From Anecdotes of Dogs by Edward Jesse, Esq., 1858
The Colley Or Shepherd’s Dog: Gently Returns the Sheep
Mr. Blaine relates the following circumstance:—
I remember watching a shepherd boy in Scotland, who was sitting on the bank of a wide but shallow stream. A sheep had strayed to a considerable distance on the other side of the water; the boy, calling to his dog, ordered him to fetch that sheep back, but to do it gently, for she was heavy in lamb. I do not affect to say that the dog understood the reason for which he was commanded to perform this office in a more gentle manner than usual; but that he did understand he was to do it gently was very evident, for he immediately marched away through the water, came gently up to the side of the sheep, turned her towards the rest, and then they both walked quietly side by side to the flock. I was scarcely ever more pleased at a trifling incident in rural scenery than this.
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Anton
Christopher
Lawrence Dillard
Lech
Stephanie
Essere
That’s cute and in a nice way.
I think dogs can from the tone of the voice alone know what’s expected, yes of course.
If I put my finger to my lips and whisper my dog goes into ambush mode, squirming along on his belly, If I shout loudly he throws himself into it, if I say “look” quietly and nothing else he will cock his head and look without moving a muscle, one front paw up in balanced concentration.
Pretty good for a JRT, but they are of course the cleverest dogs of all (;