“Of course dogs know how to talk, but only to those who know how to listen.” I can’t remember where I read this so can’t credit the author, but I certainly agree with the idea. Maybe dogs don’t actually ‘talk’ but they definitely ‘communicate.’ Yes, we’ve seen videos of talented pups who’ve learned how to growl a few words. Even my boy Declan utters a very convincing “Awww” with lots of pitiful emotion when he learns I’m going out and he isn’t. Does that count? Not really.
Dogs aren’t great with verbal conversation but they’re quite capable of letting their owners know their feelings IF those owners know how to listen or read body language. Conversely, our canine companions are masters at reading our body language. Think of the times your Beardie has appeared to know what you plan to do before you do it. Like dancing by the front door when you’ve decided to take her for a walk. Or sitting by the fridge when you are considering getting out a special treat. Or hiding in the bedroom closet when you decide it’s his bath time. How do they know? Chances are you’re telegraphing your intentions with some small movement and you’re not even aware of it. Or maybe your Beardie is reading your mind. Don’t laugh. I’m serious.
To truly understand each other, it helps if you and your Beardie have bonded. It’s rather like people who know each other so well that they finish each other’s thoughts or sentences. Trust and familiarity help.
There’s a connection that hints at what you could expect. For instance, if I’m holding a treat, my dog will probably sit without my requesting it because he knows that’s the usual way things work. However, if I don’t bestow that treasured tidbit, he’ll likely drop into a down and look up at me with an enquiring expression. “Was this what you wanted?” If that doesn’t do the trick, he’ll offer another action from his basic repertoire.
But back to this mind reading business. Okay, I’ll admit to believing it’s possible. “Dogs think in pictures,” say the people who study this sort of thing. Sounds reasonable. After all, pictures are often easier to understand and remember than words. So if I can visualize a picture and mentally transmit it to my dog, what effect will it have? Does my dog have to be ‘tuned in’ to me to receive it? We were at an obedience trial, doing well so far and heading for the recall exercise. The judge gave me the signal to call my dog and I did. He didn’t move, just sat there with a blank look. In desperation I squinted my eyes closed, pictured my boy getting up and trotting toward me. And I mentally sent the vision priority express.
I opened my eyes then in time to see my Beardie strolling down the mat toward me with a happy expression on his furry face. Did it work or was it just luck? I’ve tried this visualization thing several times. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Nevertheless, hundreds of people have stories of how a ‘connection’ with their canines affected their lives. Most recently there was a tale of a dog who practically dragged his owner out of a building which collapsed moments later. Then there was Cocoa, a Beardie of my breeding who was owned by my parents. Over time, my mom noticed that Cocoa would position herself by the front door 10 minutes before my dad arrived home from work. They decided to try to figure out how she knew the time of his arrival. Might it be the sound of his car’s engine? Dad shut off the car a block away and coasted to the house. He rode home with someone else. He stayed later or came home earlier. It didn’t matter. Ten minutes before he walked in the door, she was waiting there. My parents died some years ago. I often wonder if Cocoa was waiting by the Pearly Gates ten minutes before dad entered heaven.
How far can this connection between owner and dog extend? Nancy was a friend who left her beloved dog with her mother in a small Quebec town while she went to France on business. While there, she awoke from a nightmare where her beloved Chester was running through a dark town, confused and frightened. It was so real she wanted to call back to Canada to make sure he was okay. Due to the time differential, she waited until it was morning in Quebec. “Is Chester okay?” was the first thing she asked. She was assured he was fine and sleeping at her mother’s feet. “Why did you ask?” her mother wanted to know and Nancy told her of the nightmare. That’s when she was informed that her brother had taken her dog for a walk and removed his leash to give him more freedom. A bad idea. In a strange locale with strange people, the dog panicked and took off. Was he looking for Nancy? Search parties were organized, authorities notified and Chester was found by the police several hours later as he trotted down the darkened streets of the town. Had this dog’s ‘connection’ with his owner extended across the Atlantic?
Do you know what your dog is thinking? Does your Beardie know what you’re thinking? Recently, I came across an article that suggested giving your dog a command (or suggestion) without using voice or hand signals. That could be a true test of your ‘connection.’ Give it a try.
— alice bixler, Bearded Collie Club of America.
