The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [21]
RICO THE WONDER DOG
In a 2005 study published in Science, German researchers reported that Rico, a Border collie, comprehends more than 200 words — a vocabulary size similar to that of trained apes, dolphins, and parrots. Rico can fetch at least 200 objects by name and seems able to expand his word knowledge bank.
Rico’s ability to learn new words is explained by a process known as fast mapping. This technique allows dogs to form a quick and rough hypothesis about the meaning of a new word after a single exposure to the item in question. The experimenters sent Rico into a room that contained eight items, seven of which were familiar to him. Rico did not know the name of the eighth object, but in seven out of ten tests, he appropriately retrieved a different novel item. That’s one smart dog!
Spelling Champ
Q Our dog gets so excited whenever we say the words “treat” or “walk” that we’ve started to spell them out. But now it seems like she understands when we spell out “t-r-e-a-t” or “w-a-l-k.” She starts to jump around, wiggle, and squeal with delight. We are amazed that she responds. Is our dog a speller?
A Many dog owners try to outwit their dogs by coming up with a secret code for objects and events that are highly prized by dogs, such as treat, walk, and car ride. It is natural to switch to spelling to tone down the emotional outbursts of pure delight from a dog on constant alert for her favorite words. But think about how these words became such favorites in the first place. Dogs quickly learn to associate the word “treat” with the tasty biscuit or dog cookie that you hand over. They soon catch on that “walk” leads to you reaching for the leash and heading to the front door.
By spelling out these key words every time you provide a treat or take her for a trek to the park, your dog links these sounds with their meanings. She can’t spell, but she is good at spotting predictable, consistent behaviors by you. Knowing this, you can expand your dog’s vocabulary and wow your friends by associating specific spelled-out words with specific actions. Your dog could “understand” that “t-a-l-k” means you want him to let out a woof and that “r-e-m-o-t-e” means that you want him to fetch the television remote for you.
I imagine if you looked blankly at your dog and spelled out “e-n-c-y-c-l-o-p-e-d-i-a” in a calm tone without moving, your dog might listen politely but wouldn’t rush for the treat jar or grab the leash. And certainly, she will never hound your bookshelf in search of an encyclopedia or beat you in a game of Scrabble!
New Dog: Friend or Foe?
Q Whenever I meet a new dog, even one belonging to friends, I get a bit nervous. As a child, I was bitten by a neighbor’s dog. It was bad enough that I needed stitches. I love animals but always find myself hesitating before greeting a dog for the first time, even a small one. I guess it is hard to shake childhood memories, but I don’t want to be unduly afraid or nervous around dogs. What signs can I look for to determine if the dog is friendly or not? How should I approach a dog I’m meeting for the first time?
A I sympathize, since I was also bitten by a dog when I was a child. In fact, children far outnumber burglars and mail carriers as victims of dog bites. It is okay to acknowledge your fear and to be a bit cautious when meeting a dog for the first time. That’s being safe and smart.
When greeting dogs, especially ones you don’t know, avoid a head-on stare. Sustained eye contact can be threatening to any dog. Also, do not hover over the dog, pat him on the head, or try to give him a bear hug — these are potentially threatening gestures to dogs. Extend the back of your hand slowly to allow the dog the opportunity to sniff and approach you.
To “read” a dog, you must size up the entire body language of the dog and not rely on just one physical cue. Here are some head-to-tail signs to note when meeting