It is fascinating to read the studies on the analysis of dogs and their expression of emotion. We, of course, refer to emotion in the sense that we experience it. Dogs; however, live in the moment so their emotion may be more raw than ours. I don’t think they are capable of deceiving us by expressing an emotion they aren’t really feeling at the moment. They don’t pretend as well as we do!
There are fun photographs of dogs smiling. And they do! Some more than others, but it still qualifies as a smile. I also have seen more than my share of grumpy-doggy face. The “it’s you again” look on some dogs when I (the trainer) show up for another training session can be very comical - for us humans more so than the dog.
With the cooler temperatures, the dogs seem quite content to cuddle on their beds a little longer than normal. And, some days, I think they get up on the wrong side of their cedar-chipped, double-organic-fiber-stuffed, memory foam dog beds! Perhaps they have bad dreams and restless nights too; so, I will cut them some slack.
Regardless, I think it’s fun to notice that much like a little child, a dog’s expression of “emotion” shifts in a nano-second. In a flash, they go from grump-dog to tail-waggin’-ready-for-a-walk dog. I wish it were that easy for us two-leggers! Once again, we learn from our dogs how blessed it is to live in the moment.
Lola, a beautiful Goldendoodle belonging to a friend of mine living in Arizona, has been trained by Cesar Millan! While I would like to receive a little credit for her obedient behavior, I have to admit the credit goes to Cesar, the Dog Whisperer (as if I needed to add his title).
The amazing aspect of her training is that she never met Cesar! I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself. The photos below tell the story and show that she is smarter than your average Goldendoodle! Here is she is being “personally” trained by Cesar Millan.
I like to carry my leash but this dog looks like he is trying to play tug-of-war with Cesar. Even I know that’s not a good idea!
Forget that loser dog, Cesar - look at me! I’m Lola! I luff you!
You say it, Cesar, and I’ll do it! I’m a good girl!
As my dog ran inside eating something not intended for dog consumption, I said, “drop it! You’ll be sicker than a…..a…..a dog?” I quickly changed it to sicker than a human. Generally speaking, I believe dogs are much healthier than their humans. Considering the amazing food they have for dogs and that the requirements for food-quality are higher than on human food, dogs aren’t what I think of when someone is sick.
A dog can’t be a hypochondriac or feign a soar throat to get out of obedience class. They may drink their water too fast, but they don’t typically over-indulge and regret it the next day. We may quickly use antibacterial wipes after petting a dog, but I would imagine that the medicines in the cabinet are not for the dog.
Next time someone tells you they are sicker than a dog, I wouldn’t worry too much.
Perhaps you saw the segment on Animal Planet where a teacher taught his Labrador to read. The dog would read words printed on a flash card, and amazingly enough, would follow through with the instruction on the card! This is impressive.
I have seen a lot of amazing demonstrations of a dog’s intelligence, but the following tops them
all. . .my dog, Mac, can read books! In fact, he reads until he falls asleep. I think
I heard him say, “if only I had thumbs, turning pages would be so much easier.” Now I know what he was talking about.
I know you’ve heard it more than once from me that dogs bark. That’s their voice. How much they have to say and when they say it, may need to be fine-tuned!
As a personal note, my little guy, Moby (please never tell him he is little), feels the need to exit the slider as he announces to any and all who might go before, after, or are outside when he approaches that he is coming and he is to be feared.
As the temperatures cool and dogs (in the desert) are out more, they may become more excited (accompanied by vocal expression - i.e., barking) in exclamation that they can once again be given free access to the outside world that fears and respects them.
Tonight, Moby was declaring his presence to a neighboring dog. I walked outside and sometimes that alone is enough. This time, I gave the human hand signal for “cut” by turning my flattened hand toward my neck as I said “ixnay arkingbay.” He stopped immediately and hasn’t barked since.
Why do I share this moment of enlightment? To let you know that once your dog listens, respects, and responds to you, you can even speak in pig Latin and they will get it. It all means stop, and most important is the energy behind your words. Their respect for you will be evident.
Dogs and cats can be great friends. Maybe the friendship isn’t one of true admiration but more of a tolerance mixed with a little respect. Maybe, a growl is just a growl…Melody and her little brother, Mac, respond to a question from a cat who loves a dog and the dog doesn’t share the affection - yet.
It’s important to create an environment and life for your dog that will assist them in being well adjusted. You want your dog(s) to be independent and confident. It seems that some people think an insecure dog will love them more. The dog may need you, but don’t confuse their need for you with their love for you.
It’s so nice to be able to leave for a weekend, a week, or even longer and know your dog(s) will be content in the care of someone else. You will be missed; however, don’t expect to find their journal filled with loving thoughts of you. A happy, secure, content dog will adjust much better to your absence. You, on the other hand, may need to see their happy faces to feel secure.
Here’s two well-adjusted dogs, Cody and Xena, on stay-cation while their Dads were away. They missed them, but I think they did ok. . .
