Comments on: Do You Answer Your Dog’s Questions?

By: Steph Berry

Steph Berry — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 22:13:13 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

Looks like a lost a chunk of text when posting – I meant for that to say that I speak frequently about the topic when I teach pet obedience classes. Helping dogs understand what we want them to do by being clear with cues and rewards, making sure they are not concerned about or distracted by the environment we have chosen to work in, and maintaining consistency about what we ask for and how we ask for it in various situations will help dogs to understand what we want. I love how thoughtful you are in your interactions with Honey – recognizing her curiosity or concern and giving her information is wonderful. 🙂

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 21:54:44 +0000

In reply to Steph Berry. Excellent to know you're spreading the word. "Clarity is kindness!" Love it!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 21:52:10 +0000

In reply to Jan K. Letting Honey sniff whatever is in my hand has been a real lifesaver. But I can rely on her to not grab it and run. I've fostered some dogs for whom it would be a real problem. Luke is clever to ask about going outside. What a smartie!

By: Steph Berry

Steph Berry — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 21:48:48 +0000

I love this. I speak frequently about our dogs’ desire for information and clear communication – so many behaviors labeled as issues result from a lack of information. Clarity is kindness!

By: Jan K

Jan K — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:12:54 +0000

Whenever I’m holding something, the dogs are right there sniffing or staring at my hand. It never really occurred to me they were just asking a question: “Whatcha got? Is that a treat?” and all I needed to do was answer it for them, to get them to stop following me around. What a great way to look at it!
I’m going to pay more attention to the questions they’re asking now. Like if I’m putting on my shoes or coat, and the question is “Are we all going outside now?”. Luke will go to where his harness is hanging, and I think that’s his way of asking if we’re going for a walk.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 16:58:22 +0000

In reply to Cheryl Chervitz. Sounds like your pups are strong communicators. Love that your sweet girl reminded you to go to bed. I bet you think of her every night. <3

By: Cheryl Chervitz

Cheryl Chervitz — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 14:44:52 +0000

One of my Boston’s is always asking for his walk about noon every day. He knows the time to start asking me. I always tell them I’m leaving too, they look at me when I go to the door as if saying “Am I going too?”. My girl who passed last July used to come to me and ask about bedtime. She would come out from the bedroom and look at me, turn around and head back to the bedroom until I went to bed.

By: Kimberly Gauthier

Kimberly Gauthier — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 20:06:17 +0000

In reply to Pamela. I was thinking about it and I was going to say no, but I think he is the designated question asker in my house.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 20:01:31 +0000

In reply to Kimberly Gauthier.

Interesting that you’re the dog translator in your house. I am too.

When my husband is standing right next to Honey’s empty water bowl, she’ll come to ME when she’s thirsty. A few moments of staring tells me to ask him to refill it.

As for your questions–do you think Rodrigo is simply the designated question asker?

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:51:36 +0000

In reply to Meagan & Merlin. BOL! Merlin was just practicing his nudging technique with your drink. Just wait till you see what he can do when you're eating chicken. :)