Head shy?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am constantly amazed at the intelligence of our pets.  My cat Banjo who lives with his dad opens the fridge when his food isn't to his liking, has opened a freezer and defrosted a huge amount of food and turns on the tap when he would rather have fresh water.  

It takes a while to learn the workings of the mind of our pets and Riley is no exception.  Here is a little example,  Those who know my past postings will know that Riley knows the command 'leave it' which means that if he has alrady got something in his mouth that he shouldn't he will instantly drop it.  Unfortunately it was a little too late for my expensive Chanel reading glasses that got a little chewed and scratched before they were dropped.  I did actually need an excuse for a new pair so I am secretly happy that I had to go and have an eye test and choose a new pair even if they do cost an arm and a leg.   I spend so long on my computer that my prescription was just doubled!!  

Today I reached out my hand to pet Riley and he backed away 'What the heck"? I suddenly thought, this boy can't be head shy??? I then I looked at him and he was looking back at me in a very odd way.  I can't quite describe the look but he fixed me with a guilty stare and then promptly dropped something that he had hidden in the back of his mouth.  It was a magnet that had fallen off the fridge that I didn't even know about!!!  I picked it up and he came over for a cuddle and I praised him for 'leaving it' even though I hadn't issued the command.   Riley knew he had something forbidden and then  thought I had found out so he did the right thing .  I do think he is the most smart and sweet natured dog I have ever had and he is certainly one very loved Doodle who is a constant delight to both me and his dad.

 

[Ron Carnes]

So smart. The "leave it" command, in my opinion, is great. Zack will put a sock in his mouth and then a stuffed toy in front of it so we can't see the sock. The look in his eyes and his body language always gives it away.......busted

[Christine & Shelby]

Shelby does this too.... that look when they belive they've been caught or they know they're doing something naughty is priceless.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

And they say parents have eyes in the back of their head - this just proves it as far as Riley is concerned.