Stormi is a pretty 3-year-old Border Collie/cross with an adorable patch of black around one eye. She can be a bit timid but she is active and playful.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, recently the internet, and the nightly news couldn’t get enough of the dog who had learned sign language along with his mom. Apparently, after mom lost her hearing she and her husband practiced learning the signs every day. Amazingly, their dog was learning along with them. In fact, the dog understood so well that when they spelled bath she ran away.
Sign language is actually very easy for dogs to pick up and dogs all over the world are using it. There are benefits of using hand signals to train your BFF. These include being able to command your dog from a distance, communicating in noisy environments, and aiding a deaf dog. It is especially important when working with deaf pups.
Dogs communicate with each other through body language. With people, they observe and understand changes in expressions, posture, and hand gestures. In fact, they might find it easier to interpret hand motions rather than spoken words. With training, dogs can learn hundreds of distinct signs and gestures, so the alphabet is rudimentary.
Apparently, the dogs who compete in the Westminster Dog Show have a vast understanding of hand signs because as you watch them perform their routines the handler is using body language and motions to direct their movements. They are poetry in motion!
The methods to teach require patience and attention to your BFF. You need to get their attention, use the hand sign, and reinforce with treats each time they get it correct. This takes practice, but most dogs learn quickly.
One extraordinary dog-named Chaser who is the smartest dog on record learned 1,000 words. Her owner Dr. Pilley worked with her using the power of play and positive reinforcement. Each day he introduced a word which she learned and remembered.
When critics questioned why he taught his dog language, he responded that language is communication and a gateway to greater understanding. It is a way for us to communicate with our dogs and for them to understand us. He strongly felt that communication had enriched Chaser’s life.
Dr. Brian Hare, co-author of The Genius of Dogs, expressed his opinion by saying “Chaser is the most important dog in over a century. Her story reveals just how sophisticated a dog’s mind can be.”
The most important sign you teach your BFF may be I love you. If you say that, you will never be speechless.
IN NEED OF
• Board members. We are seeking community-minded folks to serve on the CAPS board. We meet once a month. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Funds to go toward veterinarian bills.
• Bleach and cleaning supplies for our kennels.
• Leashes, harnesses for big dogs, Big Kongs, and treats for our guests.
• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.
SHOUT OUT TO
Rebecca the queen of fostering puppies, she has taken several litters and given them love. She also is on the Board of Directors and volunteers at CAPS. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• August Holiday: National Check the Chip Day is Aug. 15. Is your pet chipped?
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.