Thread: The conscious perception of aniamls

oops, we were typing at the same time.

Originally Posted by Howie

Take them out of that environment, the context to that situation they were trained, then you begin to see and realize how their experience becomes irrelevant.
You can't let a "smart" breed cloud judgment IMHO.

I reiterate what I said above:

There have been stories about dogs acting in such a way in an emergency-type situation that they weren't trained to do, which can mean they truly do understand what is going on in the situation and has the consciousness to act accordingly, without being trained to do so. Pure breed or not, these dogs have proved heroic in a variety of dire situations due to their problem-solving ability and the conscious understanding of what needs to be done.

Originally Posted by Burns

There have been stories about dogs acting in such a way in an emergency-type situation that they weren't trained to do, which can mean they truly do understand what is going on in the situation and has the consciousness to act accordingly, without being trained to do so. Pure breed or not, these dogs have proved heroic in a variety of dire situations due to their problem-solving ability and the conscious understanding of what needs to be done.

We live in a family situation that is difficult to explain. Without going into that, let me share a little story about that dog there in the avatar.

A family member who is not welcome in our home decided to pay a little visit just a few months after we got our dog. Lucky had no knowledge of this person, and up to this time had been a quiet, frightened, skittish rescue case. She was also incredibly affectionate and friendly with everybody she met, and the few exceptions brought out fear in her, usually due to misunderstandings.

This person walked into our back door unannounced, out of the blue. She got about five steps inside when all hell broke loose. Lucky, with her hair standing on end, fangs bared and growling like she was possessed, backed this person right out of our house. We ended up restraining her and then letting this person in.

All the while she was here, (which wasn't long at all,) Lucky was straining to attack. One thing for damn sure - that person will never set foot in this house uninvited again, so long as this dog is here.

I'll also remind you of the story I told last year about Lucky's habit of raiding the pantry and, without EVER eating anything herself, hiding treats under our pillows when she is left here alone.

This dog routinely blows my mind, Howie. She's conscious. She dreams. She often seems to read our minds. And she really seems to understand people - better than we do, quite often.

You can explain it all away, I'm sure... but we know what we experience with this dog day in and day out. She is an amazing creature - an amazing being.