Thread: I Doubt This Would Surprise Anyone Who Has Owned a Dog

I think sometimes we try and attribute certain characteristics that animals have to what we call Human Intelligence when these qualities are innate to the animal. Certain dogs are bred for herding and others for other tasks so they excel at that. All dogs are social animals so they are sensitive to group behavior and probably consider the Human family they reside with as they would a pack of dogs.

Personally I think most animals have a limited ability for independent thought and the ability to learn which varies with the species.

Some times I can't decide wether I love my dogs more than I hate them, or if it is the other way around.

I have an adorable Bichon Frisé that can be a real pain in the a**. I work at home and when I go to the kitchen for a snack, she follows me (thought: he's going to eat, maybe I can, too). I offer her a doggy treat and instead of just taking it, she smells the treat and then smells my hand (thought: before I decide, let's see what he's eating first, maybe it's better). If she thinks mine is better she refuses the treat and looks at me (thought: you're holding out on me). Sometimes what she wants is a different kind of doggy treat. In that case, she looks at the shelf (thought: what I want's up there).

We go out for a walk three times a day, morning, afternoon and evening. If it's raining, she won't go even if I'm waiting with the leash and call her. She just looks at me (thought: he's got to be nuts).

No, the article doesn't surprise me one bit.

No news here.....goes for cats too. If I give the cat a treat, the furball is in the kitchen with his paws up on the counter, looking at me "Soooo...where's mine?"

I wonder how much they spent on this study...they could have just called pet owners......

@ Wirebeard: People don't have cats; Cats have people.

As for dogs and other animals: I think animals have emotions and thoughts just like we have, only different (because of different wiring in the brain) and perhaps more limited (less complexity in the brain, less intelligence).

I once saw a documentary on national geographic, where 2 elephants were reunited after having been separated as calves for 20 years or so.
When they saw each other, they ran (sort of) towards each other, and stood there with their trunks intertwined, side to side for the longest time.
when I saw that, I remember thinking 'so who are we to say that animals don't have emotions'

The idea that animals have no soul / emotions / intelligence is something started by people with a superiority complex imo.

You mean like the CIA but for dogs? ;-)

Al raz.

I agree with the idea that most animals have a limited ability for independent thought - I mean look at humans! They are just guided by garbage propaganda fed to them by the media. Heel social member, sit and beg for your rewards!

We are the most confused of animals - dogs, however, are still more in tune with what the planet provides. When it all goes bad I am going to be glad I have my dog to show me where the food is. Back to the old bottom layer of Maslows pyramid...

Dogs are ace! Long live their loyalty and good noses.

Originally Posted by Makar

I agree with the idea that most animals have a limited ability for independent thought - I mean look at humans! They are just guided by garbage propaganda fed to them by the media. Heel social member, sit and beg for your rewards!

We are the most confused of animals - dogs, however, are still more in tune with what the planet provides. When it all goes bad I am going to be glad I have my dog to show me where the food is. Back to the old bottom layer of Maslows pyramid...

Dogs are ace! Long live their loyalty and good noses.

+1
Especially on that garbage propaganda thing.

Otto (the great Dane in my avator) gets embarassed/frustrated if someone sneaks up and scares him; he'll go to a different room in search of solitude and can't be swayed by the offer of treats or walks.

I've said for a long time that animals are more like children then what we commonly consider "animals" in that they do possess the essential traits that have been wrongly dubbed "human". Studies are showing that some species (seals, monkeys and dogs, IIRC) have the capacity for abstract logic; if a=b and b=c then a=c types of thought processes.

Lower primates are especially interesting when it comes to reasoning skills in that they seem to fall victim to the same logical error that humans do. Lemurs are susceptible to commiting the same fault that leads to gambling addiction in people. One study presented a number of lemurs with slices of apples, on some occasions they would give the test subject a bonus slice of apple, on other occasions they would short change them. The result was that the Lemurs were much more interested in trying their luck on the chance of receiving a free slice of apple (at the risk of losing a few) then they were when an unvaried number was guaranteed. Some monkeys can even be taught the concept of money that can be exchanged for food.

Animals are cool, there's no two ways about.