3. The cat walked out the door when the wind blew the door open. 4. The cat thought she was a dog. 5. The cat met the Queen of England. 6. The dog admitted cats are better than dogs. 7. A dirty litter box. 8. The cat saved the baby's life. 9.The cat was an author and taught kittens how to read. 10. The cat jumped onto a speeding car.

My dog Martha just noticed the list of Cat Writing Prompts and wanted a list for dogs as well. Martha, the dog, helped me write these prompts.

Ten Dog Writing Prompts

Martha wants to be a private detective.

1. The dog walked around the world. 2. The dog saved the baby from the speeding car. 3. The dog was served steak every day on a silk pillow. 4. The cat admitted dogs are better than cats. 5. The dog had a pedicure once a week at the beauty parlor. 6. The dog learned how to drive a car. 7. The dog spoke Japanese and worked for a Japanese bank. 8. The dog was a secret agent. 9. The dog was The Queen of England for a day. 10. The dog helped Santa deliver toys on Christmas Eve.

Martha wanted me to add one more prompt. The dog was allowed to sleep on the bed. But I told her not to get any ideas. She still has to sleep on the floor beside the bed.

What do you do when your brain is like a lump of frozen hamburger meat? What do you do when you don't have any story ideas? Do you get ideas from your cat or dog? Let us know in the comments section .

Please choose one of the writing prompts and write for fifteen minutes . Once I clean my seven litter boxes I will be read the story you wrote to my four cats, Charlie, Nepeta, JR, and Harper the kitten, but we call her Baby, and the two dogs Annie and Martha.

When you are finished, please post your practice in the comments section . I look forward to reading your stories.

xo Pamela, Charlie, Nepeta, JR, Harper, Annie and Martha

Pamela Hodges

Pamela writes stories about art and creativity to help you become the artist you were meant to be. She would love to meet you at pamelahodges.com .

34 Comments

No comments? What about the aliens that captured all the cats and dogs? Now all we have is our pet monkeys, gerbils, mice, snakes, spiders, birds and fish. I like a pet monkey, he could probably do more than my dog could do anyways.

Thankfully the aliens did not capture my cats and dogs. Did they get your dog a Guy Who Types? Perhaps a pet monkey could help you with Writers Block? I wish the aliens had taken the spiders and snakes. Perhaps they will come back and we can give them to the aliens. xo Pamela

St. Patrick really was a Saint Bernard, and he filled the Anglia up with all the snakes there were, He got carefully in the front seat, started the engine, engaged the gear, slipped the clutch out and drove all the snakes clear out of Ireland.

Hello Bob Ranck, Did he take the snakes to The United States? I don’t like snakes, but I like cats. xo Love Martha

Hello A Guy Who Types, Would you please tell me what the aliens look like? I won’t let them in the house. Thank you for the warning. All my best, xo Love Martha

Awww…this is too cute…awww…I have never used writing prompts, but these might change my mind 😀 #Writing

Hello Krithaka, If you use one of Martha’s prompts, she is going to reply to you. Have you ever had your stories read by a dog? xo Pamela

All of the above posts are fantastic and amusing, created by the clever prompts of cats and Martha.

My dear Krithika, I have never been called cute. I assume you were referring to me? I hope you had a nice day. xo Love Martha

cat prompt #10, and dog prompt # 8… Next story. Ninja cat steals Air Dog One and flies it to Kitty Central. Secret agent Dog has to find, and capture Ninja cat plus, bring home Air Dog One. If secret agent Dog fails, Cats would take over and run the country instead of dogs. Cats would live in fancy houses and dogs would be forced into those tiny doghouses outside in the cold.

Hello my dear Susan Barker, As a secret agent dog, I can assure you I will not fail on my mission. However, it is your story, and you get to decide the ending. If the cats do take over the country, will you please put in a good word with the Cat leader, and allow dogs to live inside. Your choice of prompts is very exciting and dramatic. All my best. xo Love Martha

Martha’s #6 prompt;

I often took my Dog Matilda, whom we call Mattie, with me in the car.

She loved to jump into the back seat of my little 2 door sedan and as large as she is, she’d find a way of getting comfortable back there. Besides, she didn’t like to stay home alone. She never really told me that but the look in her eyes as I rubbed her head and chin on my way out the door conveyed the message.

On this particular day, I thought I would bring her with me as I was going to run some errands that didn’t require me to leave her in the car for an extended time. I opened the driver’s door and before I could pop the seat forward to allow her space to get in, she jumped onto the drivers’s seat and wouldn’t budge.

“Mattie.” I laughed at the sight of her sitting on her rear end with one paw resting on the bottom of the steering wheel, “get out”.

She turned her face to me and then quickly turned back staring out the front window.

“Are you nuts?” I spoke louder than intended but still thinking that this behavior was unusual as well as quite funny.

I pulled on her collar trying to encourage her to get out of my seat. I pushed on her butt trying to lift her between the front seats into the back. Matilda is a 75 pound Labrador and Hound Dog. She is about 5 or 6 years old. My husband and I got her from a woman who rescues dogs of all breeds. The minute we saw her, three years ago, we fell in love. Other than her barking at the mailman or any other man or woman who tries to deliver a package to our door, she is a gentle, well behaved, loving pooch.

After several attempts to either get her to move to the back or get out, I finally decided to call her bluff, and shut the door.

“Bye”, I called to her through the closed window.

Hello dgk, Thank you for choosing one of my prompts. I am so curious to know if Matilda drove away after you said, “Bye.” I loved how she turned her face to you when you told her to get out, and then she looked out the front window again. A fun story. xo Love Martha

Martha’s Number One prompt, which is rather appropriate:

Sugar opened one brown eye and rolled it toward the alarm clock. It was way past time to get up. If Mom didn’t wake up soon, drastic measures would have to be taken, including licking her face and toes. Today was the day they were going to set off together on a ‘walkabout’, a word Mom was using to describe them going outside and smelling things on all seven continents.

Sugar wasn’t too sure about this adventure, although normally she was up for anything. Around the world seemed like a long way to go just to pee on a few things. And it would be hot. And then cold. And then hot again. What if they couldn’t find something to eat? What if the new places they visited didn’t have can openers? What if the people they saw outside were suspicious looking, but there were too many of them to investigate properly? It’s hard to check the perimeters when there are no perimeters. Sugar took the job of perimeter checking very seriously, even though she hadn’t received a paycheck in like, forever.

In seconds, she was ready to set out. She was tricked out in little saddlebags, filled with chewies, Mr. Squeak, Liver Snaps, and a few cans of dog food. The leash could just stay at home, as far as she was concerned. Mom was taking a lot longer to get ready. Humans had so much more to pack.

Soon enough they were ready to go. Sugar sure hoped Mom could keep up with her. After all, Sugar had four-paw drive, and could bound up hills without even trying. Mom swung her backpack up over her shoulders, and remarked how heavy it was. And what was that clanking sound?

As they set out, Sugar looked longingly back at the ten cans of dog food and the can opener sitting forlornly on the front steps. She sure hoped they’d still be there when they got back.

Oh my Gigi J Wolf, Your Sugar sounds so brave and adventurous. Even though she was a bit hesitant at first, in a matter of seconds she was ready to go.

Humans have such a hard life. Deciding what shoes to wear, and they have to have clean clothes every day. Did you tell Sugar what the clanking sound was in your backpack? Telling the story from the dog’s perspective was very refreshing. I wish you all my best on your adventure. This is a true story, right? xo Love Martha

Dear Martha, As soon as Mom and I get to a place here in the Himalayas that has WiFi, I will Skype you. Mom sometimes lets me use the computer if I promise not to drool on it. She’s given up on the clean clothes thing; it’s not easy finding washing machines in some of these crazy places we’ve been. I miss my own sofa! Yours in adventure, Sugar

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar, I am so excited for you. I would love to Skype with you. And, clean clothes are overrated, it takes at least two weeks before clothes start to smell. If you are ever in Pennsylvania, I will share my rug with you. I don’t go on the sofa. What a fun adventure. p.s. What was the clanking sound in the backpack? xo Love Martha

This story made the dog seem very human, with the same things humans generally want. Which was interesting to me. I loved the last paragraph, it is super funny. I sit forlornly when there is a treat out of my step too.

The dog learned to drive the pickup? Never. The dog knows the best place to be is right in the middle of the pickup truck. Behind the wheel, you have to work, to stay alert, to drive, to yell at the dog when the dog sees a cat and barks. So no, behind the wheel is not the best place to be.

On the passengers side? Not really. Oh yeah it’s nice to stick your head out the window, until you get a bee in the face, and that ain’t fun at all. Besides, the guy sitting on the passengers side is expected to get out at each gate, open it, close it, and then get back in the truck. He also has to shout at the dog when the dog sees that blasted cat again, and barks. Again, all of that is work.

Nope, the best place to be is between the passenger and the driver, looking out the window for that stupid cat.

Hello Gary G Little, Your dog is very smart. A smart dog doesn’t want to open and close the gate. Or drive. Perhaps one day I can ride with the dog too. xo Love Martha

What a wonderful, light-hearted idea! I love it!

Believe it or not, some of those prompts fit perfectly with a series idea that’s been percolating since sometime around 2008 or 2009.

Can you say a dog and cat detective team. Perhaps I should consult with the contributors to this post for technical advice!

Thanks for cheering me up and reminding me of these two lurking characters.

Hello Carrie Lynn Lewis, I am delighted you liked our prompt ideas. Pamela was beside herself trying to think of what to write. So the cats and I helped her.

Your story ideas sounds so fun. Cats and dogs really can be friends. If you need any technical advice my email address is [email protected] .

I am glad our post cheered you up. And hello to your cat and dog detective team.

xo Love Martha

Thank you very much! I appreciate the offer. I may have to resurrect Thomas (cat) and Inky (black lab) and the case of the missing race horse. You’ve given me hope!

A cat and dog detective team sound like fun!

The Dog Was A Secret Agent

Yes, that’s right, a secret agent. We didn’t know this at the start of our relationship, but in those days, we – both the dog and I – took each other pretty much at face value. Yeah, I know, it’s not the way things are ordinarily done around here, but that’s the way we did it.

I was taking down the Christmas decorations from above the fireplace when Big Jimmie came barging into my place. Straight through the kitchen and round the corner, right into the parlor he stomped, with this dog under his arm like he was just bringing in the evening paper. Things didn’t look quite right from the start, because Big Jimmie had the dog wrong-end-around, the head and forepaws dangling from under his arm and the dog’s rump and hindlegs above his wrist. “Bugs!” he shouted. ‘Think quick!” and with that he tossed the dog directly at my head.

Bib Jimmie and I have known and tormented each other for thirty years, and this was nothing new. He did this once to me with a live, five pound river carp when we were teenagers fishing in the drainage canal. That time, I didn’t even try to catch it; I flailed, faltered, and fell backwards into the stinking water. I plotted revenge deliciously for a week, until something else happened.

The next time he did it, we were running from someone – cops, bailbondsman, irate women, I can’t remember now – but we were in the woods, it was late fall and cold as hell. I was bitching about the cold and he snatched up a blazing pine knot out of our small campfire and tossed THAT straight at my face, again muttering, “Think quick!” As improbable as it seemed, I caught the damned thing, but tripped and fell backward – again – over a tree root this time, and rolled with my face in the fiery pine knot. That’s how my left eyebrow got that funny, burned-off-at-the-end scar. Anyway, again I plotted revenge, but at night in the woods in the late fall in the upper part of this state, it generally gets too cold too quick to even think revenge, much less extract it.

But back to this dog. I caught the critter, deftly this time. In thirty years, Big Jimmie gave me a lot of practice. But I got my heel caught in the tinsel and fell on my kiester again, and wound up with the dog sitting on belly, and licking my face – probably trying to clean off the last smear of Goofy Ruby’s apple-tart that I was eating when Jimmie tossed the mutt.

See, that was the first clue that this was no ordinary dog – he wasn’t at all flapped by the toss, the catch, or the landing. He KNEW how to land. Cats got that by instinct, dogs gotta work at it and though a lot of ‘em do pretty good at it, this woofer did it like it was an ordinary thing. It was a result of training that I didn’t fully recognize or appreciate at first.

“Scuze me, pooch,” I said, directly in his face, as I tried to sit up and get disentangled from the tinsel and lights. It just then that I noticed he had on a black bow-tie. What the hell? On a dog, fer cryin’out loud.

“Get it straight, Bugs. His name’s Bond”, Big Jimmie said, looking down and laughing at me on the floor. “At least that’s what he wants to be called. He answers to that.”

Raising myself now on one elbow as the dog deftly stepped from my stomach to the floor, I asked the dog, “Bond, huh?”

The dog responded by nodding his head gently and offering his right forepaw. I took it and shook it, kind of gentleman-to-gentleman, and damned if the little fellow didn’t reply with an affirmative “Woof.”

Well, that settled it, Bond he was. I said, “OK, guy, I’m Bugs. I run this joint here and Goofy Ruby over there does the food thing,” pointing to my wife.

Bond turned in an instant, padded on over to where Ruby was laughing, still holding the other end of the lights and tinsel, and honest, this dog did a little bow, pulling that right forepaw under and ducking his front end and lowering his head way down, his nose almost touching the floor in front of her.

Oh my, Mr. Bob Ranck. You have totally brought Bond to life. And, Big Jimmie and Bugs have so much character all ready. I want to know more. May I meet Bond? Or is he only fictionalized? My, my, my. You made him so real. The only word I was not sure about was “keister.” Is that a form of sausage? Mr. Ranck. Do you always have so much fun writing? I hope to buy your book next year about Bond. It should take about a year, right? xo Love Martha

Thanks, Sandra. Glad you found it fun reading. It was the greatest of FUN writing it , too.

Martha, you are so kind. Bond does exist, at least in part, and in my own household, currently holding office as “Senior Dog”. Big Jimmie really did enter with him that way, upside down and toss him to me January 5, 2006. That exercise has set me on the path to a longer story about Bugs, Big Jimmie and Bond, in their endeavors to succeed in their own jobs, to find security in life, to always remain in the good graces of Goofy Ruby, and, in their own way, to fight crime.

Thank you for your gracious comments.

Martha, sorry I missed this. “KEISTER” is/was a word in fashion over half a century ago meaning duff,, bum, hind-end, back-side, rear, prat, tush. the sitting-down-parts. Probably derived from some german/jewish-New York slang, Don’t know the origin, but it was a common word when Bugs and Big Jimmie were growing up in the Philly area.

This was really fun reading.

2 minute writing sentences.

1. The cat scratched at the door. He left deep marks into the door. His hiss was contorted as the wind howled through leaves behind him. I would not let the cat in here though.

2. There was no money to buy cat food. Fred was angry I guess you could say. But it was more of a displeased look set with the expression of not caring about anything that always seemed to be there.

I patted him on the head when he slowly made his way to the food dish that morning, sorry not today, I have to keep the checking account balanced you see. Yowl… he said lazily and then let out a big yawn and then slowly made his way back to bed.

3. The cat walked out the door when the wind blew the door open. Blue and orange mottled streaks went through its fur. Its eyes like dark orange marbles shined in the midnight light. A strange wind seemed to only grow.

Oh my Sandra D, Your short sentences are full of drama, emotion, and suspense. “His hiss was contorted” “Slowly made his way, “blue and orange mottled streaks went through his fur. “as strange wind seemed to only grow.” A repeat on wind in the last sentence from the second sentence. I would really like to know more about this cat. And this person who wouldn’t buy food for the cat. Should I call the authorities, or is this a fiction story. I am concerned about the cat. Your writing really made me care. All my best, xo Love Martha

no I actually have no pets at all. Just an occasional meandering beetle makes its way across my back steps, and then I just hope that it will be able to forage independently. If I had a caring cuddly creature in my house, i probably wouldn’t have been able to write that sentence. So never fear! heh. But yes I wonder why he won’t buy food for his cat, and why his cat doesn’t care! I do wonder, but I don’t know either. Thanks for caring, these mythical pets do appreciate it.. Sandra

Hello Pam, Your cats’ and dog’s writing prompts are inspiring. I will decide on which title to develope into a story. There are ten to choose from and all of them provoke me. Meanwhile, here’s a poem for you. I hope you like it.

I said to my Minnie “Come over here, “Don’t worry, Minnie You need have no fear, You are the best kitty That I ever saw. Come, Minnie, Minnie, Give me your paw.” To get her to come I gave her some milk. I stroked her black coat It was smooth as soft silk When she had her fill She rolled on the floor, Without looking back She made straight for the door.

A big hug for you, the cats and Martha.

Oh, my dearest Lillian, This is the sweetest poem. Is this a true story? Do you really have the best kitty called Minnie? If you do, will you please post a picture here of Minnie? We have two black cats who live here. And a big hug for you from all of us, Me, Martha, Annie, the other dog, and the four cats, Charlie, Nepeta, JR, and Harper. Oh and Pamela sends you a hug too. xo Love Martha

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Creative Writing Prompts for Animal Lovers

by Melissa Donovan | Aug 16, 2018 | Creative Writing Prompts | 16 comments

Creative writing prompts about animals.

Today’s post includes a selection of prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts . Enjoy!

Animals have played a significant role in literature throughout history.

They appear in poems and stories, and plenty of nonfiction works have been written about animals and humans’ experiences with animals.

From E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web to Jane Goodall’s (aff links) books on primatology, authors and readers alike have delighted in writing and reading about animals.

And it’s no wonder. We humans have forged strong bonds with animals. Our pets are like family members. In fact, Americans spend billions a year on their animal companions. Billions more are donated to wildlife preservation, animal welfare advocacy, and conservation efforts.

Naturally, animals fit comfortably into the stories we tell. Today’s creative writing prompts pay homage to our animal friends by inspiring a writing session that features animals.

Creative Writing Prompts About Animals

Below, you’ll find a series of creative writing prompts. Choose one, and turn it into a short story, a poem, a play, or an essay. Write anything you want, and if you can’t decide what to write, then do a freewrite.

Children are delighted when a mama cat gives birth to a litter of five orange tabbies and one little gray runt.
Write a piece using the following image: a camel walking across the desert.
A young man on his first hunting trip has a deer in his sight and suddenly remembers the day his dad took him to see Bambi .
Write a piece using the following image: sea life dying in waters that have been poisoned with toxins or littered with dangerous waste.
Sunlight dances on the surface of the water. Waves roll gently against the shore. Seagulls soar above, dipping and diving through the sky.
A school of dolphins is too trusting and approaches a boat whose crew is intent on capturing the dolphins and bringing them to a theme park for a swim-with-the-dolphins attraction.
A bird and squirrel live together in the same tree (like The Odd Couple ).
Write about hunting.
Two children, a brother and sister, respectively capture a butterfly and a moth, then proceed to argue over which insect is superior.
Write a piece using the following image: a bird’s nest full of eggs.

Creative Writing Prompts

If you use any of these creative writing prompts to spark a writing session, come back and tell us how they worked for you. What did you write? Did you learn anything new? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. And keep writing.

For more inspiring prompts, pick up a copy of 1200 Creative Writing Prompts , available at your favorite online bookstore.

16 Comments

two puppies are seperated at birth. then reunited at the dog pound, when they are taken from their owners

That’s a great one! Thanks, James.

Why would an animal lover want to write about hunting?

Why wouldn’t they? There are animal lovers who hunt, and some animal lovers might have opinions about hunting that they want to express.

Animal lovers who hunt sort of doesn’t make sense because if they love animals, then why do they kill them?

I have known people who love their cats and dogs but go duck hunting. Most people who love animals also eat meat.

These look cool! TOTALLY using one!!

That’s awesome! Thanks, Margaret.

A person gets bit by a magicall wolf then…

That’s interesting!

I like that one!!! I used it for an assignment!! LOL

That’s great!

This is so helpful please do more of these.

There’s a whole category of prompts here: writing prompts , and you can also check out the books page , where you’ll find even more!

what about a group of wild animals are slowly being captured and taken to zoos.

I’m gonna use this is that’s ok!

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The Wolf and the Dog

In the aftermath of a school shooting, a teacher plans for next time

*This essay refers to the shooting at New River Community College in Christiansburg, VA, April 12, 2013.

Every time I talk about the shooting, I dream my dog is murdered.

I am standing in a field in the twilight, high grass painted black against the glowing, lavender-gold sky. My dog has run away. A man is calling her by her name, and she’s running toward him, not me. I can tell from the tone of his voice that he isn’t calling her out of love and concern, that there’s hate beneath the honey in his voice, and when Daisy comes to him, he says, “I’ll teach you to run away from me again,” and I see his hand, clutching a hammer, rising high above his head, and he brings it down on her over and over and over again. He beats her to death and I stand there, shaking, paralyzed, unable to scream, unable to save her as she howls and cries in agony, until finally there’s silence.

“The daemonic night and its chief product, the nightmare, have always been a special hell for survivors,” writes David Morris in his study of trauma, The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder . Daisy—my most cherished companion, the tragic object of my nightmares—is the target, the innocent sacrificed to evil. All the dreams are variations on this one. She is tortured and killed, and I can’t save her. I cradle her in my arms as she bleeds to death, shuddering and gulping.

I fling myself up out of sleep to see Daisy, safe in her bed in the corner; her sweet eyes are closed and her feathery tail thumps gently as she chases a rabbit in a dream of her own. I get out of bed and creep over to her, placing my hand on her maple-colored fur, feel her heart beating beneath my hand, stroke her ears.

She’s alive.

I know by now that every time I speak publicly about the shooting, or am “triggered” (how I hate that word: why must the term itself remind me of the gun?) by the news of another campus massacre, I will dream of Daisy’s murder. I turn the lights off and lie in the darkness, fighting off sleep for as long as I can. I never dream of my own students, or the classroom, or even guns. The shooting dreams are always Daisy dreams. Sometimes a man cuts her paws off. Sometimes he nails her ears to the floor. The killer comes after her, but spares me. I am never there in time to offer myself instead.

Nighttime has become an entrée into a treacherous limbo. Instead of sipping the waters of Lethe, I choke on the filth of the river of lamentation.

On the Tuesday after the shooting, I, along with other faculty and staff, convened on campus with administrators and the director of the counseling center at Virginia Tech; fortunately / unfortunately, we had their experience to guide us through our own horror. We sat in an auditorium that had once been a movie theater. I chose a seat at the back, close to the door. Did I realize even then how space would rearrange itself, so that I would never again see a door as a benign architectural necessity? I was wobbly and frightened. I had gone back to my classroom with my father just three days earlier, the day after the shooting, to collect my belongings, and now the college was reopening. I had no idea how I was going to face my students the next day. All our focus was on them.

Our administrators walked us through the logistical steps for the rest of the semester. Students could finish early and accept their grades as they were, if they felt they couldn’t manage to return. (It did not occur to me to ask what to do if I couldn’t manage to return.) Police would be there every day for the rest of the term. One administrator reiterated that the official college safety protocol still advised sheltering in place and locking down during an “incident.” Even though we might think that we have safe egress, she said, we never know whether there will be a second shooter and if we might be sending students into sniper fire.

I thought about how quickly I had made the decision to tell my students to run once the shots began ( Get out! ), I remembered the sound of gunfire coming from the reception lobby, just around the corner from our classroom, and the certainty that it—he—would come closer. The emergency exit was right across the hall. Using it had seemed like the only option. I remembered how my students flew over their desks and out the emergency exit door, how quickly they disappeared into their cars and sped away, or else hid with me behind parked cars. But what I heard from this administrator was that I could have sent my students into a gauntlet of bullets from an unknown second assailant, and that if they were unhurt today, it was in spite of my choices, not because of them.

Images of my students tumbling one by one in a storm of bullets punched me in the gut. I crumpled forward in my seat and started to sob. The administrator came up to me afterwards and patted me on the back, saying that I had done the right thing and that no one was criticizing my choice in the moment. I couldn’t stop crying, though. The thought of my students, dead because of me, was too much to hold. What if? What if?

The what-ifs following a school shooting are as cacophonous and repetitive as tornado sirens. They constantly wake me out of hazy dreams, forcing me to go over each moment again and again, parsing every action for every other permutation I might have chosen. What if I had shut the door and turned off the lights? What if he had entered anyway? (I learned much later that surveillance video shows him coming to our classroom and peering inside just minutes after we fled.) What if I had gone back inside and tried to help instead of standing stupidly in the parking lot and listening to the shots? What if I had gone after him myself?

I wake up in the shadows, the sheets damp. I can smell the sour sweat on my body. There is a howl in my throat that can’t force its way out. Shreds of the dream linger in my mind, flitting away when I try to grasp them. No matter. I can imagine it well enough. What time did I go to bed? The clock radio reads 7 am, but that means I lay down hours ago. Time slips out of my hands now, minutes disappearing like snowflakes. The light outside is pale and gray, the steely sky melting into the dull snow-covered yard and neighboring paddock. Entre chien et loup : between a dog and a wolf, the French expression for that dusky hour when you can’t trust your eyes, when you don’t know if you’re safe or if there’s a predator lurking just around the corner. Harmless student, or furious young man?

Ice cracking, or gunshot?

I wonder if the nightmares will always come like this. Could I avoid them by never speaking about the shooting, or by traveling out of town on anniversary dates, or by calling in sick to work and downing a Klonopin to black out the day? Why can’t April 12 be the new leap day, so that I only have to face it once every four years? And why can’t I dream about something else? Why can’t my nightmares take a different form? I would rather endure dreams of my own dismemberment than be forced repeatedly to watch Daisy’s torture.

Safe spaces, safe sex, drive safe; I want to weep with sick laughter at how meaningless the word has become. My school, my classroom, my dear students: all of us have been violated. Not even my unconscious mind is safe anymore. In the daytime, I can push away memories while I’m walking Daisy, opening into warrior pose on my yoga mat, or grading my students’ papers. But in sleep, in the daemonic night ? Powerless.

A week after the shooting, I get an email from the mother of one of my students, thanking me for keeping them safe and getting them all out of the classroom. My boyfriend, too, assures me that I did just the right thing and fuck protocol; the students are safe and that’s what matters most. No plan survives contact with the enemy , he tells me. I replay their words when I find myself, in my mind, back in the classroom that day, standing at the door and listening to the gunfire, deciding without deciding what to do.

Unlike the flimsy cassette tapes of my adolescence, this mental tape never seems to wear out. I have played it ten thousand times, remembering the sound of the first shot, the number of steps it took to cross the room (eight), the sound of the next two shots, the total, flat silence in my classroom in the moment between comprehending and acting. I’ve mentally copied parts of it for the next time:

If I can get the students out, I will. Fuck protocol. The FBI says that if you can escape, you should escape. But this time, I’m not going with them. I will make sure they’re all outside, and then I am going back in.

I’ve imagined the charge many times. I’ve pictured the kind of gun he will have (our shooter used a shotgun, but the AR-15 is the weapon of choice for many enraged men who decide to enact their death wish on us), whether he will be walking methodically from room to room or firing haphazardly in every direction. I’ve memorized the distance between every hallway off the main corridor so that I know where I can conceal myself for just a few moments before I make my attack. I consider every day what shoes I will wear to school, because I need shoes that I can either run in or kick off quickly.

I’m not running away this time. I’m running toward him.

I’ll have the element of surprise on my side, I think. He might be looking for a cop, a male for sure. He won’t expect a small-framed female English professor to come tearing at him. I imagine paralyzing him with my gaze. I imagine my mouth open and teeth bared, my arms tight at my sides. A predator.

His surprise may buy me a few seconds to launch myself at him and tackle him to the ground. He may drop his weapon. He may shoot me as I’m coming at him; I know this. I probably won’t survive. Still, I’ll have startled him long enough for someone else to call 911, or to help me keep him pinned to the floor away from his guns.

I’ll get there in time.

* Illustration by Anna Hall

How to Describe Dogs in Writing: Instant Suggestions for Accurate and Engaging Descriptions

Joel Stevens

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Describing dogs in writing can be a challenging task for many writers. While some may find it easy to capture the essence of a dog’s personality and appearance, others may struggle to find the right words. Whether you are writing a story, a novel, or a blog post, being able to accurately describe a dog is essential to creating a vivid and engaging narrative.

To help writers with this task, we have compiled a list of 100 instant suggestions for describing dogs in writing. These suggestions cover a wide range of topics, from a dog’s physical appearance to its behavior and personality traits. By incorporating these suggestions into your writing, you can paint a more detailed picture of the dogs in your story and bring them to life for your readers.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, these 100 instant suggestions will provide you with the tools you need to describe dogs in writing . From the color of their fur to the sound of their bark, these suggestions will help you capture the unique qualities of each dog you write about. So, if you want to improve your writing and create more memorable canine characters, read on for our top tips on describing dogs in writing.

The Essence of Canine Companions

Defining Dog Characteristics

Dogs are one of the most beloved and popular pets in the world. They are known for their loyalty, happy and adorable nature, and sweet demeanor. Dogs bring joy to their owners and are often considered a members of the family.

One of the defining characteristics of dogs is their good nature. They are known for being cute, delightful, friendly, playful, kind, active, bright, innocent, and lively. These traits make them a popular choice for families with children and for those who want a companion that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Personality and Temperament

Dogs come in a variety of breeds, each with their unique personality and temperament. Some breeds are more laid-back and relaxed, while others are more energetic and require a lot of exercise.

Despite their differences, all dogs share a few common traits that make them great companions. They are loyal and devoted to their owners, and will often go out of their way to protect them.

Dogs are also known for their playful and curious nature. They love to explore and discover new things and are always up for a game of fetch or a walk in the park.

In conclusion, dogs are more than just pets, they are beloved companions that bring joy and happiness to their owners. Their defining characteristics of good nature, loyalty, and playful personality make them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

Physical Descriptions of Dogs

Coat and Color

When describing a dog’s appearance, the coat, and color are often the first things that come to mind. A dog’s coat can be described in various ways, including short, long, curly, wiry, or smooth. The color of a dog’s coat can range from black, white, brown, gray, or a combination of these colors.

For instance, a Labrador Retriever’s coat is typically short and comes in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. On the other hand, a Poodle’s coat can be curly and come in various colors such as black, white, and apricot.

When describing a dog’s coat and color, it’s important to use descriptive adjectives that accurately portray the dog’s appearance. For example, a dog with a soft, furry coat may be described as “fluffy,” while a dog with a sleek, shiny coat may be described as “glossy.”

Breed-Specific Traits

Different dog breeds have unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. For example, a Basset Hound has long, droopy ears, while a German Shepherd has pointed ears that stand upright.

When describing a dog’s breed-specific traits, it’s important to use accurate terminology. For instance, a Corgi’s short legs are often described as “stubby,” while a Greyhound’s slim build may be described as “sleek.”

It’s also important to note that breed-specific traits can influence a dog’s temperament and behavior. For example, a Chihuahua may be described as “bold” and “protective,” while a Golden Retriever may be described as “friendly” and “obedient.”

Overall, when describing a dog’s physical appearance, it’s important to use descriptive adjectives and accurate terminology to paint a clear picture for the reader.

Capturing Canine Actions

When it comes to describing dogs in writing , capturing their actions is one of the most important aspects. This section will focus on common dog behaviors as well as unique gestures and expressions that can help bring your writing to life.

Common Dog Behaviors

Active and playful dogs are often seen running, jumping, and chasing after toys. Working dogs, such as those used for herding or hunting, may exhibit behaviors such as stalking, pointing, and retrieving. Puppies are known for their boundless energy and curiosity, while older dogs may be more laid back and relaxed.

Darling and expressive dogs often have a variety of facial expressions and body language that can convey their emotions. Fluffy and noble dogs may have a regal presence, while sleek and athletic dogs may move with grace and agility.

Unique Gestures and Expressions

Capturing a dog’s personality through their unique gestures and expressions can add depth and richness to your writing. Outgoing and adventurous dogs may wag their tails enthusiastically or leap into the air with joy. Affectionate dogs may nuzzle or lick their owners, while amusing and goofy dogs may make silly faces or perform tricks.

Brave and watchful dogs may stand guard and bark at perceived threats, while comforting and companionable dogs may snuggle up close to their owners for comfort. Inquisitive and mischievous dogs may investigate everything around them, while lovable and quirky dogs may have their own unique habits and mannerisms.

By paying attention to a dog’s actions and behaviors, writers can create vivid and engaging descriptions that bring these beloved pets to life on the page.

The Dog’s Role in Human Lives

Dogs have been an integral part of human society for centuries, serving as loyal companions, protectors, and even workers. In this section, we will explore the various roles that dogs play in our lives.

Dogs as Companions

One of the most well-known roles of dogs is as companions. Dogs are known for their loyalty, faithfulness, and friendly nature, making them ideal pets for many people. They are also known for their protective instincts, which can make them excellent watchdogs and guard dogs.

Dogs are highly social animals and enjoy spending time with their human companions. They are known for their kind and companionable nature, and many people find that having a dog in their life brings them a sense of joy and comfort.

Working and Service Dogs

In addition to being companions, dogs also play a vital role in many people’s lives as working and service dogs. Working dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, such as herding livestock or hunting. Service dogs, on the other hand, are trained to assist people with disabilities, such as guiding the blind or alerting their owners to the presence of allergens.

Both working and service dogs are highly trained and skilled, and they provide invaluable assistance to their owners. They are also known for their loyalty and dedication to their work, making them highly respected members of society.

In conclusion, dogs play a significant role in human lives, whether as loyal companions or skilled workers. Their friendly and protective nature, as well as their kind and companionable personalities, make them beloved pets and valued members of society.

Creative Writing Techniques

When it comes to describing dogs in writing, using creative writing techniques can make your piece more expressive and amazing. Here are a few techniques that can help you describe dogs more engagingly and vividly.

Descriptive Language

Using descriptive language is essential when it comes to describing dogs in writing. This means using adjectives and descriptors that accurately capture the dog’s appearance, personality, and behavior. For example, instead of simply saying a dog is curly, you could use adjectives like “fluffy,” “wavy,” or “coiled” to paint a more precise picture in the reader’s mind.

Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors and similes are also useful tools for describing dogs in writing. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things without using “like” or “as,” while a simile compares two things using “like” or “as.” For example, you could use a metaphor like “her growl was thunderous,” or a simile like “his paws were as big as dinner plates” to create a more vivid impression of the dog in the reader’s mind.

Overall, using creative writing techniques can help you bring dogs to life in your writing. By using descriptive language, metaphors, and similes, you can create a more engaging and memorable impression of these remarkable animals.

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72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

To find good research titles for your essay about dogs, you can look through science articles or trending pet blogs on the internet. Alternatively, you can check out this list of creative research topics about dogs compiled by our experts .

🐩 Dog Essays: Things to Consider

🏆 best dog titles for essays, 💡 most interesting dog topics to write about, ❓ questions about dog.

There are many different dog essays you can write, as mankind’s history with its best friends is rich and varied. Many people will name the creatures their favorite animals, citing their endearing and inspiring qualities such as loyalty, obedience, bravery, and others.

Others will discuss dog training and the variety of important roles the animals fulfill in our everyday life, working as shepherds, police members, guides to blind people, and more.

Some people will be more interested in dog breeding and the incredible variety of the animals show, ranging from decorative, small Yorkshire terriers to gigantic yet peaceful Newfoundland dogs. All of these topics are interesting and deserve covering, and you can incorporate all of them a general essay.

Dogs are excellent pet animals, as their popularity, rivaled only by cats, shows. Pack animals by nature, they are open to including members of other species into their groups and get along well with most people and animals.

They are loyal to the pack, and there are examples of dogs adopting orphaned kittens and saving other animals and children from harm.

This loyalty and readiness to face danger makes them favorite animals for many people, and the hundreds of millions of dogs worldwide show that humans appreciate their canine friends.

It also allows them to work many important jobs, guarding objects, saving people, and using their noses to sniff out various trails and substances.

However, dogs are descended from wolves, whose pack nature does not prevent them from attacking those outside the group. Some larger dogs are capable of killing an adult human alone, and most can at least inflict severe harm if they attack a child.

Dogs are trusted and loved because of their excellent trainability. They can be taught to be calm and avoid aggression or only attack once the order is given.

They can also learn a variety of other behaviors and tricks, such as not relieving themselves in the house and executing complex routines. This physical and mental capacity to perform a variety of tasks marks dogs as humanity’s best and most versatile helpers.

The variety of jobs dogs perform has led humans to try to develop distinct dog breeds for each occupation, which led to the emergence of numerous and different varieties of the same animal.

The observation of the evolution of a specific type of dog as time progressed and its purposes changed can be an interesting topic. You can also discuss dog competitions, which try to find the best dog based on various criteria and even have titles for the winners.

Comparisons between different varieties of the animal are also excellent dog argumentative essay topics. Overall, there are many interesting ideas that you can use to write a unique and excellent essay.

Regardless of what you ultimately choose to write about, you should adhere to the central points of essay writing. Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly.

Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points. It will be easier and more interesting to read while also adhering to literature standards if you do this.

Below, we have provided a collection of great ideas that you can use when writing your essays, research papers, speeches, or dissertations. Take inspiration from our list of dog topics, and don’t forget to check out the samples written by other students!

An Adventure with My Pet Pit-Bull Dog “Tiger” One look at Tiger and I knew that we were not going to leave the hapless couple to the mercies of the scary man.
Dogs Playing Poker The use of dogs in the painting is humorous in that the writer showed them doing human things and it was used to attract the attention of the viewer to the picture.
How to Conduct the Dog Training Properly At the same time, it is possible to work with the dog and train it to perform certain actions necessary for the owner. In the process of training, the trainer influences the behavior of the […]
The Benefits of a Protection Dog Regardless of the fact that protection dogs are animals that can hurt people, they are loving and supportive family members that provide their owners with a wide range of benefits.
“Dog’s Life” by Charlie Chaplin Film Analysis In this film, the producer has used the comic effect to elaborate on the message he intends to deliver to the audience. The function of a dog is to serve the master.
Debates on Whether Dog is the Best Pet or not The relationships between dogs and man have been improving over the years and this has made dogs to be the most preferable pets in the world. Other pets have limited abilities and can not match […]
Cesar Millan as a Famous Dog Behaviorist Millan earned the nickname “the dog boy” because of his natural ability to interact with dogs. Consequently, the dog behaviorist became a celebrity in different parts of the country.
Dog Food: Pedigree Company’s Case The attractiveness of the dog food category is manifested through the intense competitive nature of the various stakeholders. The third and final phase of the segmentation is to label the category of dog food as […]
Breed Specific Legislation: Dog Attacks As a result, the individuals that own several canines of the “banned” breeds are to pay a lot of money to keep their dogs.
Cats vs. Dogs: Are You a Cat or a Dog Person? Cats and dogs are two of the most common types of pets, and preferring one to another can arguably tell many things about a person.
Border Collie Dog Breed Information So long as the movement of the Border Collies and the sheep is calm and steady, they can look for the stock as they graze in the field.
Compare and Contrast Your First Dog vs. Your Current Dog Although she was very friendly and even tried to take care of me when I was growing up, my mother was the real owner.
“Love That Dog” Verse Novel by Sharon Creech In this part of the play, it is clear that Jack is not ready to hide his feelings and is happy to share them with someone who, in his opinion, can understand him.
“Marley: A Dog Like No Other” by John Grogan John Grogan’s international bestseller “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” is suited for children of all ages, and it tells the story of a young puppy, Marley, who quickly develops a big personality, boundless energy, […]
Dog Training Techniques Step by Step The first step that will be taken in order to establish the performance of this trick is showing the newspaper to the dog, introducing the desired object and the term “take”.
The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed as a Pet In the folklore of the French Pyrenees, there is a touching legend about the origin of the breed. The dog will not obey a person of weak character and nervous.
Dog Food by Subscription: Service Design Project For the convenience and safety of customers and their dogs, customer support in the form of a call center and online chat is available.
“Everyday” in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Haddon The novel presents Christopher who passes through many changes in his life, where he adapts to it and acclimatizes the complications that come with it.
A Dog’s Life by Charles Chaplin The theme of friendship and love that is clear in the relationship between Tramp and Scraps. The main being that Chaplin makes it very comical thus; it is appealing to the audience, and captures the […]
Why Does Your Dog Pretend to Like You? Children and the older generation can truly cherish and in the case of children can develop as individuals with the help of dogs.
Caring for a Dog With Arthritis For Monty, the dog under study, the size, and disposition of the dog, the stage of the disease as also its specific symptoms and behaviour need to be observed and then a suitable choice of […]
Animal Cruelty: Inside the Dog Fighting In most cases the owner of the losing dog abandons the injured dog to die slowly from the injuries it obtained during the fight. The injuries inflicted to and obtained by the dogs participating in […]
Dog House: Business Law Today Based on the definition of a shareholder’s derivative suit, it is possible to say that corporations can be expected to benefit from this type of litigation.
“Traditional” Practice Exception in Dog Act One of those who wanted the word to remain in the clause was the president of the Beaufort Delta Dog Mushers and also an Inuvik welder.Mr.
“How to Draw a Dog” Video Lecture Critique The video begins with an introduction to the character that the artist is going to draw. The artist provides a more detailed description of the process later when he begins to draw dog’s eyebrows and […]
Small Dog Boarding Business: Strategic Plan Based on the first dimension of the competing values framework, the dog boarding business already has the advantage of a flexible business model, it is possible to adjust the size of the business or eliminate […]
Small Dog Boarding Business: Balanced Scorecard Bragonier posits that SWOT analysis is essential in the running of the business because it helps the management to analyze the business at a glance.
Non-Profit Dog Organization’s Mission Statement In terms of the value we are bringing, our team regards abandoned animals who just want to be loved by people, patients with special needs, volunteers working at pet shelters, and the American society in […]
Dog’ Education in “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson The second chapter comes under the title, Hard-Wiring: What the Dog comes with which tackles the characteristic innate behaviors that dogs possess naturally; that is, predation and socialization. This chapter sheds light on the behaviors […]
Implementing Security Policy at Dog Parks To ensure that people take responsibility for their dogs while in the parks, the owners of the parks should ensure that they notify people who bring their dogs to the park of the various dangers […]
Operant Conditioning in Dog Training In regards to negative enforcements, the puppy should be fitted with a collar and upon the command “sit”, the collar should be pulled up a bit to force the dog to sit down.
First in Show Pet Foods, Inc and Dog Food Market Due to the number of competitors, it is clear that First in Show Pet Food, Inc.understands it has a low market share.
Animal Assisted Therapy: Therapy Dogs First, the therapist must set the goals that are allied to the utilization of the therapy dog and this should be done for each client.
The Tail Wagging the Dog: Emotions and Their Expression in Animals The fact that the experiment was conducted in real life, with a control group of dogs, a life-size dog model, a simultaneous observation of the dogs’ reaction and the immediate transcription of the results, is […]
Moral Dilemma: Barking Dog and Neighborhood Since exuberant barking of Stella in the neighborhood disturbs many people, debarking is the appropriate measure according to the utilitarian perspective.
The Feasibility Analysis for the Ropeless Dog Lead This is because it will have the ability to restrict the distance between the dog and the master control radio. The exploration of different sales models and prices for other devices indicates that the Rope-less […]
Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks According to Basford and Stein’s interpretation, classical conditioning is developed in a person or an animal when a neutral stimulus “is paired or occurs contingently with the unconditioned stimulus on a number of occasions”, which […]
The Movements and Reactions of Dogs in Crates and Outside Yards This study discusses the types of movements and reactions exhibited by dogs in the two confinement areas, the crate and the outside yard.
A Summary of “What The Dog Saw” Gladwell explores the encounters of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer who non-verbally communicated with the dogs and mastered his expertise to tame the dogs.
Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf However, the combined results of vocalisation, morphological behavior and molecular biology of the domesticated dog now show that the wolf is the principle ancestor of the dog.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Haddon therefore manages to carry the reader into the world of the novel and holds the reader to the end of the novel.
Attacking Dog Breeds: Truth or Exaggeration?
Are Bad Dog Laws Unjustified?
Are Dog Mouths Cleaner Than Humans?
Can Age Affect How Fast a Dog Runs?
Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?
Can You Control Who the Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs?
Does Drug Dog Sniff Outside Home Violate Privacy?
Does the Pit Bull Deserve Its Reputation as a Vicious Dog?
Does Your Dog Love You and What Does That Mean?
Does Your Dog Need a Bed?
How Can People Alleviate Dog Cruelty Problems?
How Cooking With Dog Is a Culinary Show?
How Can Be Inspiring Dog Tales?
How Owning and Petting a Dog Can Improve Your Health?
How the I-Dog Works: It’s All About Traveling Signals?
What Can Andy Griffith Teach You About Dog Training?
What Makes the Dog – Human Bond So Powerful?
What the Dog Saw and the Rise of the Global Market?
What Should You Know About Dog Adoption?
When Dog Training Matters?
When Drug Dog Sniff the Narcotic Outside Home?
At What Age Is Dog Training Most Effective?
Why Are People Choosing to Get Involved in Dog Fighting?
Why Are Reported Cases of Dog-Fighting Rising in the United States?
Why Dog Attacks Occur and Who Are the Main Culprits?
Why Does Dog Make Better Pets Than Cats?
Why Every Kid Needs a Dog?
Why Should People Adopt Rather Than Buy a Dog?
Why Could the Dog Have Bitten the Person?
Will Dog Survive the Summer Sun?
Animal Rights Research Ideas
Inspiration Topics
Animal Welfare Ideas
Wildlife Ideas
Emotional Development Questions
Zoo Research Ideas
Endangered Species Questions
Human Behavior Research Topics
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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How to Describe a Dog in Writing (100+ Examples)

If you’ve ever tried to capture the essence of a dog in writing, you’ll know it’s no easy feat.

From their adorably floppy ears to their delightfully waggy tails, there’s so much to say. Where do you even start?

Here’s how to describe a dog in writing:

Describe a dog in writing by focusing on features like breed, size, color, origin, shape, and personality. Incorporate senses to describe movements (walking, running), sounds (barking), and smells. Use vivid language for events like eating, getting wet, or interaction with the owner.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to describe a dog in writing.

All the Best Ways to Describe a Dog

Cartoon dog with a red collar - How to describe a dog in writing

Table of Contents

There are many ways (or categories) for describing a dog in writing:

Personality
Relationships
Circumstance (Wet, Hungry)
Movement (Walking, Running)
Actions (Eating, Attack)

Describing Dogs by Breed

Every dog breed has unique characteristics, and identifying these can bring your writing to life.

Here are examples:

“The Golden Retriever bounded across the grass, its golden coat gleaming in the sunlight.”
“A German Shepherd stood guard, ears pricked and eyes alert.”
“The Poodle’s elegant curls bounced lightly as it trotted along.”
“With its distinct wrinkled skin, the Shar-Pei was immediately noticeable.”
“The Shih Tzu pranced around with the poise of an emperor’s pet.”
“The Siberian Husky’s icy blue eyes were as cold and mesmerizing as the Arctic.”
“The Rottweiler’s robust figure loomed menacingly, despite its gentle nature.”
“A Dalmatian raced past, its unique spots contrasting against the stark white of its coat.”
“The Bulldog’s squashed face and muscular build add to its distinctive charm.”
“The Chihuahua’s tiny frame was full of a big dog’s attitude.”

Describing Dogs by Size

Size greatly influences a dog’s appearance and behavior.

Here are phrases to describe dogs of different sizes:

“The colossal Great Dane towered over the other dogs at the park.”
“With its compact body , the Jack Russell Terrier easily weaved through the obstacles.”
“Her tiny teacup Yorkie could fit snugly in the palm of her hand.”
“The medium-sized Beagle was just the right size to snuggle on the sofa.”
“The St. Bernard was massive , with a broad chest and powerful limbs.”
“The Toy Poodle was miniature , easily tucking itself in the smallest corner of the bed.”
“Their large Labrador had a heart as big as its size.”
“Despite its small stature , the Dachshund had a loud, bold bark.”
“The Mastiff’s vast size was intimidating, but it was a gentle giant at heart.”
“The Pomeranian was petite , a small ball of fluffy fur.”

Describing Dogs by Color

A dog’s color can paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

“The brindle Boxer was a stunning mixture of dark stripes on a fawn background.”
“Her white Samoyed was a fluffy cloud on a leash.”
“The black Labrador blended into the night, its eyes gleaming like stars.”
“The red Dachshund’s coat was the color of autumn leaves.”
“Their blue Merle Border Collie was a unique patchwork of blues and grays.”
“The yellow Labrador’s coat shimmered in the sunlight, like golden wheat.”
“The chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel was a bundle of silky cocoa fur.”
“The grey Weimaraner moved with a grace that matched its unique color.”
“The tricolor Beagle was a striking mix of black, white, and brown.”
“The sable German Shepherd sported a beautiful blend of brown, black, and gold.”

Describing Dogs by Origin

A dog’s origin can give insight into its nature and appearance.

“The Australian Shepherd , with its striking eyes, showed a keen intelligence and zest for herding.”
“The English Bulldog , stocky and muscular, was a testament to its roots in bull-baiting.”
“The Japanese Shiba Inu , with its plush coat and fox-like face, showed an alert and bold temperament.”
“The French Bichon Frise exuded charm and elegance, fitting for a breed that once warmed the laps of French royalty.”
“The Irish Wolfhound , the tallest of all dog breeds, showed the strength and courage of its homeland.”
“The Mexican Chihuahua may have been small, but it displayed a spirit as lively as a fiesta.”
“The Russian Borzoi , with its long, silky coat and slender physique, had an undeniable aristocratic air.”
“The Italian Greyhound , graceful and slender, was reminiscent of Roman sculptures.”
“The German Rottweiler radiated strength and reliability, a testament to its working roots.”
“The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog had a sturdy physique built for its original role in the Swiss Alps.”

Describing Dogs by Shape

The shape of a dog can say a lot about its breed and even its purpose.

“The Dachshund’s elongated body was a comical sight with its stubby legs.”
“The Greyhound’s sleek, aerodynamic body reflected its history as a swift hunting dog.”
“The Basset Hound’s droopy ears and saggy skin gave it an endearing, mournful look.”
“The Bulldog’s stocky body and strong muscles indicated a history of hard work.”
“The Afghan Hound’s narrow body and long, silky hair were a sight to behold.”
“The Pug’s round, compact body was an adorable contrast to its expressive, wrinkled face.”
“The Pomeranian’s tiny body was a fluffy ball of energy and enthusiasm.”
“The Saint Bernard’s heavyset physique conveyed power and endurance, perfect for rescue missions.”
“The Border Collie’s agile, athletic body was perfect for a day of herding sheep.”
“The Corgi’s short, sturdy body and low-set frame were well-suited to its original task of cattle herding.”

Describing Dogs by Personality

A dog’s personality can make it truly unique.

Here are examples of describing dogs by their character traits:

“The Cheerful Labrador Retriever was always ready for a game of fetch.”
“The Stubborn Basset Hound refused to budge from the sofa.”
“The Energetic Border Collie spent hours playing in the yard.”
“The Protective German Shepherd watched over the children vigilantly.”
“The Aloof Shiba Inu preferred watching from a distance, rather than joining in.”
“The Fearless Dachshund didn’t let its small size stop it from confronting bigger dogs.”
“The Patient Saint Bernard waited calmly as the kids played around it.”
“The Intelligent Poodle quickly figured out how to open the gate.”
“The Laid-back Bulldog enjoyed nothing more than a good nap.”
“The Sociable Golden Retriever made friends everywhere it went.”

Here is a good video I made about how to describe a dog in writing:

How to Describe a Dog Walking

Describing a dog walking can be a captivating and amusing experience, as dogs have a wide variety of walking styles that can depict their mood, breed, and personality.

It’s essential to focus on the dog’s movement, pace, posture, and where its attention is directed.

Describing the Movement

Dogs do not just walk; they strut, amble, trot, or even prance, depending on their mood and the situation.

A dog might saunter casually when it’s relaxed or stride purposefully when on a mission.

Consider how the dog’s body moves. Is its tail wagging, held high, or tucked between its legs?

Are the movements fluid and graceful, or awkward and clumsy?

Describing the Pace

The pace at which a dog walks can say a lot about its mindset.

Is it meandering leisurely, taking in all the scents, or is it rushing ahead, full of energy and excitement? A slow pace might suggest a dog that’s tired, older, or perhaps one that’s reluctant to go where it’s being led.

A brisk pace could indicate eagerness or excitement.

Describing the Posture

A dog’s posture during its walk can speak volumes about its confidence and health.

A dog that walks with its head and tail up is likely feeling happy and confident. A dog that slinks with its tail between its legs could be frightened or feeling insecure.

A hunched posture could suggest a dog is unwell.

Describing Attention Direction

Where a dog’s attention is focused while walking can help describe the scene.

Is the dog scanning its surroundings, sniffing the ground, looking up at its owner, or watching other dogs or people?

Here are some short examples:

“The Labrador Retriever strutted confidently across the park, tail wagging and nose in the air, taking in all the exciting new scents.”
“The old Beagle ambled slowly , sniffing every bush and tree trunk, soaking in all the smells.”
“The German Shepherd trotted briskly , head high and ears perked, alert to every movement around it.”
“The tiny Chihuahua pranced daintily along the sidewalk, pausing every few steps to glance up at its owner for reassurance.”

How to Describe a Dog Barking

Describing a dog barking can be a captivating way to bring energy and emotion into your writing.

It’s essential to focus on the sound, volume, rhythm, and context of the dog’s bark.

Describing the Sound

Different dogs bark in different ways. This can change based on the type of dog, how big it is, and how it’s feeling.

Some dogs have a high-pitched yip, others have a low, menacing growl, while some have a hearty, resonant bark. Using words that convey sound can help your readers “hear” the bark in their minds.

Describing the Volume

The volume of a dog’s bark can add intensity and emotion to your scene.

A soft, almost whispered bark might suggest uncertainty or fear, while a loud, booming bark could indicate a warning or show of dominance.

Describing the Rhythm

The rhythm or pattern of a dog’s bark can convey a lot about what it’s feeling or trying to communicate.

Is the bark continuous, like an alarm bell? Or is it sporadic and playful, like during a game of fetch?

Describing the Context

Remember to describe the situation in which the dog is barking.

Is it barking at a squirrel in a tree, an intruder at the door, or out of sheer excitement when its owner comes home? The context can help the reader understand the dog’s behavior.

“The German Shepherd’s bark was deep and resonant , echoing across the vast yard as it spotted an intruder.”
“The Chihuahua’s yip was high-pitched , a constant, frantic sound whenever the doorbell rang.”
“The Beagle’s bark was hearty and rhythmic , punctuating the quiet afternoon as it spotted a squirrel in the garden.”
“The Golden Retriever’s bark was loud and joyous , a booming sound of welcome when its owner returned home.”

By focusing on the sound, volume, rhythm, and context, you can provide a vivid description of a dog barking that brings your story to life.

How to Describe a Dog’s Smell in Writing

Describing a dog’s smell can provide an immersive, sensory detail that makes your writing more engaging. It’s important to focus on the type of smell, intensity, and source of the smell.

Describing the Type of Smell

A dog’s smell can range from pleasant to pungent depending on numerous factors.

Some dogs may carry the fresh scent of their shampoo, others the earthy smell of dirt from a playful afternoon in the park, while some can have the strong, musky odor that’s uniquely canine.

Choosing the right adjectives to describe these scents will paint a clearer picture in your reader’s mind.

Describing the Intensity

The intensity of a dog’s smell can speak volumes about its recent activities or general hygiene.

A faint smell might suggest a recently bathed and groomed dog, while a strong, potent odor could indicate a dog that’s spent hours outdoors or has been neglecting its grooming routine.

Describing the Source

Consider the source of the smell.

Does the smell come from the dog’s fur, its breath, or perhaps a specific part of its body like the paws or ears?

Each source can produce a distinct odor, and specifying this can help in creating a more vivid description.

“The Golden Retriever’s scent was a comforting mixture of its recent bath and the familiar, musky odor that was distinctly doggy .”
“The Bulldog had a strong, earthy smell , a testament to its afternoon digging in the garden.”
“The Cocker Spaniel had a faint, sweet smell , a mixture of its strawberry-scented shampoo and its soft, clean fur.”
“The Dachshund’s smell was potent , the sour odor of its breath a clear sign it had been into the trash again.”

How to Describe a Dog Running

Describing a dog running can bring vibrancy and excitement into your writing.

It’s essential to focus on the dog’s speed, style of running, body movements, and the purpose behind its run.

Describing the Speed

The speed at which a dog runs can say a lot about its mood, breed, and health.

A dog may sprint like the wind when chasing a ball or trot at a leisurely pace when exploring a new area.

Noticing whether the run is slow and calculated, or fast and frenzied can add depth to your description.

Describing the Style of Running

Every dog has its own style of running. Some dogs run with a light, bouncy gait, while others might run with a strong, determined stride.

Smaller dogs might scamper or scurry, while larger dogs might lope or bound.

The style of running can be indicative of the dog’s breed, size, and personality.

Describing Body Movements

Focus on the dog’s body movements while it’s running.

Is its tail held high, streaming out behind like a flag, or is it tucked close to its body?

Do its ears flap in the wind, or are they pinned back against its head? Such details can bring your description to life.

Describing the Purpose

Describe the purpose or reason behind the dog’s run.

Is it running after a squirrel, towards its owner, or is it simply running out of sheer joy? The context will help readers understand the scene better.

“The Greyhound sprinted with a determined, almost mechanical gait , its body a blur of sleek muscle and raw speed as it chased the rabbit.”
“The Bulldog lumbered slowly, its run more of a waddle , its small legs working overtime to keep up with its friends.”
“The Golden Retriever ran with a joyful bounce , its tail waving like a banner, its tongue lolling out in pure happiness.”
“The Corgi scampered with surprising speed , its short legs a blur as it raced to retrieve the thrown ball.”

How to Describe a Dog Attack in Writing

Describing a dog attack in writing requires careful handling.

It’s essential to portray the event realistically and sensitively, focusing on the actions of the dog, the reaction of the victim, and the aftermath of the event.

Describing the Dog’s Actions

An attacking dog might growl, bare its teeth, charge, or snap.

It might pounce or it might pin its intended target. When describing the dog’s actions, use strong, active verbs to convey the rapid, often chaotic sequence of events.

Be mindful, however, to avoid sensationalizing or vilifying the dog unnecessarily.

Describing the Victim’s Reaction

The victim’s reaction can range from fear to shock, panic to pain.

They might try to escape, protect themselves, or even fight back. Describe their physical responses – do they freeze, run, shout? What emotions are they feeling – terror, disbelief, anger?

Describing the Aftermath

The aftermath of a dog attack can be a potent way to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation.

This could be the immediate response – other people coming to help, calling for an ambulance or animal control – or the longer-term impacts, such as physical scars or psychological trauma.

“The Rottweiler charged with a menacing growl , its eyes locked onto the intruder, teeth bared in a threatening snarl.”
“The victim, frozen in fear, raised an arm protectively , a futile shield against the imminent attack.”
“The aftermath was a scene of chaos , people rushing to assist, the shrill sound of a whistle as someone called for animal control.”

How to Describe a Dog Bite Wound

Describing a dog bite wound can add a dramatic touch to your writing.

It’s important to be sensitive and accurate in such descriptions, focusing on the appearance, severity, and emotional impact of the wound.

Describing the Appearance

How a dog bite wound looks can change a lot based on the dog’s size, breed, and where the bite is located.

It might range from puncture wounds from the dog’s canines, to scratches from its smaller teeth, to torn skin in more severe cases.

It could be described as “a jagged tear in the skin”, “a row of puncture marks”, or “scratches, crisscrossing the skin.”

Describing the Severity

The severity of a dog bite wound can be used to amplify the drama and tension in your scene.

A minor bite could be described as “a series of shallow punctures,” while a serious bite might be described as “a deep, gaping wound.”

Always remember, however, to handle such descriptions with care, as they might be disturbing to some readers.

Describing the Emotional Impact

The emotional reaction to a dog bite wound can add depth to your description.

Consider the shock, pain, fear, or even anger that might be felt by the character who’s been bitten.

“The bite was a sharp puncture , a painful reminder of the Labrador’s unexpected aggression.”
“The wound was a set of scratches , red and stinging, inflicted in the playful roughhousing with the Border Collie.”
“The bite was severe, a deep laceration , a horrifying result of the Rottweiler’s attack.”

How to Describe the Relationship Between a Dog and its Owner

Describing the relationship between a dog and its owner can add depth to your characters and narrative.

Focus on the interactions, shared activities, and emotions between the dog and the owner.

Describing Interactions

Interactions between a dog and its owner can range from affectionate cuddling and playful wrestling to shared quiet moments of contentment.

How does the owner speak to the dog? With tenderness, patience, firmness?

How does the dog respond to the owner? With excitement, calmness, attentiveness?

These interactions can reveal a lot about their bond.

Describing Shared Activities

The activities shared between a dog and its owner can show their relationship dynamics.

Do they enjoy long hikes together? Lazy afternoons on the couch? Vigorous playtime in the park?

A shared activity can indicate the lifestyle, interests, and compatibility of the dog and its owner.

Describing Emotions

The emotions that a dog and its owner have for each other can create an emotional connection for your reader.

Does the owner show love, concern, pride for their dog? Does the dog show loyalty, devotion, affection towards its owner?

Describing these emotions can make the relationship more relatable and engaging.

“The owner stroked the Golden Retriever’s fur gently , a look of tenderness in his eyes, while the dog leaned into the touch, its tail thumping the ground in contentment.”
“The Labrador and its owner were inseparable , always off on some new adventure together, their shared energy and enthusiasm evident in their bright smiles and wagging tail.”
“The Beagle gazed at its owner with unwavering loyalty , its eyes following her every move, a soft whine escaping whenever she left the room.”

How to Describe a Dog Eating

Describing a dog eating can add a touch of realism and charm to your writing.

Here are some words, phrases, and examples that might help you capture this everyday event:

Words to Describe a Dog Eating

Gobble : To eat quickly and eagerly.
Nibble : To eat with small bites.
Crunch : To chew with a noise.
Devour : To eat hungrily or quickly.
Savor : To eat slowly, enjoying the taste.
Sniff : To smell food before eating.
Chew : To bite food into smaller pieces before swallowing.

Phrases to Describe a Dog Eating

Wolf down : To eat very quickly.
Pick at : To eat only small amounts of food, showing little interest or appetite.
Lick clean : To eat all the food off a plate or bowl.
Chomp on : To chew loudly or vigorously.

Examples of a Dog Eating

“The Golden Retriever devoured its dinner , not even pausing for breath, the food disappearing as if by magic.”
“The Chihuahua nibbled delicately at its food , picking out its favorite pieces with precision.”
“The Bulldog chomped on its kibble , the loud crunches echoing through the room.”
“The Dachshund savored its treat , chewing slowly and relishing each bite.”

By using these words and phrases, you can describe a dog eating in a way that brings the scene to life, showcasing the dog’s personality and eating habits.

How to Describe a Wet Dog in Writing

Describing a wet dog can add a humorous or empathetic touch to your writing.

Here are some words, phrases, and examples that can help you capture this scene accurately:

Words to Describe a Wet Dog

Drenched : Completely soaked with water.
Dripping : Having drops of water falling from it.
Soggy : Heavy and wet; soaked with moisture.
Slick : Smooth and glossy, especially from being wet.
Damp : Slightly wet.

Phrases to Describe a Wet Dog

Soaked to the bone : Completely wet.
Shaking off water : The action dogs perform to get rid of water from their fur.
Looking like a drowned rat : Looking very wet and miserable.
Waterlogged fur : Fur that is heavily soaked with water.

Examples of a Wet Dog

“The Labrador was drenched , its normally fluffy fur sticking to its body in a slick layer.”
“The Poodle was a dripping mess , water pouring from its curly fur as it emerged from the pool.”
“The Corgi looked like a drowned rat , its usually buoyant fur hanging heavy and wet.”
“The Border Collie shook off the water from its waterlogged fur , sending droplets flying in all directions.”

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Dog in Writing

You can also describe the mood, thoughts, and feelings of dogs in writing.

There are many examples in popular and classic stories. Read them. Learn from them. And then write a better dog.

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Journal Buddies Jill | May 7, 2024 May 16, 2023 | Journal Prompts & Writing Ideas

Writing about Pets – 15 Fun Pet Writing Topics

Fun and Creative Prompts for Writing about Pets — I am happy to share with you that there are now two lists of pet writing prompts and a total of 25 pet writing topics . Best of all, below you’ll find some of our favorite writing prompts about pets for writers of all ages. Oh yeah.

You see…

Some of the prompts about pets are especially pertinent for elementary students, especially those in 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd grade.

Other ideas in this post are great for students and writers from elementary through high school and beyond.

Oh, and the new and awesome bonus list of 10 pet writing topics are definitely excellent for writers in middle school on up to writers of all ages.

Truly, there are some excellent pet writing prompts here for everyone. Hooray!

Ok, take a look and get to writing about pets and animals today. You and your furry friends will be so glad you did.

However you and/or your students decide to use these prompts, just make sure to have tons of fun writing about pet animals!

15 Prompts for Writing about Pets

Have children write a poem about their dream pet. There are no rules here. Just fun. They can even draw a picture if they would like.
Write a story from the point of view of one of your pets (or of your favorite animal).
Describe your favorite pet. What do you love about it? If you do not have a pet, describe the one you would like to have the most.
Invent a brand new pet. What would it look like? How would you have to care for it?
Write a conversation you would have with your pet (or dream pet) if you could talk with animals. (You could even read passages from Doctor Doolittle to go along with this prompt.)
What if you had a pet like your favorite cartoon character? Who would it be? What kind of adventures would you have?

You can choose to be the pet of anyone in the world. Who would it be? What kind of animal would you be?
Which pets are the best? Why?
Let your students finish this story: “If I were a pet, I would be a _____, and I would….”
What would the world look like if cats acted like dogs and dogs acted like cats?
What if we all kept wild animals as pets? Which one would you choose?
What would happen if you lost your pet? How would you feel? What would you do?
If someone were to care for your pet (or dream pet) while you were away, what things would they need? Write out the care instructions they would have to follow to care properly for your pet.
What would your day be like if you were a cat? Or a dog? Or a fish? What sorts of things would you do? What would be your favorite time of day?

I hope you enjoyed these fun prompts for writing about pets.

93 More Free Animal and Pet Writing Prompts

32 National Pet Day Journal Prompts
34 Easy and Fun Animal Writing Prompts
27 Amazing Picture Writing Prompts for Kids (lots of them with animals!)

10 Bonus Pet Writing Topics

Writing about pets can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can help you explore your creativity and practice your writing skills. So if you’re looking for even more pet-related writing prompts and ideas, look no further! Here are some great pet writing topics that will get your creative juices flowing.

Write an adventure story from the perspective of your pet.
I’ve always dreamed of a pet puppy and today…
Write a funny story about a pet snake, a best friend, and a golden retriever.
If I were an exotic pet, I would be a ______ because…
Write a short story about the best pet you’ve ever had (or want to have).
List the most endearing characteristics of your pet.
What type of animal — from big cats to tiny insects — is your all-time favorite and why?
If I could build my dream animal shelter, I would…
My pet’s story is meaningful to me because…
Why do hamsters make such a good classroom pet?

Ok. I hope you use these fun writing prompts and pet writing topics in your classrooms, lesson plans, or just for fun.

Writing About Pets with Our Prompts

Journaling and writing are powerful activities that can ground your students by giving them a stable, reliable place to express themselves. Your students will become more confident in their own ideas when they see that their thoughts matter with regular writing.

Now, you could…

Simply have your student select their favorite prompt from one of the lists above write about it.

Or, better yet, designate an entire unit of study to writing about pets and pick a prompt or a pet writing topics– or two or more — per week for inspiration.

A Few Final Thoughts

The best way for kids, or anyone, to write about our pets is to capture the unique personalities of our beloved animals in words!

And now…

With these 15 fun prompts and 10 bonus pet writing topics, you can start flexing your creative writing muscles in no time.

From recounting funny stories to describing their personalities, writing about our pets is a great way to practice and improve our writing skills. With these fun ideas, the possibilities are endless – but more importantly, it is a wonderful way to honor our beloved furry friends.

Ok, use our lists of great writing prompts about pets with your budding scholars, and enjoy.

Now don’t delay, grab a pen and paper and get writing!

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed these Pet Writing Prompts and Pet Writing Topics, please share them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

PS – Take some time to explore this Animal Poetry Free Lesson Plan !

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Jill -- Owner and Curator of JournalBuddies.com

Tap to See Prompts 32 Wonderful Writing About Pets Prompts 46 Super 2nd Grade Writing Prompts Super Sweet List of Prompts for 1 -5 Graders Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7-8 Grade 9-12 All Ages ------------End of Om Added --------- Tags 1st grade , 2nd grate , 3rd grade , creative writing prompts , dream pet , favorite writing prompts , Fun Writing Prompts , Grade 1 , Grade 2 , Grade 3 , pet writing prompts , prompts about pets , writing , writing about animals , writing prompts , Writing Prompts about Pets , Writing Prompts for Young Writers , writing skills div#postbottom { margin-top: 12px; } Search Now Offering You 18,000+ Prompts!

Essay on Dog for Students and Children

500+ words essay on dog.

The dog is a pet animal. A dog has sharp teeth so that it can eat flesh very easily, it has four legs, two ears, two eyes, a tail, a mouth, and a nose. It is a very clever animal and is very useful in catching thieves. It runs very fast, barks loudly and attacks the strangers. A dog saves the life of the master from danger. One can find dogs everywhere in the world. Dogs are a very faithful animal. It has a sharp mind and a strong sense of hearing smelling the things. It also has many qualities like swimming in the water, jumping from anywhere, good smelling sense.

Importance of Dog

A dog has a strong power of smell . They are more liked by people because of their faithfulness. They are intelligent, they are watchfulness. The dogs have many colors such as grey, white, black, brown and red. They are of many kinds such as bloodhound, greyhound, german shepherd, Labrador, Rottweiler, bulldog poodle, etc.

Usually, the dog eats fish, meat, milk, rice, bread, etc. Dogs are sometimes called canines. Dogs are sometimes referred to as man’s best friend because they are kept as domestic pets and are usually loyal and like being around humans. They are also helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness and even improve your cardiovascular health. A dog also provides valuable companionship for older adults.

The dogs are so loyal to his master that nothing can induce him to leave his master. His master might be a poor man or even a beggar but still, the dog will not leave his master from far off. Dogs see their master coming home from work they rush to them and jump on them to show their love. Dogs are honest friends who are always ready to die to save a friend. It can bite a thief or stranger when they ignore its barking and try to mischief. Dogs always give security to the owner day and night.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Life Span 0f a Dog

The lifespan of a dog is very small however it can live around 12-15 years long which depend on their size such as smaller dogs lives a longer life. A female dog gives birth to a baby and feed milk that’s why dogs under the mammal category. The dog baby is called a puppy or pup and dog home is called kennel. Dogs are categorized according to their service to people such as guard dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, sniffer dogs, etc. It has a strong power of smell with the assistance of police can arrest murderers, thieves, and dacoits. The Military trains the dogs to track and detect bombs.

Need for Dogs

Detection dogs can be employed at airports, police stations, borders, and schools. Tracking and Hunting dogs, hounds, terriers, and dachshund are the most popular types of hunting and tracking dogs. These dogs are trained to be the eyes, ears, and retrievers for their human companions.

Dogs are a very excellent swimmer. They are really a very helpful pet animal. He respects his owner from the heart and can easily guess his/ her presence through their smell. We should take good care of it and keep them in good condition.

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34 Writing Prompts about Dogs

Dogs are man’s best friend – and they’re what almost every child wants in their life, at least at some stage of their childhood.

But, how much do most students actually know about dogs, or think about them?

Oftentimes, not much more than that they’re friendly and fun. However, these are animals that will exist in everyone’s life, making them important to understand. As as luck would have it, this makes them a great topic to write about!

How to Use These Prompts

These prompts are designed to make students think about dogs in ways that they wouldn’t normally.

It’s can be best to use them in small portions, over an extended period of time. This will help to make them have a stronger impact.

It’s also helpful to have a group discussion after students write out their answers, so they can hear and understand other perspectives.

The Prompts On Dogs

Are you a dog or a cat person? Why?
Do you have a pet dog? What are they like?
What is your favorite breed of dog? Why?
Why is it important to adopt a rescue dog, if possible?
Why do you think dogs are considered man’s best friend?
Do you think dogs have thoughts and emotions? Why or why not?
If you could be a dog for a day, what would you do? Why?
Why do you think stories about dogs are usually sad stories?
What are some books and movies that you know, which include dogs? Did you like these stories?
Some dogs are bred for specific tasks, such as sledding, hunting, and herding. Why is it important to understand how this history of breeding affects their personality today?
What do you think most dogs think about throughout the course of a day?
Do you think dogs like being a part of something like dog shows? Why or why not?
Depending on where you live, dog racing may have been outlawed, due to cruelty. Why would dogs for racing be treated poorly?
What is the best way to train a dog? Why is it important to train a dog?
Do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Why or why not?
Why do many people consider their pet dog to be a part of their family?
Dogs are often used for people with disabilities, such as having difficulties seeing. Why do you think dogs are such a good animal for this usage?
What are the benefits for police and military to use dogs?
If you were to be lost in the woods with one breed of dog, which would you want to be with? Why?
Why do people think of dogs as being different from foxes, wolves, hyenas, or coyotes?
Would you ever consider adopting a dog that isn’t a puppy when you adopted it? Why or why not?
What are some of the benefits of growing up with a pet dog?
If you were able to create your own dog from scratch, what would it look like, and what would you call it?
Some different breeds of dogs, like Irish Wolfhounds and Neapolitans, are bred to fight wolves and lions. How do you think dogs can be bread to fight animals like this? Why do dogs like Irish Wolfhounds still make great pets?
Why do you think that dogs eat everything that they can find? How does this change how you keep them as a pet?
If you could have a conversation with your pet, what would that conversation be? Why?
If you were going to be a dog and have an owner, who would you want as an owner? What type of person would they be?
Have you ever lost a pet? If so, how did it make you feel?
Why do you think dogs chase things like cars and squirrels? What would they do if they caught one?
Do you notice different personalities in dogs? What does this mean?
Do you think dogs should be allowed more places than they are now? Why or why not?
Many people are scared of dogs. Are you one of them? Why do you think so many people are scared of dogs?
Why is it important to take your dog to the veterinarian?
What can you do to take care of your dog better at home?

Looking for more writing inspiration?

If you need more information or resources for teachers, feel free to look through the rest of this website, and share it with any friends or colleagues who may be interested.

As you’re interested in dog prompts, perhaps you’d like to try our zoo prompts , or would like to write about animals of all different sorts!

Is there something not here that you’d like to see? Please tell us!

32 best things about owning a dog

They offer benefits to our physical and mental health and that's just two of the best things about owning a dog

Women hugging dog on jetty: best things about owning a dog

Getting a dog is a huge responsibility, but for many people, the best things about owning a dog far outweigh the negatives. Dogs have fabulously positive effects on our physical and mental health, besides giving us purpose and unconditional love.

The most popular pet in the world has its fans for good reason – they are our mates, our listening ears, our guardians, and our exercise partners.

Besides the scientific benefits in terms of our health, dogs are huge fun and great companions to share a home with. They fit right into our families, and losing them is akin to a human bereavement. They are, quite simply, man’s best friend.

Let’s take a look at some of the best things about owning a dog.

1. Companionship

Offering unconditional love and ever-present friendship, dogs help prevent feelings of social isolation, as well as comfort in times of sadness, anxiety or depression. Whether you live alone or not, dogs tend to be considered part of the family.

2. Exercise

Everyone knows a dog needs daily exercise, but so do you! A British scientific report found that dog owners were almost four times more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity than non-dog owners.

Get involved in any kind of jogging with your dog, and you will burn even more calories.

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3. The welcome home

All dog owners can appreciate this one – the moment the key slots into our door, cue excited scampering, maybe squeaking, as our loyal pup rushes to welcome us home. Even if we’ve only popped out to the local store for some milk, they greet us like we’ve been away for weeks. That delight in our presence is really quite touching.

4. The waggy tail

Is any other animal quite so open about showing their happiness? They just can’t hide their joy – whether it’s dinnertime, walking time, cuddle time, anytime... The habitually waggy tail is a dog’s most endearing feature – and it makes us smile too.

5. Doggy ears

Whether you own a French Bulldog , with their upright bat ears, a Basset with their droopy ones, a spaniel with their silky ears, or anything in between, dog ears are simply magnificent. Expressive, distinctive, and can communicate a good deal to us about how they are feeling.

6. Their lack of judgment

Happy dog carried by owner in plaid shirt

Your dog never judges you, never criticizes you, never eyes you up cynically as if you’re too fat, too thin, or your clothes sense sucks. We should all channel the canine art of taking people as they are.

7. They make us more sociable

It’s like heading out with a fun friend – everyone gravitates towards them, and because they are so delightful, you are too, by association. Studies show that dog owners find it easier to make friends; the dog being the perfect ice-breaker for strangers to approach you in a non-intimidating way and strike up conversation, all the more so when they are at the puppy stage.

And there’s also the likelihood that you’ll meet up with other dog walkers, chatter away in an easy manner while out for a stroll, and become part of your local community.

8. They help us to cope with whatever life throws at us

There’s a reason that therapy dogs are used in disaster zones as well as care homes, hospices and the like. Studies show that people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder gain huge comfort from a service dog and improve their coping mechanisms and quality of life.

9. Health benefits

Dog owners typically have lower blood pressure and are better at dealing with stress than non-dog owners thanks to the human-canine bond, which has been found to reduce anxiety levels. This in turn means a lower risk of cardiovascular problems, and by that stretch, dogs can help us live longer!

10. Ease stress

A Swiss study found that stroking a dog can increase certain brain activity that improves our emotions. Just the ticket after a hard day at work.

11. The look that steals our hearts

Dogs have an uncanny ability to hold your gaze with their beautiful liquid eyes. And this mutual gazing has profound benefits for both the dog and owner if it happens habitually, raising our levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”).

12. Dogs give you a purpose in life

You can’t ever wonder what the point is of getting out of bed when there’s a hungry pooch downstairs, not only waiting for breakfast but thoroughly, overwhelmingly delighted to see you. Much as you might not relish waking up at 6am on a Sunday morning, he is dependent on your presence.

And in fact, your whole day, week, life revolves around the dog – his feeding times, his exercise, where you work and what time you get home, where he goes when you go on vacation – the list goes on.

13. Great for kids

Providing he has been well socialized, a dog has huge benefits for children’s mental and physical health. Owning a dog teaches them responsibility, gives them a fun playmate, encourages them to exercise, and is a subject to talk about with their peers and teachers.

14. A positive effect on your immune system

Whatever people may say about pets being dirty and the fact that they do trigger allergies in some people, as a general rule, dog owners have a stronger immune system. An Australian survey found that they make fewer visits to the doctor and are less likely to take medication.

And it's not because they are clean – let’s not kid ourselves here. Dogs bring a huge variety of bacteria into the home, but exposing us to this bacterial diversity is key in boosting our immunity.

15. Rapid recovery

Not only do dogs in the home lessen our chances of catching common bugs, but studies show they also help us to recover after major surgery , such as cardiovascular operations. It is thought that the desire to return to the pet and inevitable physical activity involved provides extra motivation to recover quickly. And of course, dog owners tend to be fitter to start with, which helps the post-operative recovery too.

16. Dogs make you more attractive

A study conducted by the Dog’s Trust (the UK’s leading dog welfare charity) found that 60% of the 700 surveyed people said that owning a dog can make others more attractive. Eight-five percent think people are more approachable when they have a dog in tow.

17. Dogs save lives

From house fires to water and mountain rescues, search and rescue, avalanche and police situations, countless stricken humans owe their lives to the courage and tenacity of life-saving dogs.

18. Reduced asthma risk

This might sound contrary to expectations given the amount of hair and dander flying around in a doggy home, but a study shows that children exposed to dogs and farm animals from a young age are associated with a lower risk of asthma.

19. Our loyal guardians

Our dogs will do anything to protect us. In most situations, a warning bark is all that is needed, and simply their presence is enough to deter most people. For many of us, taking our dog with us out on solitary walks has a double bonus, a sense of protection in remote areas as well as wonderful canine company.

20. When dogs look like their owners

Perhaps a narcissistic side of dog ownership, but it’s great fun to see a lady with long flowing blonde hair walking a golden retriever; or a tall skinny man with a rangy greyhound.

21. When our personality mirrors our dog’s

An active dog needs an active owner (spaniels, we’re looking at you), while a couch potato type is happy with a more sedentary lifestyle. It’s less ideal if your dog is bouncing off the walls and you just want a quiet stroll to the café. If you and your dog share common values, you’re on to a winner.

22. They come in all shapes and sizes

When it comes to the canine kingdom, there really is something for everyone and anyone. From tiny Chihuahuas to rangy Great Danes , from stocky Bulldogs to leggy Azawakhs, from popular Frenchies to rare Pharaoh Hounds, there’s so much choice – and they’re all marvellous.

23. Magnificent coats

Bar a few hairless dogs, such as the Xoloitzcuintle, most breeds have an appealing coat to stroke or cuddle up to. Whether it’s curly and so-called hypoallergenic like the Poodle’s , short and silky like the Frenchie, mop-like as exemplified by the Komondor, or huge and shaggy like the mountain dog breeds, there is a wonderful array of coats out there to cherish.

24. They pre-wash the dishes

The jury is out on how appropriate this is – but bacterial diversity has been shown to improve immunity. And the plates go on to have a comprehensive clean in the dishwasher – economizing on pre-washing in the sink.

25. Doggy accessories

High-vis coat for night-time walking, or a fleecy one for frosty days – yes, please! Different leashes to match your hats – why not? An Argentinean gaucho collar or tasteful Christmas jumper – stylish. The list goes on, and you might spend most of your salary on it.

26. Being wowed by their speed

Not all breeds are fast, naturally, but most dogs have a dazzling turn of foot, and even short-legged breeds such as Jack Russell Terriers can reach speeds of 30mph. The fastest dog around, the Greyhound, can sprint up to 45mph! Their zoomies are a sight to behold.

27. Puppies

Adorable bundles of fluff, squishy noses, plump tummies. Cuteness overload. And when you breed your own litter, that is a true coming of age moment.

28. Their contagious energy levels

Dogs – especially the working breeds and young ones – are indefatigable, always ready to go, forever keen for a walk or to play fetch, whatever the time, however inclement the weather. We just wish more of that boundless energy would rub off on us.

29. Their aptitude for learning tricks

Dogs love to please, and are very motivated by reward – for some that’s a fuss, for others (most) it’s a titbit treat. Make the most of this motivation and teach them to roll over, shake your hand, play dead on command. It will impress your friends and increase your bond.

30. Canine cuddles

Cuddling your dog boosts your mood, increases oxytocin and lowers the stress hormone cortisol.

31. Dogs keep you young

Owning a dog can not only reduce your risk of dying young, but can also make senior people seem 10 years younger, according to a study at Scottish University St Andrews . This is largely due to the increased exercise levels (regardless of the distance covered) compared to your peers, and the fact that a dog ensures you get out and about in the fresh air, and staying mobile.

32. A ticket to explore

Dogs give us the opportunity to explore our local surroundings, check out trails and venture to new places in our area. Without a dog, many of us wouldn’t have half the local knowledge of the local forests and byways, and our lives would be poorer for it.

Martha is an experienced journalist working in both print and digital media. She specializes in the canine, equine and rural sphere where she has covered a wide range of topics from cloning animals and the ingredients for a perfect yard dog, to helping owners find the best canine GPS trackers on the market. When she’s not busy writing about dogs and horses, she’ll be found either aboard a horse or looking after the menagerie of pets in her care.

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1001 Writing Prompts About Dogs
Below are writing about dogs, you might want to check out: A dog has an adventure on her first day alone in the house. A baby dog plays with a baby human. Write a Diary of a Dog. A family votes to put their dog to sleep. A moral dilemma ensues. A dog follows his master from fight to fight.
How To Describe Dogs in Your Novel
As he prepares to spring with a savage growl, canine teeth are uncovered, and the ears pressed close backwards on the head. flopped onto the floor in a full doggy snit. happy woofing sounds of a dog discovering hidden treasures. wag its tale and watch with hopeful eyes. dog watched him, ears up, head slightly cocked.
11 Ideas for Writing About Dogs
11 Ideas for Writing About Dogs. 1. Write a Novel With a Canine Hero. There are thousands of brilliant novels out there with a canine hero or support role. There is just something about dogs that make us humans want to know more and follow their adventures, and above all, we want to make sure that the dog doesn't die at the end of the story ...
A Dog's-eye view
Jack London's The Call of the Wild (1903) was hugely popular in its time. Buck, a rich family's pet dog, is stolen and becomes a sled dog in the Alaskan hinterland before going off to run with a wolf pack. The novel contains overwrought language and racist values; it also has a strong message against cruelty to animals.
10 Writing Prompts About Dogs for Kids
That's through creative writing! To help you write some "dog-terrific" stories we created some awesome writing prompts for kids. To celebrate man's best friend on National Dog day, use these 10 writing prompts about dogs for kids. 10 Writing Prompts about Dogs for Kids: Write a step by step guide on how to train a dog.
Dog at Midlife
Dog at Midlife. Sometimes a man buys a house in order to have a dog. 1. Sometimes a man buys a house in order to have a dog. A man walks a dog so he doesn't look like a child molester when he walks in the woods. Alone and in the woods, a man is a threat. Give him a dog, though, and he becomes the symbol of American individualism.
30 Writing Prompts About Dogs
A Dog's Transformative Impact on a Lonely Character. This prompt revolves around a character who is lonely or going through a tough time in life and then adopts a dog. Write about how the dog's presence changes the character's life, helps them overcome loneliness and makes them a better person. The Canine Hero.
Creating Memorable Animal Characters
By Ellen Buikema. Animal characters are created in all genres, either in cartoon-like or realistic forms. They may be walking, talking substitutes for human characters, or reality-based beings that may or may not be augmented with special abilities. No matter how you incorporate an animal into your story, they should be a memorable character.
Write a Dog
Dogs are brave, creative, loyal, and original in ways that children would love to be. For adults, books also feature dog characters within the story or featured in an appealing way on the cover. Spotting a dog picture on the spine of a book, dog lovers will generally pull out the book and peer at the cover copy to learn more. ... A dog is the ...
How to Write About Your Pets
How to Write About Your Pets. 1. Gather Your Material. You know your pet's ways. But your reader doesn't. So you need to make your pet into a fully developed character. Here are three techniques to accumulate material for a vivid pet portrait. Go through the photos you have and take new ones with your phone or camera.
The 3 Golden Rules Of Writing About Your Pet
Rule #2 - Make the reader care about your pet. Perhaps the biggest problem when writing about pets is the potential for authors to assume that the reader will automatically care about the animal in question. This is no-one's fault - it's one of the chief virtues of love that, when we possess it, we can't imagine feeling any other way ...
Writing prompts about dogs
Encourage your kids to try their hand at these fun writing prompts for dog lovers! 1. I Will Always Find You. Search and rescue (SAR) dogs work alongside their handlers to track missing humans. With their acute sense of smell, SAR dogs can work in most kinds of weather and environments, whether day or night.
10 Writing Prompts—Written by Cats and a Dog
The dog admitted cats are better than dogs. 7. A dirty litter box. 8. The cat saved the baby's life. 9.The cat was an author and taught kittens how to read. 10. The cat jumped onto a speeding car. My dog Martha just noticed the list of Cat Writing Prompts and wanted a list for dogs as well.
Creative Writing Prompts for Animal Lovers
And keep writing. For more inspiring prompts, pick up a copy of 1200 Creative Writing Prompts, available at your favorite online bookstore. These creative writing prompts are for animal lovers and pay homage to animals while examining the challenges that are unique to our animal friends.
The Wolf and the Dog
Every time I talk about the shooting, I dream my dog is murdered. I am standing in a field in the twilight, high grass painted black against the glowing, lavender-gold sky. My dog has run away. A man is calling her by her name, and she's running toward him, not me. I can tell from the tone of his voice that he isn't calling her out of love ...
How to Describe Dogs in Writing: Instant Suggestions for Accurate and
Creative Writing Techniques. When it comes to describing dogs in writing, using creative writing techniques can make your piece more expressive and amazing. Here are a few techniques that can help you describe dogs more engagingly and vividly. Descriptive Language. Using descriptive language is essential when it comes to describing dogs in writing.
72 Dog Topic Ideas to Write about & Essay Samples
Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly. Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points.
How to Describe a Dog in Writing (100+ Examples)
Here are examples: "The Golden Retriever bounded across the grass, its golden coat gleaming in the sunlight.". "A German Shepherd stood guard, ears pricked and eyes alert.". "The Poodle's elegant curls bounced lightly as it trotted along.". "With its distinct wrinkled skin, the Shar-Pei was immediately noticeable.".
Writing about Pets
15 Prompts for Writing about Pets. Have children write a poem about their dream pet. There are no rules here. Just fun. They can even draw a picture if they would like. Write a story from the point of view of one of your pets (or of your favorite animal). Describe your favorite pet.
Essay on Dog for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay On Dog. The dog is a pet animal. A dog has sharp teeth so that it can eat flesh very easily, it has four legs, two ears, two eyes, a tail, a mouth, and a nose. It is a very clever animal and is very useful in catching thieves. It runs very fast, barks loudly and attacks the strangers. A dog saves the life of the master from danger.
34 Writing Prompts about Dogs
How to Use These Prompts. These prompts are designed to make students think about dogs in ways that they wouldn't normally. It's can be best to use them in small portions, over an extended period of time. This will help to make them have a stronger impact. It's also helpful to have a group discussion after students write out their answers ...
Writing Dog Bios: Tips and Ideas for Crafting Compelling Profiles for
This is probably my favorite type of dog bio to write. I just love capturing a dog's personality in a creative way. In writing about a dog's personality creatively, I find that it helps to think about that dog's adorable quirks, highlight-worthy skills, and unique character traits.
Dog Creative Writing
Dog Creative Writing. A large field was broken up by two rows of trees creating a small square section with dense cattails covering most of it. A mix of knee high grass and alfalfa covered the rest. Luke, Billy, and I decided it would be best to start on one side and push the birds to the other, staying away from the tree line.
32 best things about owning a dog
An active dog needs an active owner (spaniels, we're looking at you), while a couch potato type is happy with a more sedentary lifestyle. It's less ideal if your dog is bouncing off the walls and you just want a quiet stroll to the café. If you and your dog share common values, you're on to a winner. 22. They come in all shapes and sizes
70 Funny Dog Pictures You Need to See
Here at Reader's Digest, we can never get enough dog pictures—and we can never get enough funny dog pictures in particular!We love big dogs, we love apartment dogs, we love meeting new dogs ...

1001 Writing Prompts About Dogs

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We love dogs! Canine writing prompts for your homeschool

1. I Will Always Find You

2. Doggy Dress-up

3. That’s a Strange Dog, Charlie Brown

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