How Responsive/Observant Is Your Dog?

    • Gold Top Dog

    How Responsive/Observant Is Your Dog?

    I think Bear is quite bright, he gets excited when I put my scrunchie in my hair, or pull a sweater over my head - cause he knows that usually means we are going for a walk.
     
    And he talks to me.  I ask him if he wants to go outside and he'll jump up and lick my chin, make growly noises and prance about.  I know he is probably responding to the tone of my voice, but it sure is fun, when you have guests over and they exclaim "Oh, he understands English!"
     
    So how do your doggies respond to your actions and comments?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Gingerbread has picked up those little signs that we're going for a walk also. Usually if I ;put on my jeans we're going for a walk. Or, if my husband and I are going to take him with us when we go out, he can tell when we're getting ready. When we start milling around towards the door he gets REALLY excited.

    Other signs he recognizes:

    Opening a bottom cabinet in our kitchen, means I'm probably getting out the grooming supplies. When he sees the combs/brush he knows for sure.

    Or, if I get the shampoo bottles and start getting stuff ready, like the hairdryer, towels, etc.- then he knows it's bath time and you can just see the look of dread on his little face. [:(]

    In the morning he knows I'm getting up for the day (and not just going to the bathroom or to get a drink) when I sit up and stretch. He starts bouncing around like Tigger!
     
    He knows a few phrases and words:
    bye bye
    night night
    go to sleepy (when he's pestering me for attention and I'm trying to sleep)
    cookie
    treat
    toy
    wait
    okay
    let's go (when he's lagging behind on leash)
    There's also a certain baby talk voice that he knows is for him. He can be anywhere in the apartment and come over if he hears that voice.
     
    That's about it..... I didn't really teach him obedience commands because he's naturally well behaved and small.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Maddi used to know that when I picked up one of my backpacks that I was going to leave. Also, she picks up on changes in footwear, clothing, and pet-roller usage.