How tuned in are these dogs?

[BG and Gavin]

Reading Jennifer's post about Jack's health rising and falling with hers inspired me to pose this question.  In reality, I have been thinking about this quite a bit.  A couple of situations arose recently where Gavin has shown an amazing amount of perception.  I will give you some examples, but would also like to hear your opinion and your examples of times when your doodle has shown their perceptive side.

1. We went to a outdoor party, on the water, with thirty or more people there.  Gavin was off leash as were two other dogs and if you know Gavin, he loves to play with other dogs more than anything.  There was a man at the party that has Parkinsons and was trembling terribly.  After a cursory walk about, Gavin went straight to this man and laid at his feet, ignoring the other guests and the dogs.  He stayed with him for 20 minutes as the elderly man stroked him and spoke to him and amazingly his trembling lessened.  After that time Gavin went on about his business, playing with the dogs, playing in the water and visiting with the other guests.

2. My mother's best friend lost her husband.  My parents and the window came to visit here a week after the funeral and the widow understandably was still quite shaken.  Gavin has met her a dozen times and only shows regular interest in her.  Not this time.  When they arrived, Gavin glued himself to her side and remained with her the entire half hour visit.

3. Recently when I cough or sneeze (ragweed season ugh!) Gavin has come right over and sat at me feet.

4. There is an elderly couple that we often stop and chat with on our walks (she even has treats she keeps in her house especially for "her boy Gavin.").  When Gavin sees them outside I let go of his leash and let him run up their driveway to greet.  My friend walking with me yesterday cringed as she thought Gavin was going to mow the lady down.  She could not believe it when he got half way up the drive he geared right down to a slow walk and sat down right at her side despite that fact that she was making high pitched noises and doing all the things that usually make him jump up.

So...over to you...

[Carol and Banjo]

It's available on Netflix.       Quincy!   You take the blanket from your poor sick Mother?!    I'm shocked....and here I thought you were a chivalrous dood!   LOL!     Very sweet that you are kind to the elderly and blind tho.   : )

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Yeah, I got nuttin

[BG and Gavin]

You`re funny Lisa!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

LOL, actually she is tuned into my "bad" moods at work, she gets up, looks at me and puts her head on my leg If I am really ticked she just leaves.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It's terrific but I can't say I've seen this with my two. Maybe the right opportunity hasn't arisen : )

[BG and Gavin]

I am sure that`s it F!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

All we have here is Murphy will give DH ridiculous kisses if he yells "Ouch" when they are playing, and Bella just looks me in the eyes and always seems to know what I'm saying, happy, sad or silly. And she responds with her tail appropriately.

Nothing much. and certainly not at the level Jack is attached to Jennifer, I believe some are more sensitive to their owners than others.

[BG and Gavin]

My girlfriend says that she is sure that they understand English.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

I've got mixed results on Chewie's level of perception.

Like Gavin, Chewie always runs over to check on me when I cough or sneeze and is very gentle with small kids.

However, he doesn't seem to be very perceptive when it comes to parts of his body. He steps on my feet (and DH's) ALL THE TIME and often walk into furniture like he's not very aware of how wide his body is or where his feet are.

[BG and Gavin]

Space orientation is tricky Kimmy.  This improved with Gavin as he has gotten a bit older too.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sounds like Gavin is a very special and perceptive guy.  My Guinness is like that when I take him to the Nursing Home...he knows to be very calm and sweet with the clients there....but I'm not sure if that's because of his Therapy training or that he has some sort of insight.  Murph is another story...he's pretty tuned into me, but that's about it.

[BG and Gavin]

I am really hoping to get Gavin certified and begin his career as a therapy dog.  He needs more proofing, but hopefully the class will begin soon, still waiting to hear from the trainer.