September 28, 2011

Some people think that a dog should understand something the first time you tell them. And people sometimes throw a lot of words at a dog and then, when the dog does not understand, they shake their head and walk way, saying “Dumb dog.”  In fact, the animal shelters are full of ‘dumb dogs.’ At least according to the owners that gave them up. “Dumb dog keeps digging out of the yard.” “Dumb dog won’t stop pottying in the house.” “Dumb dog won’t stop barking.” “Dumb dog won’t stop … ”

What do you think, are dogs dumb? Are they really incapable of understanding and learning new things? Or, is it possible that it is us that is dumb in our canine communication and understanding?

Most of us do not pick up a new skill or trick the first time someone shows us. We didn’t get the whole potty-training thing the first time our parents taught us. And I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that none of us can understand a foreign language the first time we hear it. So, why is it we expect a dog to do these things? Especially given we know we are incapable of learning that quickly.

I was thinking about that the other day when I saw a funny commercial with very cute trained dogs. Dogs … they so want to please us. So, why is it, so many people get a dog, then never spend any time developing the communication and training necessary to have a glorious people/pet companionship that is so easily attainable? Instead, frustration and tensions build, the dog grows timid and nervous unable to understand and please Master. Then one day, the dog find he has been abandoned because he is simply a “dumb dog.” A dog has a great capacity to learn and love … and with that comes a great capacity to feel pain and grieve. We fail them when we fail to teach them. We fail them when we abandon them – and they grieve the loss of the family, the person, they loved, yet sadly could not please.

It breaks my heart, not just that dogs are abandoned every day, but that it is so absolutely needlessly. Getting a dog requires commitment. Not just to feed and care for, but to also invest the time training them to understand what you expect of them. They love us. They want to please us. They think we’re the greatest thing ever and never tire of our stories, late hours, or if we’re perfect or not. They don’t care how much money we make, how much we weigh, or if the house is spotless. And they are so willing to forgive our mistakes – and forget them. So, isn’t that the least we can do for them? Take a little time and invest in our pets to help them become the perfect canine companion they were created, destined to be! And for the record, it should be noted a dog is much easier to housetrain than we were to potty-train. Seriously!

Dogs do not speak with words, but they have a great capability to not only understand words, but have an affinity for their favorite words like “treat!” … “walk” … “good dog!” … “squirrel!”  and a great dislike for others like “bath” … “vet” … and “bad dog.” They learn with repetition and positive reinforcement. They learn with a little time and love.

Take a look at the videos listed below; you’ve probably seen them before. But watch them again and enjoy the absolute beauty that is Dog. And think about this … are these famous dogs really super smart, or are they the result of someone spending time with them, teaching them cute tricks and rewarding them for their behavior? These ‘dumb dogs’ have entertained millions because someone invested in them. Shouldn’t we all invest a little time in helping our pets become the best they can be? Tell others; share this blog post with these cute dog videos. Remind others that dogs are amazing creatures with an innate desire to please and learn. If only we will teach them what we want from them.

There is a saying “old dogs can’t learn new tricks” … but I believe that is only applies to people that choose not to train their dogs. =)

… and of course, one of my favorites starring one of my own rescue dogs!