For example, a wild animal would eat, drink etc ... through instinct. He would hunt, or hide from predators, through learned behaviour from his parents.
Do animals actually think things through for themselves without being taught by other animals, or humans?
Let me give you an example. Our dog has his own doggie bed where he often stays for some sleep. In his bed he has a blanket to keep him warm.
Lately, when it has been very cold, he has pulled the blanket with his teeth, and dragged it all the way near the open fire, then sat on it and gone to sleep.
No one taught him to do this. We have had him as a young puppy from a rescue centre; so he could not have learnt this behaviour from anyone else.
So is this a sign of intelligence or what? Where did he learn to pull the blanket nearer the fire, rather than just lie there near the fire?
Personally, I think he is very stupid. I have taught him a million times the combination number on the pad to open and shut the back door so he can go out to the garden when he wants. All he has to do is press with his nose 477823 and the door opens. But he still asks us by whining and barking to open the door for him.
Damn ... ... ... I have just given you the PIN number to open our door. Drat and double drat ... what do I do now? I'll ask our dog!
Drag his blankie over to he door so he can b a good watch dog while keeping arm and comfy :)
ReplyDeleteGod's Blessings Victor ✝
Drag his blankie over to the door so he can be a good watch dog while keeping warm and comfy:)
Delete(This is what my comment should have said)
I've tried ... I have put his blanket back in his bed. Yet when it is cold he drags it near the fire again. That's what I cannot understand. Where did he learn to do this? Or is it intelligence?
DeleteI have known many people in life whose stupidity is beyond belief. Yet, here is a dog showing signs of original thought.
When I am in my study working with the door shut so I am not disturbed. He comes behind the door, stands up on hind legs, and with front paws turns the handle with his weight. Then pushes the door open with his weight. If the door opens outwards, he does the same thing; only this time, having opened the door, he goes down on all fours and with his paws pulls open the door.
Where did he learn to do this? Other dogs we've had if shut in a room they stayed there.
God bless.
Animals are smarter than we give them credit for. You dog won't open the door himself because he delights in having you do things for him. After all, it is his house, not yours.
ReplyDeleteSure wish we could edit our comments!! YOUR dog...
DeleteYes I guess you're right. When I go in the garden to pick up his droppings he looks at me and says, "I poo everywhere and you pick it up. Who's the boss now?"
DeleteGod bless, Terri.
Don't dare teach him how to open the refrigerator, Victor... :)
ReplyDeleteGood point, Chris. He prefers human food rather than dog food. Chicken breasts are his favourite.
DeleteGod bless you.
I think your dog is extremely smart, Victor. After all, he knows how to make you open that door for him, doesn't he? Lol!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
That's true, Martha. Sometimes I think we work for him. He asks to go for walks, to go in and out in the garden, to be fed and watered, check-up at the vets every so often for injections ... who's the boss now?
DeleteGod bless.
What a sweetie! And yes, I believe he's got you wrapped around his little paw. You could always save on firewood and buy him his own electric blanket.
ReplyDeleteYou know, Mevely. I think pets have better lives than us sometimes. No worries about paying bills, going to work, commuting long distances ... ... ...
DeleteGod bless you.
The dogs runs the show, Victor and the quicker you understand that then everything will be fine. He probably doesn't appreciate his intelligence being questioned. After all you do pick up his droppings. Just saying, :)
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Bill. He does seem to be smart after all, doesn't he. I wonder what pets think about us humans. Do they see us as equals, or do they feel superior to us?
DeleteGod bless you, Bill.
My "Wonder Dog" has to be taken for a walk. Talk about a BOTHER! He refuses to use the facilities in the fenced back yard. He DEFINITELY is in charge here!
ReplyDeleteWhat was your address?
Blessings, My Friend!
We used to have a dog like that too, Lulu. A small terrier who would not do his business in the garden. He had to be taken for walks. We are now moving home. It is quicker than changing the PIN code on the pad that open and shuts the back door.
DeleteGod bless.
I've heard dogs have the intelligence of a three year old. They also have the unconditional love of a three year old. I think they are a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, JoeH. They do appear to have a level of intelligence.
DeleteGod bless you.
I've never had a dog, but friends have and the dogs do seem to have a good level of intelligence... which when you think about it they do. I'm thinking of Guide Dogs, Mountain Rescue Dogs etc.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I agree Jan that dogs do have a certain level of intelligence; and indeed some dogs can be taught what to do, like the examples you mention. What surprises me is the fact that our dog seems to have done something not taught him by anyone. Dragging his blanket near the fire. Or opening the door by standing on his hind legs. Other dogs we've had did not do so.
DeleteGod bless.