Dog Language?
- Thread starter Beetree
- Start date
Yes animals communicate
Most communicate just like us. We are too busy to watch and see what they are saying. I speak to my chow just like I talk to people and don't repeat myself. He knows what I say and acknowledges, which doesn't mean he obeys.
The poodles the same way. It takes them time to fully recognize your vocabulary but they do. They're pretty good at it. Like horse whispering, just have to be patient and listen to them.
Most communicate just like us. We are too busy to watch and see what they are saying. I speak to my chow just like I talk to people and don't repeat myself. He knows what I say and acknowledges, which doesn't mean he obeys.
The poodles the same way. It takes them time to fully recognize your vocabulary but they do. They're pretty good at it. Like horse whispering, just have to be patient and listen to them.Animals talk to us all the time....
but we seldom listen or see!
The best example of this is the person who says......the dog bit (someone) for no reason. The dog always has a reason and that reason, 99% of the time, is perfectly logical according to the way dogs think. People tend not to understand dog (animal) body language and often actually push a dog to bite out of sheer desparation.
Dogs learn 'dog speak' while very young...between 3 and 7 weeks old is the most critical developmental period althought they need to continue to interact with other dogs to have good doggy coping skills. This is the reason that single orphaned pups often grow up to have 'issues' with other dogs. They learn most of what they need to know to interact with other species between 7 weeks and 16 weeks. If they don't get a well rounded social life during this time the end result is often a fearful adult.
Many people think that because humans are often politically correct in their interactions with other humans that dogs will just naturally know to be politically correct with other dogs and humans. Not going to happen. Dogs are genetically programed to be dogs and everything they do is rooted in their genetic programing. They learn very early on that communication is mostly body language and tone of voice. In the dog world this works extremely well but in the human world, with humans who have one idea of a dog's ability to understand and dogs with another view, this view of communication often gets them (dog) in a lot of trouble.
Body language can be very hard to figure out if you don't know what you are looking for. The shape of the eye, the angle of the whiskers on the muzzle, the postion of the lips are all critical in determining what a dog is thinking and the dog uses these physical signs to say "hi", "stay away", "I'm going to have to bite you if you don't stop doing that." A wagging tail can mean "I'm tough...wanna fight", I'm happy..wanna play" or "I'm scared...please don't hurt me" depending on the postion of the tail when wagging. We think hugging a dog is an act of affection, and many dogs have learned that this is what humans do to express love. But many dogs look at the hug as a threat and will bite....because in dog body language this is a huge attack on their position in their pack.
Yes, dogs talk to us continually but they talk in 'dog speak' and any interpretation that doesn't take the dog's genetic makeup into account is usually at least a little off base and often WAY off base. This inability to remember that dogs are not little people in fur clothing is the single most important reason why people get bit.
Willow
but we seldom listen or see!
The best example of this is the person who says......the dog bit (someone) for no reason. The dog always has a reason and that reason, 99% of the time, is perfectly logical according to the way dogs think. People tend not to understand dog (animal) body language and often actually push a dog to bite out of sheer desparation.
Dogs learn 'dog speak' while very young...between 3 and 7 weeks old is the most critical developmental period althought they need to continue to interact with other dogs to have good doggy coping skills. This is the reason that single orphaned pups often grow up to have 'issues' with other dogs. They learn most of what they need to know to interact with other species between 7 weeks and 16 weeks. If they don't get a well rounded social life during this time the end result is often a fearful adult.
Many people think that because humans are often politically correct in their interactions with other humans that dogs will just naturally know to be politically correct with other dogs and humans. Not going to happen. Dogs are genetically programed to be dogs and everything they do is rooted in their genetic programing. They learn very early on that communication is mostly body language and tone of voice. In the dog world this works extremely well but in the human world, with humans who have one idea of a dog's ability to understand and dogs with another view, this view of communication often gets them (dog) in a lot of trouble.
Body language can be very hard to figure out if you don't know what you are looking for. The shape of the eye, the angle of the whiskers on the muzzle, the postion of the lips are all critical in determining what a dog is thinking and the dog uses these physical signs to say "hi", "stay away", "I'm going to have to bite you if you don't stop doing that." A wagging tail can mean "I'm tough...wanna fight", I'm happy..wanna play" or "I'm scared...please don't hurt me" depending on the postion of the tail when wagging. We think hugging a dog is an act of affection, and many dogs have learned that this is what humans do to express love. But many dogs look at the hug as a threat and will bite....because in dog body language this is a huge attack on their position in their pack.
Yes, dogs talk to us continually but they talk in 'dog speak' and any interpretation that doesn't take the dog's genetic makeup into account is usually at least a little off base and often WAY off base. This inability to remember that dogs are not little people in fur clothing is the single most important reason why people get bit.
Willow
ChainedLightning
Inactive
Our doggie understands everything you say, not just doggie commands, but complete sentences. And, yeah, he has ways to answer. If the answer to something is yes, he'll turn around once, if it's a very vehement yes, he'll spin in circles - LOL.
But, he's smarter than the average doggie, and I've spent a LOT of time training and teaching him.
But, he's smarter than the average doggie, and I've spent a LOT of time training and teaching him.
ChainedLightning said:
And this is the key!!! Owners who spend a lot of time teaching their pets the language, both body and verbal, of humans have a much better relationship with their pets than those that tie them out in the back yard or just let them exist. Some breeds and some individuals within a breed are smarter or dumber than others but the average pet owner seldom takes advantage of all the potential locked in a dog's brain...or a cat's brain for that matter.
"My dog is stupid" seems to be the title of a song that is often sung by owners who don't have a clue just how much potential is there...if they would only just look!
Willow
Gingergirl
Veteran Member
I read years ago that on average, most dogs will have the intellect of a two to three year old child. I have always assumed this included the dogs ability to understand human language and to conceptualize ideas. So I have always talked to the dog as a toddler: "No, don't eat that." But of course, they do. Just because they understand doesn't mean they agree. In general, our dog knows people's names, nouns for common objects, and simple action verbs. Some claim their dogs recognize some adjectives: BLUE ball vs RED ball.
I have not been able to communicate to the dog that once she winds her lead around a tree she has to go back around the way she came to get free. So I'm thinking she comes in at about 2.5 years.
I have not been able to communicate to the dog that once she winds her lead around a tree she has to go back around the way she came to get free. So I'm thinking she comes in at about 2.5 years.
ChainedLightning
Inactive
Yeah, our puppy knows colors, and knows left from right, and some other concepts most people don't expect dogs to grasp. If I tell him not to eat something in the correct tone of voice, he won't (though the pleading look he gives could melt your heart). Guests to our home always get this "how'd you do that" look when he misbehaves and I tell him to go upstairs until he can behave, and he turns around and goes upstairs.
And, before my beloved Big Kitty died earlier this year, I could tell her to go to her room and she would. She also came running when told it was time for her pills (she had to take two pills a day for the last two or three years of her life).
And, before my beloved Big Kitty died earlier this year, I could tell her to go to her room and she would. She also came running when told it was time for her pills (she had to take two pills a day for the last two or three years of her life).
Dinghy
Veteran Member
I definitely believe they communicate with us. Like has been said, we just don't always understand or pay enough attention. My one dog will sometimes shake his head "no" when I tell him to do something! If you watch them close you can see their expressions changing as they listen to you, like they're really thinking hard about what you're saying. I think they're more emotional than people think too. Our daughter's dog always stays with me when I have her out loose in the yard. The other day she started to take off down the driveway and wouldn't stop no matter how I yelled to her. My elderly neighbor across the street had just come out of his house and she made a b-line for him. I yelled to him to watch out because she'd probably jump on him and she's big. Well, she went over and SAT right beside him. He patted her on the head and she turned right around and came back home. All she wanted was to say "hi" to her buddy!
Too bad for the dog
Most people are trained just like they train their dogs. They are taught to believe that the animals have a state of learning and cease at that level. The dog, just like us at work, will not do anymore then asked. I'll give you an example of what I say. After we had our chow for a while we got a puppy, lab. One night as my wife and I lay in bed, with the pup romping around, watching tv, I noticed that the pup wanted down. I didn't feel like getting up to put it down nor did I want to see it jump and get hurt. So I told the chow to get by the bed and help the pup down. He looked up at me with that "You got to be shi@@ing look." I looked at him and said No help him down now. The chow got up walked over to the bed and let the pup step on his back and then as the pup was off the bed he lowered his back so the pup could safely hop to the floor. I told him he did good and went back to the movie. The wife about fell out. I just expect my animals to respond to what I say. Most people get bit cause they try to approach a dog and speak to it with out knowing what words are normally used with that animal. You should never approach a strange dog until you hear how they are talked to. This is fronting the animal off, just like someone comeing into your house and telling you how to live, it doesn't set will.
Most people are trained just like they train their dogs. They are taught to believe that the animals have a state of learning and cease at that level. The dog, just like us at work, will not do anymore then asked. I'll give you an example of what I say. After we had our chow for a while we got a puppy, lab. One night as my wife and I lay in bed, with the pup romping around, watching tv, I noticed that the pup wanted down. I didn't feel like getting up to put it down nor did I want to see it jump and get hurt. So I told the chow to get by the bed and help the pup down. He looked up at me with that "You got to be shi@@ing look." I looked at him and said No help him down now. The chow got up walked over to the bed and let the pup step on his back and then as the pup was off the bed he lowered his back so the pup could safely hop to the floor. I told him he did good and went back to the movie. The wife about fell out. I just expect my animals to respond to what I say. Most people get bit cause they try to approach a dog and speak to it with out knowing what words are normally used with that animal. You should never approach a strange dog until you hear how they are talked to. This is fronting the animal off, just like someone comeing into your house and telling you how to live, it doesn't set will.
LeafyForest
Veteran Member
We have a toy Pomeranian which we rescued from a care home - the longer we have her the smarter she seems. She understands most of what we say, and she also knows what we are up to before we do it!! i.e. if we go out we mostly take her with us in the car, but on some occasions it is too hot, or not proper for a dog so we get ready, and she seems to know that this is the time she is to stay home??? She also answers in circles if the answer is 'yes'. She does ask for things and manages to get her message across also - like when she stands in front of the fridge and makes a noise she is hoping for ice cream!!! (which she only gets for a treat once in awhile), but we can't say the words 'ice cream' even in the middle of a sentence as she hears it every time!!! She is a real enjoyable pet!!
I am in from an evening of being a part chaperon for 12-14 year olds. Dog language seems easy compared to what I went through tonight. I am tired and can hardly see but WOW what a response! I love this and want to read this again tomorrow, if I am still here what with FRANCES. Interpretation seems to be important these days! Does the dog say yes or no? Is Frances gonna stay or go? Thanks for all the dog lovers! Keep it up because I am not important in this thread YOU are!
Was Cath
Inactive
Yes, they "talk", no doubt!
But as a life-long multiple doggie owner I repectfully disagree with you, Willow, when you say that there is no such thing as a stupid dog.
Most of the doggies who have honored me by sharing their life with me would be considered smart dogs by most. These are the dogs that communicate well and develop rapport with us so that in short order we all can understand each other.
But I have know some really stupid dogs in my life. I have a dog right now that would qualify as "severely developmentally delayed" if they did IQ tests on dogs! You look at his eyes and can easily see that the light is on (but dim) and there is no-one home! But he is so sweet and still able to understand the rules of the house. His equivalency is about an advanced 15 month old (I say advanced since he is house trained!).
I've also had a psychotic dog--really! It wasn't her history since we had her since she was an older pup, but as she got older (around 4 or 5 years old) she developed psychosis. We are certain that she hallucinated, she certainly got delusional at times! Our vet at the time told us that psychosis has been known to occur in German Shepards and recommended that we put her down since she was beginning to be unpredictable.
Dogs do so much for us and ask so little in return, I can't imagine ever not having one, or two, or more in our family.
But as a life-long multiple doggie owner I repectfully disagree with you, Willow, when you say that there is no such thing as a stupid dog.
Most of the doggies who have honored me by sharing their life with me would be considered smart dogs by most. These are the dogs that communicate well and develop rapport with us so that in short order we all can understand each other.
But I have know some really stupid dogs in my life. I have a dog right now that would qualify as "severely developmentally delayed" if they did IQ tests on dogs! You look at his eyes and can easily see that the light is on (but dim) and there is no-one home! But he is so sweet and still able to understand the rules of the house. His equivalency is about an advanced 15 month old (I say advanced since he is house trained!).
I've also had a psychotic dog--really! It wasn't her history since we had her since she was an older pup, but as she got older (around 4 or 5 years old) she developed psychosis. We are certain that she hallucinated, she certainly got delusional at times! Our vet at the time told us that psychosis has been known to occur in German Shepards and recommended that we put her down since she was beginning to be unpredictable.
Dogs do so much for us and ask so little in return, I can't imagine ever not having one, or two, or more in our family.
Was Cath said:
Yes, I would say that the intelligence of the canine fluxuates. I didn't make myself very clear.
The vast majority of dogs that owners classify as stupid are actually dogs that are either misunderstood or lack training. Breed specific characteristics also come into play. The hounds in all shapes and sizes are specifically bred to do their job with little or no human direction. They must be reasonably independant in order to do their job. Many who own hounds think their dogs are dumb because they can't get them to come when called. This is more often than not related to their instinct to hunt independant of human intervention and not much to do with intelligence. The reverse is true of herding dogs. While the breeds that fall into this group must have instinct, breeders must make sure that the dogs are dependant and trainable. Otherwise they could not get them to do what they wanted them to do. The human hunting a rabbit cannot tell where the dog must go so the dog is in charge. The human using a herding dog to herd livestock knows what must be done and therefore needs to be able to control the instinct. When you compare these breeds there is a problem judging intelligence because one is willing to comply and the other is not and it has nothing (or very little) to do with intelligence.
Unfortunately, both groups of dogs are often considered dumb because so many people own them that have no understanding of their genetic temperament limitations and capabilities. Herding dogs can be unwilling or unmotivated to work because of environmental factors. They will appear dumb when in fact it is their lack of training and socializing which makes them appear that way. Many hound owners say their dogs are stupid because they don't focus on their owners if there is something interesting to sniff. Hound owners who don't find a way to make themselves interesting to their dogs don't have much training success.
So, yes, you are right. There are some geneticially dumb dogs out there but the average dog that is labeled as dumb is not. Their owners have just never taped into their genetic potential.
One dumb dog story that I hear a lot is the dog that jumps up on the owner when he greets the owner. To a dog, your face and your crotch are the appropriate places to visit when saying hello. (I know...yuk) Watch two dogs when they greet each other. When you visit your dog tied on a chain or when you walk in the door after being away from home your dog welcomes you back to the pack and the den. Since humans walk on two feet the dog must jump up to say hi to your face. Dogs tied on chains outside are at a disadvantage because they are basically denied access to their human pack and for an animal as social as a dog that is emotionally devastating. When a pack member comes to them, they cannot contain their joy at finally being included in pack activities and they joyfully jump all over the human. The stupid human yells at the dog for being a jerk when in fact it is the human who has completely disregarded the emotional needs of the dog. As time goes on no one comes to play with the dog on the chain because the dog gets so excited and everyone decides the dog is just too stupid to realize he must be calm. The end result is a dog with no emotional stimulation other than negative and a dog that lacks training and socializing. The humans usually indicate this is the dogs fault because he is too stupid to sit still and be nice.
Willow
Tweakette
Irrelevant
Yup, they talk, but it's not with words it's with other vocalizations (barking, grunting, whining, they way they breathe) and body language.
If ours wants something from us she'll stand in the doorway of the room and stare. If we don't respond quickly enough ("yessum, massah Labrador" - it's debateable who owns who around here) she'll advance a step then sigh heavily, like a frustrated human. If we dare to STILL ignore her she'll advance another step, glare at us, then bark once.
I think that dogs and their owners develop an almost telepathic connection where each knows what the other wants and can instantly read what's going on with the other. Time apart seems to damage this connection - when I went out west for 4 months after losing my job I came home to that cord between me and the dog being broken. But after a month or so of being home it came back.
Tweak
If ours wants something from us she'll stand in the doorway of the room and stare. If we don't respond quickly enough ("yessum, massah Labrador"
- it's debateable who owns who around here) she'll advance a step then sigh heavily, like a frustrated human. If we dare to STILL ignore her she'll advance another step, glare at us, then bark once. I think that dogs and their owners develop an almost telepathic connection where each knows what the other wants and can instantly read what's going on with the other. Time apart seems to damage this connection - when I went out west for 4 months after losing my job I came home to that cord between me and the dog being broken. But after a month or so of being home it came back.
Tweak
Very interesting and educational posts!
I have read about many instances of dogs having ESP. If I even think about giving my dog medicine or a BATH, he hides. (He is around five years old) Now how does he know what I am thinking?
This is going to sound strange! I talk to my ten year old dog in sentences, such as, "Do you want to go outside?" etc. When she says yes, she does it by licking her lips. She says no by just looking at me and not licking her lips. The other dogs do the same. For instance if I am looking for a dog, I can ask the other one "Is Fido (not real name) in the garden?" If Fido is in the garden, Moe will lick his lips. If not Mo will just stare at me. They know the word garden because when I go to the garden I always say "We're going to the garden!" They love to go to the garden with me. I can look at any of my dogs and say "Do you love me" Guess what they always say yes! They just look at me and lick their lips. Sometimes I watch them together and they stand around and lick their lips and it makes a little smacking noise. It is like they are talking. I know they are just saying yes to each other. Yeah, yes, yeah. It is mostly after they have all had a little bowl of ice cream. Or something fun. It is like they are saying "Man that was good" "Yeah yes Uh huh". It is so funny!
I have read about many instances of dogs having ESP. If I even think about giving my dog medicine or a BATH, he hides. (He is around five years old) Now how does he know what I am thinking?
This is going to sound strange! I talk to my ten year old dog in sentences, such as, "Do you want to go outside?" etc. When she says yes, she does it by licking her lips. She says no by just looking at me and not licking her lips. The other dogs do the same. For instance if I am looking for a dog, I can ask the other one "Is Fido (not real name) in the garden?" If Fido is in the garden, Moe will lick his lips. If not Mo will just stare at me. They know the word garden because when I go to the garden I always say "We're going to the garden!" They love to go to the garden with me. I can look at any of my dogs and say "Do you love me" Guess what they always say yes! They just look at me and lick their lips. Sometimes I watch them together and they stand around and lick their lips and it makes a little smacking noise. It is like they are talking. I know they are just saying yes to each other. Yeah, yes, yeah. It is mostly after they have all had a little bowl of ice cream. Or something fun. It is like they are saying "Man that was good" "Yeah yes Uh huh". It is so funny!
I noticed that almost everytime any of the dogs get finished with something they shake. Almost like they shake after a bath. When they finish a nap they shake. In fact if I scold the youngest in front of one of the older ones the older one will shake, and then the younger one shakes like oh okay don't do THAT. Like be done with that, don't do that again. When they are rough housing, and one wants to quit he will shake. In a way it is like the horse whisperer to start observing these things. If we could only shake. And yet another strange observance is that they snort if they do not like something. Now this one I have tried. And the older one snorts back to me and she will do it two or three times, in responce to my snorting. It is like we are agreeing on the distaste or danger of something. The snorting sound is like an intentional mix between a cough and a sneeze. Well it might sound crazy but learning (or trying to learn) to communicate with your low cost security system can't be all bad!
And yet another strange observance is that they snort if they do not like something. Now this one I have tried. And the older one snorts back to me and she will do it two or three times, in responce to my snorting. It is like we are agreeing on the distaste or danger of something. The snorting sound is like an intentional mix between a cough and a sneeze. Well it might sound crazy but learning (or trying to learn) to communicate with your low cost security system can't be all bad!Oh I mean't to say that the snorting in distaste first started when my neighbor was over with a mixed drink. He poured a tad on the patio for the dog. Well I know that is bad for a dog and I do not recommend it, but the dog actually had a taste and as I said something negative to the dog the dog looked at me and did the snort thing. Like yes it is horrible. Now everytime he is over here with a mixed drink the dog does the snort thing and if I mimic her she does it again and again. She wants some of the dangerous drink and is willing to take the dangerous chance. I think she liked the relaxation affects of it. However she is not allowed to have it. 
Well, thats about all I can think of right now, but I am looking forward to what anyone else can come up with!!
Well, thats about all I can think of right now, but I am looking forward to what anyone else can come up with!!
ARUBI said:My Doxie communicates with body, eye and sound. The Yorkie, too. You just has to pay attention to what they're trying to tell you. I think they sometimes think humans are so dumb....
Oh Doxies can cut their eyes can't they? A friend of mine once called my Doxie, the Queen of Sheeba. When she would cut her eyes, he said she was saying "OFF with their heads!" She is black and sleek. I tried to put a great photo of her cutting her eyes as my photo under my name..is it called an avatar? However I was unable to do it.
Is there no "cry" smiley? Well put tears here.
MissTina said:
In my experience it is not a good idea to get two pups from the same litter. While this sometimes works out just fine, what usually happens is the two dogs bond to each other more than they bond to their owners. When humans aren't around the pups look to each other to get companionship. They play together. They are not forced to focus on the human members of the pack and there is less need to look for human companionship because the brother or sister is there.
This doesn't mean you can't have two dogs or more at the same time. What it means is that dogs, as I have said at other times, go through developmental stages and certain things must happen during these stages in order for the dog to reach his maximum genetic potential. Pups go through a stage from 7 to about 16 weeks old where they are very in tune to forming relationships...especially with other species. If there is no need to form these 'other species' relationships because they have another pup at the same age, going through the same stage at the same time then the human-dog bond has the potential to be reduced in intensity. Once they are out of this stage you have missed the window of opportunity and will never have the ideal conditions to cultivate this relationship again. I'm not saying the two dogs won't learn to love their humans but they will not develop the dependency on humans if they can depend on a member of their own species.
My recommendation, if you would like two pups, is to get them about a year apart. That will give you time to focus on each one individually with a lot of quality time and no distractions from the other pup crying in the house or kennel. If you must get two pups from the same litter then plan on setting aside at least 1/2 per day for private time with each pup. Also, do not kennel them together or leave them loose together if you leave them alone. This will force them to focus on you even thought the two of them live on the same property.
Nothing is impossible and I am sure there are people out there that have had no problems getting littermates and raising them. But the vast majority of people that try it are not happy with the results.
Willow
Willow!
If you have not written a book, you need to! I have really learned from your posts! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge! You put into words the things that have happened with my having two dogs from the same litter. The dev. stage thing is so true (bonding etc.). I wish I would have known this years ago!
If you have not written a book, you need to! I have really learned from your posts! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge! You put into words the things that have happened with my having two dogs from the same litter. The dev. stage thing is so true (bonding etc.). I wish I would have known this years ago!
Thanks Willow for sharing your experience. I knew there was a reason I was questioning getting 2 pups from the same litter I just wasn't sure why. I remember many years ago we had next door neighbors with a male and female, bro and sis, hunting dogs. One day there was a horrible noise in their yard and they ended up fighting to the death. I always remembered that neighbor saying he was sorry that he got siblings. It doesn't sound like that's what your saying but it was the reason I questioned getting the two together.
ARUBI are they asking for their Christmas presents? That's whay my 4 yr. old thinks.
My mom had to get rid of her precious Ginger Doxie when I was about 1. I was terribly allergic to her. The Dr. told my mom she could get rid of me since she had had the dog longer than me! They kept me and got rid of Ginger but not before she had pups and I curled up with them in her basket one day in the garage. That was back in the early '60's. Our community in OKC went nuts looking for me. It was hours I'm told before they found me in the garage asleep with the puppies.
ARUBI are they asking for their Christmas presents? That's whay my 4 yr. old thinks.
My mom had to get rid of her precious Ginger Doxie when I was about 1. I was terribly allergic to her. The Dr. told my mom she could get rid of me since she had had the dog longer than me! They kept me and got rid of Ginger but not before she had pups and I curled up with them in her basket one day in the garage. That was back in the early '60's. Our community in OKC went nuts looking for me. It was hours I'm told before they found me in the garage asleep with the puppies.
I am positive some of our animal communication is telepathic. I decided this a few years ago. I'll be sitting or doing something without a dog actively present when a thought will come to me. Fill the kibble dispenser or fill the water dish. Sure enough what ever will need filling or someone will want something and they are laying or sitting quietly near by.
Of course we get the usual laughter and other communication methods they use. We presently have a chow mix who had been kenneled and in a rescue group before we got him. He was about a year old when he moved in with us. It took us a good year to be able to get that dog to realize we were communicating with him. He had no relationship to people what so ever. It was a very trying year. He is still not the sharpest pencil in the box but he is a sweet heart. In his way he is quick learning. During severe muddy conditions I wash doggie feet in a bowl of water on the way in the house. He now avoids mud diligently when he is outside. He will walk far out of his way to go around it. Gotta love his dear sweet self.
Of course we get the usual laughter and other communication methods they use. We presently have a chow mix who had been kenneled and in a rescue group before we got him. He was about a year old when he moved in with us. It took us a good year to be able to get that dog to realize we were communicating with him. He had no relationship to people what so ever. It was a very trying year. He is still not the sharpest pencil in the box but he is a sweet heart. In his way he is quick learning. During severe muddy conditions I wash doggie feet in a bowl of water on the way in the house. He now avoids mud diligently when he is outside. He will walk far out of his way to go around it. Gotta love his dear sweet self.
ARUBI
Inactive
MissTina,
They were sitting for a treat. All my Doxie's automaticly sat/sit up, for what ever reason they felt the need to. We never had to train them. I guess the Yorkie, just figured that was the thing to do. I have wondered if it's just because they're so short and sitting up gets them a little closer to the treat
We could/can never put any small wrapped packages under the tree, because the Doxie's learned fast that the small ones were for them and they'd open them as soon as they sorted them out. Our Border Collie used to help them, she would bring the small packages to the doxie to open and then they'd share. The clincher came when the redbone Doxie opened a beautifull emerald a week before Christmas. It wasn't for her
We can't even put anything in their stockings, 'cause we'd constantly find them sitting up, in a row under the stockings 
and they won't budge.
Kitty is much more nonchalant, she is happy curling up under the tree and knocking all the bottom ornaments off.
They were sitting for a treat. All my Doxie's automaticly sat/sit up, for what ever reason they felt the need to. We never had to train them. I guess the Yorkie, just figured that was the thing to do. I have wondered if it's just because they're so short and sitting up gets them a little closer to the treat
We could/can never put any small wrapped packages under the tree, because the Doxie's learned fast that the small ones were for them and they'd open them as soon as they sorted them out. Our Border Collie used to help them, she would bring the small packages to the doxie to open and then they'd share. The clincher came when the redbone Doxie opened a beautifull emerald a week before Christmas. It wasn't for her
We can't even put anything in their stockings, 'cause we'd constantly find them sitting up, in a row under the stockings and they won't budge.Kitty is much more nonchalant, she is happy curling up under the tree and knocking all the bottom ornaments off.
ARUBI said:MissTina,
They were sitting for a treat. All my Doxie's automaticly sat/sit up, for what ever reason they felt the need to. We never had to train them. I guess the Yorkie, just figured that was the thing to do. I have wondered if it's just because they're so short and sitting up gets them a little closer to the treat
We could/can never put any small wrapped packages under the tree, because the Doxie's learned fast that the small ones were for them and they'd open them as soon as they sorted them out. Our Border Collie used to help them, she would bring the small packages to the doxie to open and then they'd share. The clincher came when the redbone Doxie opened a beautifull emerald a week before Christmas. It wasn't for her
Kitty is much more nonchalant, she is happy curling up under the tree and knocking all the bottom ornaments off.
PRESENTS are great! Even dogs know!
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There are lots of professional "animal communicators" out there, and Sarrah already knows how to do it. You simply quiet your own thoughts, and be receptive to your animal, by looking and mentally listening to him or her.
http://whispy.com/animal-communication.html
http://whispy.com/animal-communication.html
Mail Lady
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In honor of my dear beloved Jake, black Lab, who passed away 13 days ago.
Jake was getting a bit overweight so we decided to put him on the "diet" chow. One evening Jake sat in front of me..... eyeing me with those sweet intelligent eyes... never taking them from me. I asked him what he wanted. He got up, headed off to the kitchen which is also the way to his outside area. He continued his way to the back door, looking over his shoulder several times to see if I was still following. As he got in front of the refrigerator, he stopped and abruptly sat down which made me trip over him. Of course, he licked my face in apology.
As I got up it dawned on me that he had purposely sat in front of the refrigerator. Ah-ha..... you're hungry???? I opened the refrigerator door and took out a slice of cheese. Upon offering him the slice, he turned his head to the side. I waited and offered it to him again. He turned his head to the side. So I looked into his eyes.... and saw that he was looking at the roast beef on the bottom shelf. Ah-ha!!! He wanted the roast beef. And, of course, I gave him many chunks.
Jake, in all his 9 years, had never dragged us to the refrigerator before.
Yes, dogs can communicate. At least my Jakey could. Oh boy , I miss him so.
Jake was getting a bit overweight so we decided to put him on the "diet" chow. One evening Jake sat in front of me..... eyeing me with those sweet intelligent eyes... never taking them from me. I asked him what he wanted. He got up, headed off to the kitchen which is also the way to his outside area. He continued his way to the back door, looking over his shoulder several times to see if I was still following. As he got in front of the refrigerator, he stopped and abruptly sat down which made me trip over him. Of course, he licked my face in apology.
As I got up it dawned on me that he had purposely sat in front of the refrigerator. Ah-ha..... you're hungry???? I opened the refrigerator door and took out a slice of cheese. Upon offering him the slice, he turned his head to the side. I waited and offered it to him again. He turned his head to the side. So I looked into his eyes.... and saw that he was looking at the roast beef on the bottom shelf. Ah-ha!!! He wanted the roast beef. And, of course, I gave him many chunks.
Jake, in all his 9 years, had never dragged us to the refrigerator before.
Yes, dogs can communicate. At least my Jakey could. Oh boy , I miss him so.
