The Train Dogs
January 24, 2010 by david · Leave a Comment
In Moscow there are some 500 stray dogs that live in the metro stations, especially during the colder months, but only about 20 have learned how to ride the trains, according to animal specialist Andrei Neuronov.
At first it was a way for them to broaden their territory. Over time, it became a way of life. “Why should they go by foot if they can move around by public transport?” he asks.
“They orient themselves in a number of ways,” Neuronov adds. “They figure out where they are by smell, by recognizing the name of the station from the recorded announcer’s voice and by time intervals. If, for example, you come every Monday and feed a dog, that dog will know when it’s Monday and the hour to expect you, based on their sense of time intervals from their biological clocks.”
Another skill they have is to react when they see a green traffic light. “They don’t react on color, but on the picture they see on the traffic light”, Moscow scientist tells. They also prefer the last or the first metro car as those are less crowded.
It’s funny but the ecologists studying Moscow stray dogs also tell the dogs don’t miss a chance to get some play while on their travel in the subway. They are fond of jumping in the train just seconds before the doors shut closed risking their tails be jammed. “They do it for fun …”
The dogs have taken training to a new level!
Sources: FT: Moscow’s stray dogs – Smartest Dogs: Moscow Stray Dogs (EnglishRussia.com)
Video of a Well Trained and Smart Dog Showing Off
December 19, 2008 by david · Leave a Comment
This is one of the most amazing examples of a well trained dog I’ve seen.Watch as this dog follows it’s owner’s every command. It’s almost as if the dog is hypnotized the movements are so immediate.
It’s only a 82 seconds long so put your dog on your lap or your side, sit back, and enjoy. Popcorn and dog treats is optional.
Let us know what you think!
Seizure-Alert Dogs
February 25, 2008 by david · Leave a Comment
My brother has had epilepsy for over at least 30 years now and recently had a serious accident after having a seizure while waiting for his wife to pick him up at work. He fell flat on his face and unfortunately the local government he works for has a Taj Mahal so the floor was marble, or as hard as marble. He was in the hospital until today and will be dealing with the repercussions of this fall for some time.
So when I got the email from my sister about “seizure-alert dogs” it definitely caught my attention. The case for having one of these dogs goes something like this:
Seizure-alert dogs, as implied by their name, are dogs that can sense and notify their human companions of an oncoming seizure. This alerting behavior has been reported to occur several seconds to 45 minutes or more before the onset of the seizure. The dog does this by exhibiting marked changes in behavior, including close eye contact, circling, pawing, barking etc.
Although the article goes on to dispute some of the beliefs held by others it doesn’t seem far fetched at all to me. I’ve known since childhood that dogs (pets in general) have senses far superior to ours that can be useful in many situations. Besides what is the downfall to having one of the dogs? Maybe my brother would have been busy petting his buddy and that simple act may have been enough to keep his mind engaged and away from the seizure zone.
If you’d like to read more about seizure alert dogs check out the article at epilepsy.com.
Anti-depressants for Pets
February 25, 2008 by david · Leave a Comment
“I ain’t nothing but a hound dog and I keep crying all the time.”
I came across an article in an Australian newspaper about pets being prescribed anti-depressants.
PETS at risk of self-harm are increasingly being prescribed anti-depressants because they cannot discuss problems in their lives with others, a leading veterinarian says.
Go figure. I thought when I saw a commercial for a new drug for “restless leg syndrome” (for humans) that the last straw had been broke nand we’d see sanity return to our planet. Depressed pets!? What about a treat? Or perhaps a walk around the block? Anything but a prescription!
This has got to be just another way for vets and pet psych’s to make more money off of increasingly naive pet owners.
If you know of any situations where a pet would need a psych drug please send in a comment because I’d love to hear about it. IN the meantime just stop abusing your pet and be sure to not abandon them all day long while you’re at work. Get ‘em a play mate or radio.
Click here if you’d like more information on pet psychology.
Dog Years – The Movie
January 1, 2008 by david · Leave a Comment
A great short film narrated by a dog. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog would say if he could talk then this movie is a must watch. Enjoy!
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