Amazing Dog Behavior. Theories?

[Canis-Lupess]

It was probably total coincidence. If you give a dog a command they've never heard and they aren't sure what to do, they'll often try and do something they've already learnt. It might be total chance that he chose the laying down action and then figured thats what he was meant to do being as you didn't correct him in anyway.

There's no way he could have known any other way. Even humans couldn't do that so I very much doubt that dogs can.

[binka_nugget]

Is it possible that the way you say "platz" sounds like "down"? Not the words themselves.. but the tone? When I give my dogs the "down" command, it's very quick, authoritative, and a bit lower than most commands.

[3GSDMom]

Is it possible that the way you say "platz" sounds like "down"? Not the words themselves.. but the tone? When I give my dogs the "down" command, it's very quick, authoritative, and a bit lower than most commands.

That makes total sense

[Kalei]

Hey what would it hurt to believe that Travis is a genius! I think he secretly has been taking german classes But on a serious note, the last person that replied was probably right...but I"m still going to believe he is a smart Harry Potter dog that is magic and knows german...hehe its so fun

[3GSDMom]

Hey what would it hurt to believe that Travis is a genius! I think he secretly has been taking german classes But on a serious note, the last person that replied was probably right...but I"m still going to believe he is a smart Harry Potter dog that is magic and knows german...hehe its so fun

LOL you are too funny.
Once you live with him you will know that he's no genius He is a very intelligent dog but sometimes he does the dumbest things. lol

[Kfamr]

I was going to say something along of the lines Ashley said.

Sort of like when I tell Kiara to stay for a tennis ball and then fool around with her by saying words similar to her release word - "Okay!" If I say ojay, ofay, olay, etc. in the same tone as "OKAY!" she goes after the ball.

[3GSDMom]

I was going to say something along of the lines Ashley said.

Sort of like when I tell Kiara to stay for a tennis ball and then fool around with her by saying words similar to her release word - "Okay!" If I say ojay, ofay, olay, etc. in the same tone as "OKAY!" she goes after the ball.

I do agree with the tone thing. It has made the most sense so far.



Someone on another forum said that they could say a complete nonsense word and their dog would comply if it sounded close to another command, however I try that with Travis and he looks at me like I'm an idiot. LoL. Sometimes I think he's smarter than me

[pitc9]

Hey what would it hurt to believe that Travis is a genius! I think he secretly has been taking german classes

There are on line classes to learn a different Language!!
Maybe he also knows how to use the computer!!

Good Boy Travis!

[3GSDMom]

There are on line classes to learn a different Language!!
Maybe he also knows how to use the computer!!

Good Boy Travis!

LOL

My friend and I joke that he called her German Shepherd up to get the meaning of those words

[crow_noir]

That is a good theory and has a lot of credibility.

Reminds me of when i read "The other end of the Leash." So much in there was on par with my own thoughts.

I'm glad someone brought up tone of voice even if this doesn't happen to be the case in this instance.

Is it possible that the way you say "platz" sounds like "down"? Not the words themselves.. but the tone? When I give my dogs the "down" command, it's very quick, authoritative, and a bit lower than most commands.