Your dog will judge strangers based on how you judge them first

[Makeshifter]

Ever notice how your dog will react differently to people based on how you approach them, or how those people approach you? It's almost like they're waiting for your input before fully trusting another individual.

That observed phenomenon is apparently a very real, measurable happening. In a thorough, methodological study, it was shown that dogs will make conscious decisions about the trustworthiness of another person based on the interactions perceived between two humans. This means that dogs are able to perform a rather complex mental process that involves calculating visual information and making a social decision based on the actions of another species. If you're interested in seeing the study, you can read it here: http://www.plosone.org/article/info...8;jsessionid=59C2B48058B214DBF652886EB2831960

As an armchair behaviorist myself, this information isn't surprising, since dogs have been shown to be keenly intelligent in ways most of the general public isn't even entirely aware, but it's awesome to see this kind of stuff be put out there!

 

[Aries]

I believe this also. My dog is a little smartass.

 

[butterflylover]

My dog is like that also,she has a very keen scent.

 

[Firelily99]

I find the opposite is true, I watch my dog to see how he responds to other dogs and people and follow his lead. He's extremely social so if he ignores someone then that is someone that I probably don't want to be involved with.

 

[MyDigitalpoint]

I dislike dogs, and dogs seems to dislike me, so the article makes sense to me.

Occasionally I have found myself down the street feel so tired or so stressed to pay attention to dogs passing by and since I have no my usual pre-conceived attitude towards them, those dogs act different that, in example, the annoying dog of my neighbor.

 

[JoanMcWench]

Cats are the same. They can sense when there is someone around that you dislike. I feel like it also applies to being scared around an animal. They know it instinctively and it affects the interaction with them.

P.S. Animals are better than us.

 

[Makeshifter]

I believe this also. My dog is a little smartass.

Smartass dogs are best dogs, I'm just gonna say. Yes, they are so smart as to get into everything, and figure a way past the obstacles you put down in a feeble effort to stop them, but they sure do make for wonderful company.

 

[porterjack]

Dogs sense energy
Nothing more nothing less

They act accordingly

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[griz bear]

my dog is wary of everybody. even people he knows, they have to get close enough so he knows them. UNLESS they ring the doorbell, then he wants to eat them all.

 

[Makeshifter]

my dog is wary of everybody. even people he knows, they have to get close enough so he knows them. UNLESS they ring the doorbell, then he wants to eat them all.

Well, this study was done on well adjusted dogs, and your little guy might have an anxiety disorder. That, or everyone you ever happen to meet is just a terrible, terrible person. That's always a possibility.

 

[griz bear]

Yeah, I rescued him from a shelter. He has some separation issues. But then no one sneaks up on me, when he's around.
Good dog !

 

[Makeshifter]

Yeah, I rescued him from a shelter. He has some separation issues. But then no one sneaks up on me, when he's around.
Good dog !

Go, go, Paranoia Dog! Also, thank you for adopting him from a shelter. I worked at a shelter for several years, and you've become a true hero to that little dog, even if he isn't able to fully express it.

 

[griz bear]

thanks, although he's a Black lab, about 80 pounds. He's not so little. he's about 10 years old now. He's the 4 lab I've had so far.

labs are good dogs.

 

[Makeshifter]

thanks, although he's a Black lab, about 80 pounds. He's not so little. he's about 10 years old now. He's the 4 lab I've had so far.

labs are good dogs.

You'll have to excuse my diminutive phrasing then. I think I meant it more affectionately than literally, but 80 pounds definitely not so little. Labs are incredible dogs, man. Loyal to the last. I'm glad you two have each other.

 

[bmfc]

I do believe this is true. My dog reacts to how my son reacts to people. She will bark at people she doesn't know, if they get to close to my son. She is a little dog with a big bark.

 

[griz bear]

You'll have to excuse my diminutive phrasing then. I think I meant it more affectionately than literally, but 80 pounds definitely not so little. Labs are incredible dogs, man. Loyal to the last. I'm glad you two have each other.

Yeah No problem. Just wanted you to know he's not so little. All is good.

 

[TABL]

Definitely could be true! I know my dog can sense when other people like dogs or not. It's kinda funny!