Here’s an interesting YouTube on how a Red Fox hunts for her dinner on Thanksgiving and every winter day. Imagine the energy she has to put out to do this! She has to be right enough of the time to keep up the strength needed to persevere. Her hearing is amazing. Her hunting skills are innate.
What about your own dogs? How do they react to the common everyday sounds that mean something to them? Do they jump up from a sound sleep when you crinkle a bag to some snackies? Or when you pick up your car keys, do they come running in anticipation? How about when you turn off the computer for the night? Is that their acoustic nod that it’s time for bed?
Unlike the Red Fox and her hunting behaviors in the video, these reactions of our dogs are learned behaviors. Though we may not have taught them the associations belonging to these sounds, through day-to-day living, our dogs have learned them. Learning takes place whether we’re aware of it or not. Interesting, huh?
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Dog Obedience Trainer Fort Lauderdale and Davie in Broward County
