Aries

Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal
Ruler: Mars
Symbol: The Ram
Healing Combo: Scorpio and Virgo

Most compatible with: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius

What an Aries dog daydreams about: chasing cars; beating up other dogs twice their size; and being your hero

Keywords: feisty, aggressive, independent, takes the initiative, rowdy, impulsive, Fierce, high-energy, accident-prone

The Personality Snapshot:

• The Aries dog wants to be the first dog to do everything.
• The Aries dog is both macho and heroic.
• The Aries dog hates to be kept waiting.
• The Aries dog wants it his way and right away.
• The Aries dog has a lot of chutzpah.
• The Aries dog jumps in face first.

In-Depth:

Bark it like it's Hot:
Like a furry commando on four legs, an Aries dog will dominate, even if he's small. Nothing and no one can intimidate him. A Mars-ruled pup loves to start fights with all the other dog stars: it makes him feel most alive and reminds him how fierce he is. Patience might be a virtue, but the Aries pooch can live without it: let the Taurus doggies have that one. An Aries dog wants instant gratification, treats and rewards — yesterday! His pet peeve is being made to wait. When he wants to go out, he means NOW, so bust a move or he'll punish the daylights of out of you by ruining your carpet or brand new Manolos. If you're looking for the Power Off switch, good luck: the Aries dog doesn't have one. Trust that you've found yourself an energizer bunny variety of dogs. You must supply copious amounts of activity or he'll take all his pent up aggression out on you, your furniture, or on other doggies.

Put up Your Dukes Dog:
Watch how your feisty pup just can't resist picking fights with pooches 10 times his size; he has to prove his own invincibility. Truth is, the Aries dog is a lovable little hothead with all bark and no bite. He's actually just a noisy little bundle of love dying for you to like him. An Aries dog wants to be your hero. He wants to be the first to do and see everything. He wants to impress you by ramming away the annoying competition and forcing his way up to his rightful place: number one, now and forever.

Bark Loudly and Carry a Big Stick:
The Aries dog knows how to use and abuse his woof power — quiet time is so not his thing. Always on the go, even if it's just chasing his own tail, this restless fur ball loves to sniff out the next challenge or competition to prove his status (numero uno or bust). Size and stature is no issue for a warrior dog. Even the smallest amongst the Aries clan would never let size intimidate him. Fiercely defending his honor, he'll step right up to any cocky canine that dares him to a little sidewalk skirmish.

Macho Macho Dog:
If you already own an Aries, you can probably guess that subtlety is not your dog's strong suit. When he's happy, you know it, as he pounces all over you and covers you with licks. If he's had it with your human foibles, get ready to feel the wrath — an out and out doggie tantrum replete with growls, and paw slamming. The goal is to be champ and ruler of the household, neighborhood and dog run. Have mercy on the wuss of a dog that is clueless enough to step up in this macho dog's face, they're going down. You may wonder who is master and who is servant in this relationship. Unless you can hold your own, expect a major role reversal unless you love watching your Rambo pooch pitch a fit every time he doesn't get his way.

My Way or the Highway:
The Aries dog doesn't like to share, play fair, or put up with other dogs if he can help it. Fighting to be number one twenty-four hours a day, this fearless fighter will plow his way to the front of the line and still get away with it because underneath all that bravado, he's still just an innocent little pup. But pity the fool who keeps him waiting. He's in a serious rush to get to the next hot spot first.

While he loves to be the boss, the Aries' impulsiveness needs to be kept in check: he's constantly bumping into furniture or sniffing scary things, or even recklessly thinking he can take on oncoming traffic. Be sure to have plenty of soft-edged, child-proof furniture around your home. Discipline and plenty of exercise is the key for tempering this jazzed up pooch. Teach your Aries puppy how to share and play nice with other doggies early on in life and you'll have fewer battles of the doggie will later on. Wear him out any chance you get so you can sit back and enjoy the innocent and now mellow ram-dog energy. Once exhausted, this bundle of energy is a joy to behold and a delight to have around. No Dog Star is more open, trusting and ready for anything. You can spring anything on an Aries dog and they'll happily jump right in, muzzle first.

If the Aries dog could talk, he or she would say:

Take me out NOW! No NOW, idiot!
I'm counting to ten, and then I'm leaving without you.
I want to be a macho man.

What an Aries dog wants in an owner:

Hot Diggety Human:
Boy, I could sure dig a high-energy human to keep up with my pace. If you should have a pair of num-chucks in case the neighborhood dogs get out of control — even better (devilish grin.) Will you wrestle with me often and always let me win (not that I wouldn't take you out on my own). Please never, never ever make me wait for my walks or liver treats because instant gratification is my middle name. Show your love for me in obvious ways — why not have a tattoo of my name on your biceps in fact? The more you like to shout out your love to me in public, the more I'll bark yours. Blatant displays of worship and admiration of yours truly are highly encouraged.

Bark Your Mind:
I like an owner who says it exactly how he means it and out loud — especially if there's a chance of stirring up a little brawl. If you let me dominate the scene at the dog run without cramping my style, you're a-okay. And please buy me bright red, flashy dog collars with spikes for my birthday. Sleeping is not your thing right? We need to share the belief that life is now or never — there's too many competitions to conquer and medals to be won. You must have enough energy to keep up with me when I dart off after my next conquest. I don't always watch where I'm going and need you to hold the leash when I forget to look both ways before rampaging across the street. I trust that you would never try to tame my fiery spirit with something as scary as obedience training — education is so overrated. I live by sheer instinct and raw energy baby. Life is a battlefield and you and I are comrades in arms.

As fierce and independent as I may seem, I'm also a sucker for grand displays of affection. You'd better give me enough attention so everyone knows I'm your number one priority like doing everything I want when I want it and how I want it. I'll be your hero and I expect you to be mine. You could be a firefighter or a cop, just as long as you let me break the rules and jump the fence. I thrive on danger and need constant excitement. Let's go watch the burning building or look for an accident scene just for kicks. You encourage lots of running around and barking and you'll even rage on with me — the louder you are, the better. I need a child-like owner: stuffy adults need not apply.