Believe me - to really be honest - a lot of dogs are every bit as smart as Yorkies.

I had a little mixed breed that soon learned what we were spelling. So that didn't work either!

We couldn't say "lake" - so we spelled "l-a-k-e" and then we had to change it to "the place" -- and before long she even knew what that was. We went through the same thing with the words "store," "ride," (people or other dog's names) - etc. etc. etc.

There is no doubt that many dogs are very smart. I definitely do know that many dogs are much more in tune with "people vocabulary" than other dogs are. Some dogs pay little attention - and, others almost always know what you're talking about.

So -- but careful about what you say in front of your dog!!!!!!!

Carol Jean

we have to spell bye bye or treat, or Starsky will get all excited. I also have to make sure I keep to my same morning ritual during the work week. I change it on the weekends and he knows he gets to go somewhere with me or at least out front for a walk or something.

We are amazed at how much Jasmine understands and at some of the things she does.
Yesterday she came to DH and kept barking and going back to the kitchen and back to him and bark and back to the kitchen. He got up and went to the kitchen and our Westie was laying by the empty water bowl. DH filled it up and Jasmine watched Duffy drink it and didn't even get a drink herself and then ran in and jumped in DH's chair. I guess she was telling him Duffy wanted some water. He usually rolls the bowl around when he wants a drink, but DH is hard of hearing and probably didn't hear him so Jasmine decided to help.

She is very vocal and always has a way of letting us know what she wants. Duffy is very smart also, but not as vocal.

W-A-L-K, shhhh
 

We also have to spell many words, but now they even know what the spelling stands for!
If I wanted to go for a W-A-L-K without taking everyone, I would spell it. But now my silky terrier know that W-A-L-K means mommy is going for a walk!!! Yippee!!! And he does his happy dance all over the house. (who could say "no" to that??) If he keeps this up, in no time the others will realize what I am spelling too! :p

They won't have to figure it out...the Silky will tell them all!!! :eek:

I know! They are all like "Bailey- what are you so happy about?? well then, we're happy too!!" :p

BTW- we also have an Oscar- he is a great dane mix. Pretty pup- just big and clumsy right now. Whew!

That is so true!
 

My cousin used to have a great dane/german shephard mix. He was the most wonderful dog in the world! He was even a house dog and very well behaved. He lived to be like 17 which is really old for a big dog...he was a joy to their lives for sure. I would love to see a pic of your Oscar! Have you posted him on the Brother's and Sister's thread? Clumsy puppies are so much fun to watch!!!

J Pop has also learned all the words for "out" and how to spell it...now DH will say have the boys been to "Alaska" yet?! :D

i think all terriers are smart...the boston terrier i had b4 Bo was almost human like it was scary sometimes...she could undeadbolt my front door by jumping on the right spot until it was unlocked as well as opening our bedroom door she would get on the back of my sofa and paw at the door knob until it would open enough to get her nose in the door so she could get in....as far as my yorkie he is very smart to he is only 13 weeks and he has been wee wee pad trained since we brought him home at 8 weeks and he figured out i keep a plate of treats on my table and now he goes around to where i have blankets stacked beside of my table and he climbes up and gets what he wants off the table...i figured that out the other day when my daughter brought me a dandyline in from the yard i laied it on my table and the next thing i knew he had it on his blanket eating it and i couldnt figure out how he got it so i started watching him and sure enough he had figured out how to get into the treat plate from crawling up on the blankets stacked in the corner lol....most of the time he sleeps in a crate infront of my bed where he can see me so he dont cry at night but the other morning i got up and let him out to pee and i thought to myself i know he wont have to go agian b4 i get up so i put him in the bed with me and went to sleep well he woke me up right in my face barking and licking my nose and i thought what in the world is wrong with him well sure enough he had to go poop because when i brought him in here to his pad he about jumed out of my arms and as soon as his feet hit his pads he went...i thought that was pretty good for 13 weeks waking me up when he had to go and not using my bed lol...over all i think most dogs are smarter than alot of ppl give them credit for