Wednesday, August 3, 2011

How Our Dogs Learn From Our Human Behavior



Ever feel like you're being watched? Well, you are! Your dog watches everything you do when you and your dog are together. If you don't believe me, just try eating a sandwich when you think he isn't looking.

Most likely, he will be begging, or staring you down for a bite of that sandwich in no time. The longer your dog has known you, the better he knows you and your habits.
Dogs are like children in the sense that they learn from repetition and reward. Unlike children, it only takes twice, maybe three times to be habit for the dog especially if food is involved.  Food is a great motivator in training.

Your dog will know when you go to the kitchen to make food. He will recognize when you are leaving for the day, or a trip. He will know if you are energetic, or even sad. He knows when to beg for food or a treat, to get a response.

He knows what the can opener is for!

Our dogs learn all this by watching our cues. The movement of our arms, the tone of our voices, and our actions, all tell our dogs what is going on in their world. They watch. They learn. They remember. And they respond. What bird hunter, can't say, that he could put on his hunting vest and boots, then pick up his gun and hat and walk out of the house without his bird dog knowing? I know for a fact it can't be done in my house.

There was an interesting study done on how the canine learns and thinks, when it comes to interacting with humans. Science Daily published an article on the subject and you can read that at:

Canine Connection: Study Explores How Dogs Think and Learn About Human Behavior

7 comments:

  1. I have tried the eye thing with Jack, I will look and he will look, Jill not so much.

    Jack knows when I start cooking, that it's almost time for Daddy to come home and will jump up on the back of the chaise and start watching out the window. Jill waits around by my feet, hoping I will drop something.

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  2. This dog we got at the animal shelter, Pepper Jax, a Jack Russell Terrier, is 2-3 years old; house broken; doesn't bark at visitors, door bells or phones; doesn't stand up or beg at the table when we eat but stays in his bed. He is unique, we think and have only had him since the 14th of July. He has had his series of shots right after we brought him home and goes back for a checkup next week. He doesn't do any of the things most dogs do and I have no idea why.

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  3. Sharon, Some get it, some don't. ha ha

    Don't question your good luck Abe! It does sound like Pepper Jax is the perfect dog. Maybe you're a good master too. (: Enjoy him. Dogs usually don't "come" like that.

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  4. As I always tell my wife, you can't fool the dog!

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  5. I love you're blog. Thanks for the info! We've had our Gordon, Fin, for 4 years. He's a wonderful family dog. We live in Chicago where he loves to swim in the lake, run the other dogs at the park and take us for long walks. :)

    http://yourdailydoggiefromthehouseofparadise.wordpress.com/

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  6. I love you're blog. Thanks for the info! We've had our Gordon, Fin, for 4 years. He's a wonderful family dog. We live in Chicago where he loves to swim in the lake, run the other dogs at the park and take us for long walks. :)

    http://yourdailydoggiefromthehouseofparadise.wordpress.com/

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  7. Planet Penablo, Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comment! Fin sounds wonderful....like all Gordons! I'll drop by your place too and take a look. Thanks again!

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