Do we train them, or do they train us?

[JeanieK]

I have always believed that the intelligence of a dog has less to do with what we can teach them and more to do with how hard they work to teach us.

My husband has that male genetic TV watching defective gene, the house could fall down and he wouldn't notice. Our late yorkie Sparky used to try to get his attention to let her out. When he didn't notice her, she would come to me in the computer room (which is where I spend way too much time), she would stand in the doorway and stare at me until I would look at her, then she would look toward the living room, where my husbhand was. I would call out to him to let Sparky out and she would go running to the door.

She knew she had to get me to tell him.

[FirstYorkie]

I like your theory on dog intelligence!

My most recent theory is that the most limiting factor in a dog's trainability is our willingness to listen to them or our willingness to be trained by them, if you will.

Communciation is a two-way street. If only one participant works on bridging the gap, the gap won't be bridged.

Your Sparky figured out whose attention to get and how to get it. YOU figured out what Sparky was trying to tell you. It couldn't have happened without TWO willing participants.

[Lexi Rae]

some men huh? what a smart puppy though...

[JeanieK]

Wow! I'm a quick learner. Or she was a good teacher. They are much more patient with us than we are with them.

[Princessyorkies]

I actually think they teach us way more than we teach them.
They are so special, gotta love them.

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by Princessyorkies

I actually think they teach us way more than we teach them.
They are so special, gotta love them.

I completely agree they teach us more than we teach them. Having no kids I have never been one to get up in the morning ready to go, but Georgie has taught his Momma that there is no time for sleep at 7am Dogs love you unconditionally which is I think something us humans could learn from

[ldenise]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

I have always believed that the intelligence of a dog has less to do with what we can teach them and more to do with how hard they work to teach us.

My husband has that male genetic TV watching defective gene, the house could fall down and he wouldn't notice. Our late yorkie Sparky used to try to get his attention to let her out. When he didn't notice her, she would come to me in the computer room (which is where I spend way too much time), she would stand in the doorway and stare at me until I would look at her, then she would look toward the living room, where my husbhand was. I would call out to him to let Sparky out and she would go running to the door.

She knew she had to get me to tell him.

this is just the way it is in our house! LOL you are speaking my words.

[debbie-nat]

I think they train us. I bought poochie-bells for the door so Natalie could tell us when she had to go out. I was hoping if it was fun for her it would help with her potty training. She loves the bells, she rings them and as soon as I show up, she looks at me, grabs a bite of her food and runs off. As soon as I sit down she rings again. I guess my training is coming along well.

[Cyndiw13]

I really believe they teach us more than we do them. Sweetie has gotten very vocal over the past few months - if we do not notice her wanting something (to go outside.........to get up on the bed..... to "fix" her blanket on the couch into a nest......) she makes this kinda "rrrrrrr" sound. Not loud but loud enough for us to hear. All we have to do is ask what she wants and she will either look at the door or go toward the bedroom or look at the couch - she communicates very well. She is a real joy.

Cyndi

[teri88]

Now....if only I could get Tucker to train me to get him potty trained.