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June 25, 2015

Thoughtful Dog Portraits

Last week I posted about the canine emotion and cognition class I’d found online. This week I’ve spent some time running through the various testing-games in order to learn more about the way Eko and Penny think. I’ll share more about the games in tomorrow’s video, but one part
Last week I posted about the canine emotion and cognition class I’d found online. This week I’ve spent some time running through the various testing-games in order to learn more about the way Eko and Penny think. I’ll share more about the games in tomorrow’s video, but one part of the testing I really enjoyed was all the different “thoughtful” faces the pups had when trying to figure out what was going on. It’s like I could see the gears turning inside their heads.Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

“Ok, so Will set up the camera over there. Penny, I’m pretty sure somethings up.”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

“Yup.”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

When multiple cameras come out, the pups know we’re going to work

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

I put both dogs in a “stay” command on the couch. The little rule-benders obeyed, but were ready to pounce when the action started

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

One of the games involved maintaining eye contact. Eko was steady as a rock from the get go

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

Penny was a bit more suspicious…

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

But came around when she saw I was holding a treat

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory

I tested the pups separately. Penny remained fascinated with the games even when it wasn’t her turn

I normally keep training sessions short and sweet but I guess I got caught up with the games. Eko, after following instructions beautifully, finally decided he was done testing. He informed me in his usual subtle manner.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, cute, puppy, chicago, adventure, marking our territory“Now you listen to me. Be quiet and scratch my butt.”

I took the hint and gave the pups a long break before finishing up later in the afternoon. The tests were easy and fun and helped me learn a few fun insights about my pup.

Check back tomorrow to see video of the pupils in action!

Comments for Thoughtful Dog Portraits

  1. Victoria says:

    such good pics of them – you are really good at taking pictures of Eko and Penny – i get about 1 our of 4 that is ok – the other 3 are the blurs of them moving and usually several butt shots – might be because stay to Muffin means move it now she is coming my way for something i do not like (ear cleaning, medicine ect.)

  2. Eko… that was a good statement :o) it’s amazing how different and how similar they are at the same time… :o) canine magic, I bet :o)

  3. Kismet says:

    Kali is difficult. Getting a good picture of a black dog with black eyes and nose is very tough.

  4. Great faces…Jack is very expressive too. Can’t wait to see the vids tomorrow.

  5. Emmadog says:

    Always love your videos, can’t wait for tomorrow! Some really cute shots you got today.

  6. wonderful portraits and great idea! Dakota is super good about maintaining eye contact (when a treat is involved lol)

  7. Cupcake says:

    Ha! Eye contact makes me laugh. I can maintain eye contact for about 4 seconds, then my mind wanders and my eyes glaze over and I stare at the air over Mom’s head till she says, “Ugh. Forget it.”

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  8. coastingnz says:

    sounds really interesting and Eko and Penny are so good with the camera. Ziggy doesn’t mind – in fact he plays to the camera but Nico gives you that “get that thing out of my face look” – especially for his Dad.

  9. Such expressive faces – and eyes – oh those eyes!!!!!

    Pam

  10. miloandava says:

    Deep and content in thought 🙂

  11. Love that expression ‘the little rule benders.’ Ha! I noticed ‘someone’ had been upholstering (or is it de-polstering?) . That Penny girl, she was probably a designer in a previous life. 😉

  12. the pictures were great so I can’t wait to see the video.

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