If aliens were to come to earth and want to know about humans, they would ask our companion animals. They know our body language. The dog knows your mood usually better than your spouse. Turns out they know when we have a seizure or our blood sugar drops. They are experts on all things human.
This year with Shaker has not been all bad by any means. I watched him get his PHD in humanity.
Since puppyhood, Shaker has gone everywhere with us. He carries a little sign that says, “Will sit for strangers.” Very few people can resist him. He wants to be acknowledged by all who pass. He would prefer petting, but an “Oh, what a beautiful dog” seems to suffice.
Kids sometimes pat dogs on the head too hard. Shaker has learned how to lean into them just enough that they rest their hands on him instead of the head hit.
Some kids want to pet him, but they are afraid of dogs. Shaker ends up by them with his muzzle pointing away from them. Next thing you know that golden is being pet.
When we’re on the veranda at Starved Rock, he is like a hooker at a hotel bar. He sends out the vibe, soon somebody standing there can’t keep their hands off him.
What would a doctorate in humans be without the time honored skill of knowing which humans you really don’t have to obey? Yes, he’s learned the dark skills.
No dog’s humanity education is complete until they have stepped into the aura of a dark or sinister human being. Shaker has always believed that all humans are good. He adores humans.
Recently he stepped up to a man seated nearby. The man was talking sweet nothings to him. The happy blonde boy got close for some petting. Suddenly Shaker crouched and took a quick step backwards. His ears went back. This was a first. The man became more solicitous of Shaker. The good boys became sweeter. Shaker allowed himself to be seduced, but I saw the reluctance.
I watched this play out there was no dominant posturing on the part of the man. He was sitting on the floor. His head was lower than the dog’s. Vibe, aura I don’t know what, but that boy sensed something.
One thing I learned from my dogs long ago is if the dog likes everybody and suddenly there is one person the dog is leery about, you should pay attention. Well, that’s another story.
This year I watched Shaker get his PHD in humanity.
Since puppyhood, Shaker has gone everywhere with us. He carries a little sign that says, “Will sit for strangers.” Very few people can resist him. He wants to be acknowledged by all who pass. He would prefer petting, but an “Oh, what a beautiful dog” seems to suffice.
Kids sometimes pat dogs on the head too hard. Shaker has learned how to lean into them just enough that they rest their hands on him instead of the head hit.
Some kids want to pet him, but they are afraid of dogs. Shaker ends up by them with his muzzle pointing away from them. Next thing you know that golden is being pet.
When we’re on the veranda at Starved Rock, he is like a hooker at a hotel bar. He sends out the vibe, soon somebody standing there can’t keep their hands off him.
What would a doctorate in humans be without the time honored skill of knowing which humans you really don’t have to obey? Yes, he’s learned the dark skills.
No dog’s humanity education is complete until they have stepped into the aura of a dark or sinister human being. Shaker has always believed that all humans are good. He adores humans.
Recently he stepped up to a man seated nearby. The man was talking sweet nothings to him. The happy blonde boy got close for some petting. Suddenly Shaker crouched and took a quick step backwards. His ears went back. This was a first. The man became more solicitous of Shaker. The good boys became sweeter. Shaker allowed himself to be seduced, but I saw the reluctance.
I watched this play out there was no dominant posturing on the part of the man. He was sitting on the floor. His head was lower than the dog’s. Vibe, aura I don’t know what, but that boy sensed something.
One thing I learned from my dogs long ago is if the dog likes everybody and suddenly there is one person the dog is leery about, you should pay attention. Well, that’s another story.
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