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bhfink19 karma

Hi! I’m a local dog trainer who’s passionate about communication - and I show chasers video with Neil degrasse Tyson to EVERYONE.

Have there been any other examples of dogs who can follow the process of elimination the way chaser can? Have there been further studies specifically on the aspect of inference ?

AND

Do you think chaser would have communicated well with buttons considering her ability to retain vocab ? I feel like she would have surpassed everyone currently using them by far.

It’s mind blowing and every time I see it her video - it ignites a huge excitement within me; that dogs really can learn it all.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to the public! You’re incredible !

bhfink14 karma

I love this. I always tell people that ONLY tossing a toy isn’t enough. You need to engage with the act of play - the second you zone out your dog takes note. Even when on walks, if I check my phone I feel the difference in our relationship during the walk, there will be more zigzagging, more sniff stops etc. but when I’m totally engaged, it’s like we’re one person split into to bodies lol. Your answers are so great.

bhfink10 karma

Thank you so much for your incredible reply.

I also often try to switch up some of the words I use, and put a lot of emphasis on my body language to reinforce that even though it may be a different word, it means the same or a similar cue. For example: I find that “wait” and “stay” have similar action, but I use “wait” to let the dog know that the reinforcement/reward is to come soon, (putting the bowl down, putting a treat on the nose etc) whereas stay is more in the aspect of safety, and should be held until the release word, regardless of length of time, and without expected immediate reward. Thanks again for your answer, such a big fan and will definitely be getting this book.