What has your dog learned that you have not specifically taught him/her?

[BG and Gavin]

Several weeks ago Karen posted the following article in the training group:  http://thebark.com/content/home-schooling-dogs-could-be-catching and I thought it would make a good front page discussion.  The article is about intuitive learning.  In short, how dogs follow our example or figure out our routine/wants/needs and adapt their behaviour accordingly.

I was reminded of it yesterday:

During cottage season, Gavin gets packed into the car with the rest of our gear and goes for a 3.5 hour drive North.  Gavin has learned to associate his car harness with this trip.  Of course not every trip is 3.5 hours, but it seems Gavin prepares himself just in case.  When I go outside with the harness in my hand, Gavin runs a few quick laps around the backyard, checks his squirrel spots, has a good long pee, then approaches me to get harnessed up.  

So what has your dog learned that you have not specifically taught him/her?

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Early on in our leash training I walked yogi on my right, after going to more obedience classes I learned the official correct way is on your left. So I started walkining him on my left, but he would kind of weave in front of me, I would stumble a little and said "whoop"! I just automatically did this a few times. Then I noticed if I said whoop he would instantly correct himself and get to the left, so now I just use that as a reminder if he strays over in front of me, like if he sees a dog, squirrel, or something equally exciting. I am hoping this will allow me to ride my bike with him ... Staying off to the side

[BG and Gavin]

Another great gentle correction word "whoop" :)  I have seen Victoria Stillwell use "uh-oh" which is great too.  So much better than no.

[Julie and Max]

I can hear the shoes starting to move around upstairs right now lol.

BG it still makes me smile how Gavin herded Max out of your little patch of seeded grass and showed him how to get out, I thought that was pretty cool. 

Christy the thing about your husband made me laugh, Max will do that wen mine leaves too, not the running but just look at me like, "why did you let him leave?!"

I am not sure how many shoes Max would get up to and thinking about it, wow we do own a lot of shoes here lol.

[BG and Gavin]

LOL I forgot about that Julie - that was pretty funny "this is how you do it little buddy."

[BG and Gavin]

As I think more about this, our actions are so much more consistent than our words, it is no wonder they pick up on them better.  I attended a training program with Gavin a couple of years back where I was not allowed to utter a single word to him for two weeks.  It was amazing and very powerful.  He looked to me for cues on what I wanted him to do all of the time.  In addition the dog was tethered to you for a good amount of time each day, so when you moved, so did he.  That training philosophy seems to fit right in with intuitive learning.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I remember that and thinking at the time I'd never be able to do that.

[BG and Gavin]

It was SO hard to do F.  However, in for a penny, in for a pound.  I decided when I started the program I would commit and follow it to the letter.  It really works and a side effect is that I touched him even more than usual to connect.

[Jennifer and Lily]

I like the idea of that type of training. I taught Lily all of her commands with hand motions before putting a word to the motion. It was very effective.

[Julie and Max]

I thought it was pretty darned smart of Gavin, BG :)

I still would like to try that BG. I notice a lot when I am walking that Max follows my actions more so than my words, and when I pair the words with the right body language he's spot on, but if I get lazy about it, he does too. Like I read in the other end of the leash when teaching recall to turn your body away from the dog and lean slightly forward like in a play bow and start moving away from the dog. This has worked very well for me, and I am sure it's the body language more than the words. (Though bye Max still works best lol)

[BG and Gavin]

I remember turning my back when he was a puppy - I think it piques their natural curiosity.  Also running in the opposite direction to get them to chase you.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My boys have learned to go to bed the minute I start getting ready which means little room left when I get in! Also when I even whisper 'anyone need to go wee wee' they go straight to the back door. They also know to wait and always let me walk through doors first. There are lots of other things they know that I didn't actively teach them.

[BG and Gavin]

LOL Nicky - gotta get their spots!  Gavins cue at night is "final pee."  i.e.  I say to my DH "did Gavin go out for final pee yet?" and Gavin bolts for the door.