[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yavenay

That is what I am thinking too. Now I am obsessed with figuring out how she knows. So today, we go for our morning walk. I didn't say anything about going for a car ride or going to the dog park. As soon as I got out her harness, she beat to the front door. This week we have her wellness check at the vet. I am going to do the exact same thing and see what happens.

I am wondering if she knows that when I say "lets go for a ride" it means we are not going for a walk? I bet that is how she knows. That would mean I am going to have start spelling out things now and then of course she will learn how to spell. How do we stay a step ahead?

Definitely! They learn so much language. I'm convinced they learn more than the experts say dogs do. I can't even say, "We need coffee" or "we're out of jelly" without Teddy and Max jumping up thinking they are going for a ride to the store.

Originally Posted by Jkpal

Piper always wants to be part of the action (such an endearing trait, yes?)--especially walks; however, if before I get her harness I say, "Just a ride in the car, Pipe--that's all, just a ride in the car," she's still plenty happy, but definitely tones it down and waits for me to pick her up. Once in the car, if we're headed toward groomers, she'll get a little shaky, but when I tell her we're going to Wal-Mart, that's all, we're just going shopping, within a minute her shaking stops and we're off to the races--all expectant and pleased. The fact these lamb chops are so savvy and smart is one thing, but danged if I don't see those little wheels turning when Piper is reasoning something out---like how to get around me to get her way or some such...the ability to reason--yet another amazing ability in our yorkies!

Teddy loves car rides so much that he is thrilled even when I say "just a ride."

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Mine can tell if they are going on a walk or to the dog park vs being left behind by which shoes I put on.

That is adorable! They are so smart.