I'm not so sure. Of course, dogs don't read newspapers (that we know of) but I've been impressed that dogs that are given important jobs to do really often do seem to "get it" at least a little with regard to doing some mission.
Guide dogs, assistance dogs, police dogs... and war dogs... really do sometimes seem to "get it" with regard to just plain loving the fact that they have a mission to do and they totally commit to doing it.
Semper fi. :-)
"Guide dogs, assistance dogs, police dogs... and war dogs... really do sometimes seem to "get it" with regard to just plain loving the fact that they have a mission to do and they totally commit to doing it."
I agree, I believe they understand they have a "Job" to do and take great pride doing it. See the enthusiasm many of them display while performing their duty. They don't understand what's going on but I don't think they want to be anywhere else other than with their Handler (Dad/Mom).
One of mine in search of a "job" has become the "self-appointed guardian of the neighborhood" and makes sure everyone knows she's "on duty" once I get home.