How Your Dog Thinks

Of course, dogs think. They can also problem solve. Unlike people, however,
they are unable to reason. And just like people, some are smarter
than others. In this chapter, you’ll explore how your dog thinks and how
you can tell what he is thinking about.
CAN YOUR DOG READ YOUR MIND?
Dogs often give the appearance of being able to read your mind. What happens
in actuality is that by observing you, and studying your habits and movements,
they learn to anticipate your actions. Since dogs communicate with each other
through body language, they quickly become experts at reading yours.
For example, before leaving for work, Marcia always put Bella in her crate. It
wasn’t long before Bella went into her crate on her own when Marcia was about
to leave. “What a clever puppy,” thought Marcia. “She knows I’m going to work.”
What Bella observed was that just before leaving for work, Marcia put on her
makeup and then crated her. Bella’s cue to go into her crate was Marcia’s putting
on her makeup. Then one evening, before dinner guests were to arrive, Marcia
started putting on makeup. When Bella immediately went into her crate, Marcia
realized her dog had not been reading her mind, but had learned her routine
through observation.
“READING” YOUR DOG
Just as your dog Felix takes his cues from watching you, so can you learn to interpret
what he is thinking by watching him. The more time you spend observing
your dog, the better you get at interpreting what’s on his mind.
From prior observation, you know Felix has the habit of counter surfing—putting
his front feet on the counter to see whether there is anything edible up there he can
steal. Since he has done this a number of times before, you recognize his intentions
by the look on his face—head and ears are up, whiskers pointed forward, intent
stare—and the way he moves in the direction of the counter—deliberately, with his
tail wagging in happy anticipation.
At that precise point you should interrupt Felix’s thoughts. When he is thinking
about something you don’t want him to do is the ideal time to intervene.
In a stern voice say, “Not so fast young man,” or “Stop,” or “Ah, ah,” or sharply
clap your hands. Then give him a command incompatible with “counter surfing,”
such as “Sit” or “Down” .
If you catch Felix in the act of trying to steal food—he already has his front
paws planted on the counter—firmly tell him to stop, take him by his collar, and
physically remove his paws from the counter.
Oops—too late!
Visualize yourself preparing a piece of meat for dinner. You leave the counter to
answer the phone and upon your return, the meat is gone. You know Felix ate it.
Your first reaction is anger. Immediately Felix looks guilty, and you assume it is
because he knows he has done wrong.
In fact, Felix knows no such thing. He is reacting to your anger and wonders
why you are angry, and, perhaps based on prior experience, expects to be the target
of your wrath.
Do not attempt any discipline after the offending deed has been accomplished.
Your dog cannot make the connection between the discipline and what he just
did. Your dog may look guilty, but not because he understands what he has done;
he looks guilty only because he understands you are upset.
Unless you can catch him in the act, or, ideally, while he is thinking about stealing
the meat, reprimands are too late. If he has the meat in his mouth, take it away
from him. If he has already eaten the meat, it’s too late to do anything on your
part—the meat is gone, and you should do nothing after the fait accompli. (Moral
of the story: Don’t leave meat unattended on the counter!)