Dog intelligence

[missyburd]

Wow. I've just watched a fascinating episode of Horizon on iplayer, The Secret Life of the Dog (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pssgh/Horizon_20092010_The_Secret_Life_of_the_Dog/). Anyone seen it?

If you're a dog-lover like me and, to be honest, even if you're not, you will be amazed, definitely worth a watch if you can spare an hour. The bit about silver foxes is especially interesting, I thought.

Dogs, don't underestimate em, the clever blighters :-D

[Shellywoozle]

Fankoo hun I just watched a bit will watch the rest tomorrow ... interesting

[DarrenSV650S]

Tried to download it for my dad to watch but it doesn't work

[hardhat_harry]

Dogs are as stupid as a box of frogs all they do is bark next door has one and there is 3 at the back of us there is never any peace and quiet it goes on for hours.

There is a small field and wood at the end of our road and all the local dog owners take their pets for walkies before going to work so we get barking from 6.30am onwards and the field gets covered in dog crap so the kids can't play there.

When the next door neighbours aren't in we can hear their dog howling through the wall.

Dogs are a special kind of nuisance.

[neilf]

Dogs are as stupid as a box of frogs all they do is bark next door has one and there is 3 at the back of us there is never any peace and quiet it goes on for hours.

There is a small field and wood at the end of our road and all the local dog owners take their pets for walkies before going to work so we get barking from 6.30am onwards and the field gets covered in dog crap so the kids can't play there.

When the next door neighbours aren't in we can hear their dog howling through the wall.

Dogs are a special kind of nuisance.

No certain dog owners are a nuisance.. I have 4 well trained working Labradors and they neither bark all the while or crap anywhere where it is not immediatley cleaned up. Don't blame the dogs.

[keithd]

Dogs are as stupid as a box of frogs all they do is bark next door has one and there is 3 at the back of us there is never any peace and quiet it goes on for hours.

There is a small field and wood at the end of our road and all the local dog owners take their pets for walkies before going to work so we get barking from 6.30am onwards and the field gets covered in dog crap so the kids can't play there.

When the next door neighbours aren't in we can hear their dog howling through the wall.

Dogs are a special kind of nuisance.

ignorant post. fact

[missyburd]

Dogs are as stupid as a box of frogs all they do is bark next door has one and there is 3 at the back of us there is never any peace and quiet it goes on for hours.

There is a small field and wood at the end of our road and all the local dog owners take their pets for walkies before going to work so we get barking from 6.30am onwards and the field gets covered in dog crap so the kids can't play there.

When the next door neighbours aren't in we can hear their dog howling through the wall.

Dogs are a special kind of nuisance.
I'm guessing you've never owned or lived with a dog then :rolleyes:

The behaviour of dogs is largely down if not completely down to the owners. You see dog crap everywhere, well its the owners responsibility to pick it up, even your local council's responsibility to provide waste bins for the owners to do so. You hear dogs howling, well that's only through sheer boredom, you'd do the same if you were locked in an area alone. Have you thought about letting your neighbours know their dog is howling? If it only does it when they're not in then how are they to know it's even causing a problem? Perhaps you should use your noggin and do something about it instead of complaining.

[Owenski]

No certain dog owners are a nuisance.. I have 4 well trained working Labradors and they neither bark all the while or crap anywhere where it is not immediatley cleaned up. Don't blame the dogs.

+1

ignorant post. fact

+1

I'm guessing you've never owned or lived with a dog then :rolleyes:

The behaviour of dogs is largely down if not completely down to the owners. You see dog crap everywhere, well its the owners responsibility to pick it up, even your local council's responsibility to provide waste bins for the owners to do so. You hear dogs howling, well that's only through sheer boredom, you'd do the same if you were locked in an area alone. Have you thought about letting your neighbours know their dog is howling? If it only does it when they're not in then how are they to know it's even causing a problem? Perhaps you should use your noggin and do something about it instead of complaining.

+1

I think he gets the point now. No need to add further insult to injury.

Ill watch some of that at lunch MYC :)
Recently taught Miya "speak" which makes me feel really proud lol.

[Littlepeahead]

But the bit about it only being dogs who can 'talk' to owners via their barks was nonsense. My cat has a whole variety of noises he makes to tell me what he wants.

I'm pleased to see you - chirpy noises
I want some tuna - just get the can opener out - persistent barky miows
Please get up and get me some breakfast - small miows with headbutts - and if that fails he uses his paw to switch on the bedside touch light!
I can't believe you are expecting me to get off your lap when I'm comfy - grumpy short miow with filthy look
And best of all:
I want someone round here to get up and pay me some attention - long yodelling noise done under the stairs to create an echo and can be heard next door

[punyXpress]

Wow. I've just watched a fascinating episode of Horizon on iplayer, The Secret Life of the Dog (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pssgh/Horizon_20092010_The_Secret_Life_of_the_Dog/). Anyone seen it?

If you're a dog-lover like me and, to be honest, even if you're not, you will be amazed, definitely worth a watch if you can spare an hour. The bit about silver foxes is especially interesting, I thought.

Dogs, don't underestimate em, the clever blighters :-D

Next thing we'll know is they've nicked our SVs ( other bikes are available, if you must ) 'twas a good programme, missy

[missyburd]

But the bit about it only being dogs who can 'talk' to owners via their barks was nonsense. My cat has a whole variety of noises he makes to tell me what he wants.



It's a very good point, I'm surprised they didn't mention domesticated cats throughout the programme as it can only be assumed that the human-pet cat/dog interactions are paralleled. I think it is more to do with the fact that all dogs are dependent on their owners, whereas cats tend to still retain their hunting instincts and nomadic lifestyles.

[hardhat_harry]

+1



+1



+1

I think he gets the point now. No need to add further insult to injury.

Ill watch some of that at lunch MYC :)
Recently taught Miya "speak" which makes me feel really proud lol.

It does make me smile when the right thinking majority start throwing around words like "ignorant" just because someone opposes their point of view of the world, maybe they need to use a dictionary.

I understand your view where you say my dog doesn't do that and its the owners fault but that means 75% of owners around here shouldn't have dogs. There has been quite an increase of dog ownership since they removed the need for a dog license maybe it should be re-introduced as a way of increasing responsibility around dog ownership.

As for the next door neighbours they just said "what do you want me to do about it I'm working all day"

[missyburd]

I understand your view where you say my dog doesn't do that and its the owners fault but that means 75% of owners around here shouldn't have dogs. There has been quite an increase of dog ownership since they removed the need for a dog license maybe it should be re-introduced as a way of increasing responsibility around dog ownership.

Now bringing back dog licences would be a cracking idea IMO. The number of irresponsible dog owners out there is definitely increasing as you say, as is the number of people letting their dogs breed without taking the necessary precautions and letting every Tom, Nancy and Martha take the pups.



As for the next door neighbours they just said "what do you want me to do about it I'm working all day"

And that's just pure arrogance. If they don't give a stuff about the neighbours they at least should be bothered about their dog or vice versa. Gah, flippin' hate people like that :rolleyes:

[Owenski]

I understand your view where you say my dog doesn't do that and its the owners fault but that means 75% of owners around here shouldn't have dogs. There has been quite an increase of dog ownership since they removed the need for a dog license maybe it should be re-introduced as a way of increasing responsibility around dog ownership.

As for the next door neighbours they just said "what do you want me to do about it I'm working all day"

25% of dog owners would agree with that to thier core.

A prime example one person out of the 75% you mentioned. They clearly have no respect for thier dog, but dont blame the dog its the owners failings which unfortunatly let the k9 down.

[missyburd]

Oh leedsmatt, what have you taught Miya exactly?

[Owenski]

The usual:
Sit, Down (lay),
Off (to get off furniture/people when she jumps up),
Paw,
Other Paw,
Stay,
Into/Goto your bed (she'll go to the nearest one upstairs one or downstairs one and sit waiting for another command.)

Less usual;
If she wants something we taught her to come and sit down in front of us and wait, then when you aknowlage her "yes miya" or "what do you want" she'll run to the back door/her water bowl/go get a toy to play with.

Hi-five; literally stand in front of her an make a high five hand (about waist height) she'll get on her back legs and do a high five with her paw into your hand (always impresses people in the pub).

She'll go to the toilet on command, but if she doesnt need to go she comes over to you and sits by your feet looking up at you (very sweet).

She knows go up stairs/downstairs.

She knows "go to your mummy/daddy" she'll run around the house trying to find abi/myself.

"who is it/who's coming" will make her run to the window and look out.

Now over xmas I taught her "speak" so when you say it she'll bark one clear WOOF!


Shame is that, when she's excited she still pee's and I cant seem to train her out of it :( a pest when people come into the house we have to have her meet them outside. (ask ya fella :))

[vixis]

But the bit about it only being dogs who can 'talk' to owners via their barks was nonsense. My cat has a whole variety of noises he makes to tell me what he wants.

I'm pleased to see you - chirpy noises
I want some tuna - just get the can opener out - persistent barky miows
Please get up and get me some breakfast - small miows with headbutts - and if that fails he uses his paw to switch on the bedside touch light!
I can't believe you are expecting me to get off your lap when I'm comfy - grumpy short miow with filthy look
And best of all:
I want someone round here to get up and pay me some attention - long yodelling noise done under the stairs to create an echo and can be heard next door

LOL - I can add, you get purred at to get the brekkie and belted if you go out of the room and DONT go towards the kitchen....

Oh and I totally agree with dog licensing btw, some people shouldnt have mice let alone anything like a dog or cat!

[missyburd]

That's great leedsmatt, is Miya a Springer, I can't quite remember lol. And how old? As the weakness of bladder thing is bound to be something she'll grow out of is she's a young 'un, I once knew a border collie pup that used to greet you and sit on your foot, shortly followed by a wee haha

The border collie on Horizon was amazing, a vocabulary of 300 words and able to memorise pictures in 2D. But then borders are incredibly intelligent, didn't surprise me what breed Betsy turned out to be.

[Owenski]

Shes a cross, springer and boarder 18months today wow shes a doggy now :D

Shes fast and smart but COMPLETLEY NUTS!

Provided she's done her busniess already you can excite her to the point where she runs around the downstairs jumping on everythign she can then off really quick for a good 5min spell, stopping occasionally for a drink and some more encouragement until she just suddenly stops and sits panting usually looking at an inaminate object lol.

She learns stuff very quick, but the problem is you have to re-inforce it for about a month other wise she forgets. Such as she used to know what "hug" was, if you kneal on one knee and said "hug" with your arms out she'd come and jump up put a paw on either shoulder then put her head into your neck allowing you to hug her back. She nailed this really qucik but then I left it for a while with out doing it and now if I do it she does her "I dont know what you mean but look how cute I am" face.

Oh she knows "gis-a-kiss" before I leave for work etc, when she realises shes not coming with me she'll sit and wait for a little stroke and a kiss. As soon as you ask for it she starts licking the air really enthusiastically lol

[Owenski]

Does your pup do anything different?

[missyburd]

Does your pup do anything different?
If you're talking to me I don't have one and haven't to date. Played with lots though! Lol we have a rescue Alsatian, he was about 3 when we got him and his intelligence was amazing then, he has such human characteristics sometimes! I taught him to jump on command, just for something knew, and to give one paw then the other and keep switching. I did begin to teach him heel where he keeps close to your side as you turn and turn but then I had to go back to uni so he forgot. And now I rarely see him as I've moved out but Chris's black labrador keeps me entertained. He's intelligent but so daft as the breed tends to be. Can't wait to get me own dogs and train em properly.

[ophic]

We had an Alsatian - considered to be one of the most intelligent dogs out there. About 3rd from the top of the list.

Then we got an English Mastiff. It's about 3rd from the bottom of the list, and boy they aint joking. He's fantastically good natured, but really really thick.

[Jabba]

As for the next door neighbours they just said "what do you want me to do about it I'm working all day"

That is the time when dogs make the most noise and owners never believe it's so bad until forced to confront the issue.

If it bothers you that much then complain to your local authority's EH dept. They can do something about it if the noise is a statuory nuisance under S79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

[missyburd]

Then we got an English Mastiff. It's about 3rd from the bottom of the list, and boy they aint joking. He's fantastically good natured, but really really thick.
:-D

[Ed]

I sort of agree with harry but only as far as the effect is concerned, not the cause. It's not dogs that are the problem though, it's the owners. There are several nice walks around here that are spoiled by what I call DPH - Dog Poo Hazard - because owners won't pick up the poop, and on the few times that we've gone walking there - some will know Haughmond Hill - we have all come home with turd on our shoes. It's revolting.

[missyburd]

we have all come home with turd on our shoes. It's revolting.
Someone needs to invent a poo detector to take out at night...just found this (http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Dog_20Poo_20Detector_20Shoes)for a laugh :-)

[fizzwheel]

we have all come home with turd on our shoes. It's revolting.

That is grim. I've not got the strongest of stomachs if I can manage to clean up after our two on a walk then anybody should be able to.

I will admit that poo picking the back garden is somewhat improved by the freezing temperatures as its much easier to collect it when its frozen solid !

[stewie]

My dog was so clever he trained me for the past nearly 17 yrs, he could tell me when he wanted to go out, come in, feed him, stroke him, feed him, move up the couch a bit, no, more, a bit more, thats better, feed him. He died on christmas day morning, right in front of the tree, talk about making an exit.

[missyburd]

My dog was so clever he trained me for the past nearly 17 yrs, he could tell me when he wanted to go out, come in, feed him, stroke him, feed him, move up the couch a bit, no, more, a bit more, thats better, feed him. He died on christmas day morning, right in front of the tree, talk about making an exit.
I was very sorry to read that on fbook Stewie, must have been a real dampener of a day for you and the kids :-(

[dizzyblonde]

Now then MissYC...you need to know this about my pooches.

Honey is as blind as a bat, very alert, but getting on a bit and her sight is failing. This does not mean she can't jump over the gate anymore....oh noes quite the opposite! She likes to take herself for walkies when she gets bored in the garden. She also guards any food that may be within her nose range, that means do not in any circumstances leave something on the coffee table or sofa arm, because although she has manners and won't pinch it, she will 'EAT' any other animal that gives any distinct interest in it!...and that gets quite messy.

As for Bob, well he may look dozy, but he is rather more intelligent than some may give him credit for. He has now learnt that following the naughty menace Honey over the fence, will result in being told off, so sits whimpering at the gate loudly until you notice he's told you shes gone!
He also whimpers like a poof when senor Tibbs has pinched his bed, or Honey for that matter, but unlike Senor Tibbs, Honey hasn't figured out his whimpering is a rouse to get her out of it, so he can have it to himself!
He also knows he will get a beating off Honey if he wants to eat whats on the sofa or table, so drools from afar instead ;-)

oh and Senor Tibbs is evil....do not attempt to get in the fridge when he is sat next to it......he'll have your hand off, and will have run upstairs with his thievings before you can scream from the scratch on your hand or indeed before you have blinked!

[DarrenSV650S]

Thanks for posting this myc. Incredibly interesting :thumleft:

[missyburd]

Thanks for posting this myc. Incredibly interesting :thumleft:

Glad you enjoyed it :-D

[Miss Alpinestarhero]

Yup I watched that, I found it REALLY interesting! After reading the blurb I thought "oh my god, experiments on dogs" and expected something much different. Thankfully it turned out to be completly different to what I was expecting :D I never knew that there were people out there who were so dedicated to testing dog intelligence

[missyburd]

I never knew that there were people out there who were so dedicated to testing dog intelligence
Yep, sounds like a seriously interesting thing to go into. I'm guessing it was especially interesting to you Maria with you being a psychologist :-)