Here’s an amusing, but telling video, on how animals distinguish equal pay for equal work. In this case, capuchin monkeys.
Keep in mind, that we are told that the same experiment was done with other animals besides the monkeys, including dogs. I am assuming the same results were produced. This leads me to conclude that, if we have and are working with multiple dogs, we should reward them with equal pay for equal work. Otherwise we may hear from their lawyers. <wink>
I’m reminded of a time I gave my Dobie, Pippin, a piece of raw beef heart. She was in a line-up for the treat, and though she ate just about everything I gave her, that particular type of organ meat did not please her. No sooner did she have a taste of it did she propel the thing right back at me with a disgusted, insulted look. Pardon me. Everyone else liked it. Lesson learned. What’s rewarding to one dog, isn’t always to the next.
Another of my Dobies, Baby, was a pro at spitting undesirables back at me. She was much more particular than Pippin, so I expected things like that to happen. She was also very good with the “I thought I told you never to give me anything I don’t like” look. Divas!
Most recently, one of my client’s dogs was getting delicious treats all throughout our lesson. As we wound down, I gave him a piece of kibble instead of a primo reward. That kibble didn’t impress him, and he spat the thing back at me with quite a flair.
I have to conclude from my own small sample size of experience from not necessarily pairing dogs up for equal pay for equal work, but for appropriate pay for their efforts, that they definitely have some sort of calculation going on in their heads and when efforts they put out are not compensated by the pay (treats) they get, they are not shy about saying so. Compelling evidence mounts.
Perhaps you have a discerning dog in your family, too. I admit that such outspoken dogs tickle my heart. At least you know where you stand with them.
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Cookie Training Dogs, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County
