by Sadie Davis

Created on: February 18, 2009

I've spent the past 10 years breeding, training, doing sporting events, rescuing and just living with dogs. It never fails to amaze me how intelligent they are. Just when I think I've seen everything, one of my dogs will do something completely different and it stops me dead in my tracks.

For instance, most dogs love to ride in the car with their heads hanging out the window. How many dogs will come up behind the driver, curl their left paw, and pull on the driver's arm to have them put the window down? Or better yet, put the window down FARTHER! My little dog has mastered that. She's just like a child. When she gets something in her mind, she very plainly tells me what she wants and won't stop bugging me until she gets it.

In our house, every dog meal time is called "breakfast". Imagine sitting on your couch and saying "breakfast"? You immediately get 2 ecstatic dogs leaping into your lap, kissing you and crying. After fighting them off so you can stand up, they still feel the need to hurry you up. They will bounce behind you, taking their front paws and jumping against your bum until you've walked to the kitchen, made their food and sat it down on the floor. We may be black and blue, but they told us what they wanted and they got it. When it comes to food, they do not know the word "patience". They show it multiple times every single day. How would I know that? They're communicating it loud and clear in their dog-human language.

How about the drive-up bank teller? About 2 months ago, one of the tellers forgot to give my little girl her usual cookie. That was the beginning of the end for that teller. Now every time we pull up to the window, she gives a bark to tell them she's there. They haven't forgotten her cookie since! Who says dogs can't talk?

This particular dog is very animated and vocal. There are other dogs, like my bigger dog, which will just stand and stare at what she wants. She's very good at staring at me, walking away while looking back, and making me follow her. Maybe she wants me to open the bedroom door so she can lie on the bed. Maybe she wants to go out. Regardless, her eyes, her expression and her mannerisms in general tell me exactly what she wants.

These have been happy examples. But what about when they want to do something and I say "no"? You got it. They POUT! They will go to the corner and pout just like a child.

In conclusion, dogs speak very clearly and precisely. Are you listening?

Learn more about this author, Sadie Davis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.