Dogs Read Gestures Like 2-Year-Olds

AOL News ^ | July 14, 2009 | AOL News

[libstripper]

Have you ever considered your dog as an extra child? You may not be that far off. New research shows dogs are similar to 2-year-olds in their capacity to understand simple pointing gestures, Discovery News reported.

[AnAmericanMother]

We routinely use "left" and "right" in agility, judges tend to set up courses so that the dog comes to a point where he could either take an obstacle on his left or one on his right. If you're panting some distance behind your dog (which with the larger and faster dogs is usually the case) then a timely shout of "LEFT!" may save you from an off-course DQ.

Also, there's an event called "Gamblers" where you have to remotely handle your dog from behind a touch-line. "Left" and "right" (and "whoa!" and "go on!") come in real handy there.

[backhoe]

They also know many of their toys by name and will bring them on command . . .

One of the strangest things I've ever seen was how our late Taffy had a specific toy she shook at her "Momma" for different aliments... and how she did it.

She always waited until Miss Emily was sound asleep and then would carefully sort through the toy pile and select the correct talisman.

Carefully pad up to the bed, climb up stealthily, shake the toy, and lie down and gnaw on it.

There was one for colds, one for flu-- another for toothaches... one for feminine ailments, one for joint problems.

If something new developed, she'd pick a toy she had never before used.

We called it "Dog Shaman Mode"-- shaking her Ju-Ju bag at you.

[AnAmericanMother]

That is AMAZING.

It suggests not only treatment, but diagnosis.

Did she always use the same toy for the same condition?

You should have sent her to medical school.

[backhoe]

Did she always use the same toy for the same condition?

Yes, she did, which was one of the eerie things about it-- and if Miss Emily stirred, she would quickly slip down to the floor and feign sleep. Apparently Dog Shamanism only worked when afflicted was unaware of it... she never minded my watching.

[stayathomemom]

New research shows dogs are similar to 2-year-olds in their capacity to understand simple pointing gestures

Cats, on the other hand, don't understand pointing AT ALL!!!!

[AnAmericanMother]

[AnAmericanMother]

Now, here’s the real question: Did it WORK?

[Rebelbase]

My GF’s little chihuahua mix trembles in terror if I give it the evil-eye and snarl my face.