Poker players have it. Dogs have it as well – the “tell”. Those little signs that betray their…sneakier…intentions. With poker players, it’s the little twitch, movement, or slight gesture that informs their observant opponents that either they’re bluffing or have a great hand. With dogs, it’s those out-of-the-norm little behaviors that scream “TROUBLE” to observant owners.
They may be chewing on something forbidden – like the furniture or your best shoes – or they may be sneaking off as quietly as possible into an obscure corner of the room with a forbidden object. Of course, “forbidden” translates into “irresistible” in doggy psychology!
Daisy’s tell is that she can’t help chewing on a forbidden item she’s snatched while she quietly slinks off to an occupied corner. Actually, that’s three tells – she’s TOO quiet (not normal!), she tries not to attract any attention (definitely not normal!), and she goes where no one else is (freakishly not normal!).
A couple of weeks ago, I was clearing out my purse when a cellophane mint wrapper must have fallen out and slipped to the floor without my noticing it. Out of nowhere, I suddenly heard a crackling sound moving away from me and ultimately stopping in a remote area of the family room. I went into the room and turned on the light and there it was – little Daisy sitting hunched in a corner with her back to the room and the guiltiest look I’ve ever seen. The crackling sound stopped as soon as the light went on; she’d been chewing on the mint wrapper. As I raced over to get it away from her, she took her last best shot at achieving her goal – her chewing went into double-time speed, but fortunately I was able to get the wrapper out of her mouth before she swallowed it. Whew! That was a close call!
Hey,
We just learn from you humans. You “tell” us when you’re going to leave us at the kennel, change our food, forget our treats after a trick, give us medicine, etc. Besides don’t you want to know when we need a potty break?
Sandy
http://www.Sandysays1.wordpress.com
Absolutely! We’re glad Daisy has her “tells”, it helps us understand her and her intentions even better. And they help us to stop her from more dangerous things like eating mint wrappers! 🙂
What a cute story! In that picture, she looks like she’s up to something no good:)
Oh man…you could NEVER get cross with that face….too cute.
You’re so right Granny! So many times her little face and antics make us laugh so much that we have a hard time disciplining her! How can a puppy take us seriously if we’re laughing while we say “naughty”? 🙂