Hetzer

Tell that to the bitch I started Obedience Training at age 5 - we got up to a CD Tiltle! I think the myth has more to do with humans really, don't you think? The older a human gets, the more ingrained certain notions and attitudes get. They'll hold fast to their precious belief systems no matter what evidence comes to light to prove otherwise. To question and re-evaluate one's beliefs is an affront to one's sense of pride and worth. The persistence of a lot of the myths in this message thread shows this facet of human nature.

mythbusters did a doggy special where they debunked this myth by getting a pair of alaskan malamutes from a shelter and training them :D!!! Theres some link on yotube for the episode I'm really into Mythbusters, so thank you for the heads-up on this episode. I found it online here and enjoyed watching it very much! It was also worth watching for the program segments where the team attempted to elude a Bloodhound and a Guard Dog using classic "TV" or "Hollywood" techniques. A few surprises and very entertaining. Watching team members attempt to run around in those cumbersome bite-suits was very funny.

BIGTIME MYTH: You can't teach an old dog new tricks

Frisky breed, that

I know someone who used to beat his dog after it escaped the yard through a broken gate, so it would cower when it returned from a visit to the neighbours French Poodle. I told him to fix his gate. His argument was that he didn't need to fix the gate because his dog "knew" it was wrong to leave the yard. Yep, that's a great example of this type of dumb-ass applying fool's logic. If only someone could beat some sense into HIM.

BIG FAT MYTH: "When I yell at my dog several hours after he does something naughty, he looks guilty, so he obviously knows what I'm talking about"

I've always wanted to check out Crufts - the sheer scale and status of the event would be amazing to experience first hand. Have a great time!

I was in Hornsby and spotted a Guide Dog plus owner in a Cafe. I remember thinking "Hey that's cool".

I can't help laughing when my Kimmi performs a "sit in" on my computer desk while I'm on the PC. She has numerous tactics at her disposal to ensure attention!

COOL! I'm doing precisely the same thing with my Kimmi. First I put her in a room inside and say "wait". Then I go and hide her favorite treat either inside or outside somewhere. Then I come back and say "Search!" just like you do! She is off like greased lightning and to observe her in action is really something else! Lately I've been upping the ante by hiding the treats *ON* trees, under carpets, high up on fences... I've dragged the scent of the treat around to deliberately make things harder too.

There's a hint in the topic heading... :D Ivy looks really nice and pat-worthy!

Sometimes Kimmi nibbles on my leg and it really tickles... she kinda chews playfully on the upper thigh and you can see by the look on her face she's getting her jollies by seeing me squirm as she pushes the limits of my endurance!

Guys and Gals I highly recommend the SBS series Humanimal - it covers aspects of animal intelligence extremely well using the latest science. It has multiple episodes, with my favorites being the dog and the wolf.

Ok, I don't agree that dogs only like people because they see them as a meal ticket. Perhaps when they're in a bad environment they would feel that way. Your comment about it getting something out of the deal is exactly my point, most humans have an alterior motive, animals don't. BTW I'm not saying that our dogs "only" like us because of food and shelter, but I think its the deal maker for the very successful symbiosis of our species. I'm sure they feel genuine affection too and enjoy the social aspect of play, pats and snuggles. All animals, including dogs and humans, engage in behaviours that give them some kind of perceived dividend. In the case of humans, this could be feeling power through hurting others or acquiring possessions... things of no significance to an animal. I agree with you that humans definitely win hands for duplicity, manipulation and deceit - but these are signs of intelligence in strict scientific terms.

I can see the concept of creature comforts has been applied successfully!

I like the absence of ambiguity in dog emotions. For example, you'll never get a passive-aggressive attitude. You get the feeling that a dog likes you for who you are. But the dog knows you're his meal ticket, and provide shelter, so its loyalty is a genetic and behavioral adaptation to improve its chances of survival. In other words, it gets something out of the deal.

Looks like a fun event but yeah with the rain...

Oh my goodness that looks BEYOND delicious. The photo should almost come with a warning because its having a profound effect on me!!

Hi Hayley, I like Hungarian Vizslas because they are so smooooooooooth!

When you consider body chemistry, with adrenalin, cortisol etc, then there could it can make some sense. A candle that burns twice as bright can only burn half as long.

There's so many benefits to having pets in a workplace. I know GOOGLE is an example of a progressive work environment big on the idea. I found an article about it here. Benefits include: - employees relax, reduce stress and heart rate and even lower blood pressure - decrease in absenteeism - improved staff morale - people smile! (a real smile, not the plastic replica you'd normally get)

Hi Bailey's Mum I have a pic that's reminiscent of your one. Here's Kimmi!

When Mr Whippy comes around Kimmi goes nuts when she hears the accompanying music... she knows its not just me about to have a creamy treat!

Perhaps an auditing with an E-meter is in order