How much do dogs really know?

[Rebeccalynn_dj]

Today I ran to target to return my wonder woman costume (don't ask) and a picked up a few odds and ends.  I decided to pick up a bone for my dog.  I forgot all about it when I got home.  I left the bag in the car. 

Tonight she caught my eye.  I told her I got her something.  I walked to go get the bone out of the bag and she followed me.  I didn't call her.  She sat down and stared at me and started shaking with anticipation. 

Let me tell you that my dog never follows me or sits and shakes. 

Do you think animals are smarter than we give them credit for?

[aurorabunny]

Oct. 1, 2009 at 11:03 PM

They are most definitely WAY smarter then we give them credit for.  And that is one cute ass dog. ;)

Oh and I'm asking anyways and disobeying orders, WHY aren't you being Wonder Woman??

[KTMOM]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 8:12 AM

Katie I bet Wonder Woman has much smaller hooters than Rebecca....  ;-)

Yes,  dogs are definitely smarter than they are given credit for.  One of my favorite quotes:  "If you think dogs can't count,  try putting 3 biscuits in your pocket and only give your dog two."  
:) 

[MSugarKane]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 8:14 AM

They definetly are. They can have the intelligence of a human two year old if taught and trained well enough.   My last dog knew many , many words.    I went to spelling words   like    O U T  because if I did say that word he would get all excited like he was going out.  But then he learned even the spelling of O U T meant  out. !!!   That and other words we used to have to spell in front of him. Dogs are very smart.

[HistoryMamaX3]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 10:10 AM

Oh they know... I remember thinking this all the time. It was always weird to see my husband get up and watch the dogs. If he was getting up to go to the kitchen, they'd be up and ready to follow without a word being said, but if he was using the restroom or going elsewhere... they wouldn't even bother to wag a tail. How did they know?

[grammijudi]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 10:49 AM

I definitely think they pay attention to us, especially when we are talking directly to them.  And they understand more the tone of voice than anything.  If we are looking directly at them and shaking a finger and talking with anger in our voice, then they cower down. If we look at them with a smile and talk with a raised happy voice (as women do), then they anticipate something good to come.  I know that dogs DO, over time, begin to recognize certain words that they will memorize, like "let's go" , "treat", "stay" or "GIT".  haha    Tell us more about this Wonder Woman costume! 

[science_spot]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM

my dog is WAY smart! Your's is a cutie :)

[LisaLulu]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM

Oh, yes they are.  I am a shepherd fan - the brain surgeons of the dog world, and I am constantly blown away by how quickly they figure things out.  My first girl would rock the baby's carseat if he awoke, she could open ANYthing - tupperware, gates, doorknobs, the fridge; both my dogs will knock on the door if they want in, they know good people from bad people - they can smell bad intentions, they know when you are sick, sad or upset.  They know waaaay more words than you realize - I walk my dogs without a leash and when a car comes I say "over" and they move to the side ot the road without missing a beat.  So smart.

[mrsjosey1018200]

Oct. 2, 2009 at 8:23 PM

OMG! your dog is so adorable!
and of course of furry 4 legged friends are smart :)

[mtnmama111]

Oct. 3, 2009 at 2:48 AM

Probably smelled it through the car ever since you came home!!! Dogs are awesome!!