[woodard2009]

Dogs are much smarter than we give them credit for. When we talk to them as we would our child, they have the capability to learn our language. Just like a child examines our face to tell what kind of mood we're in our dogs also watch our facial expressions. When Midgie is looking at me, I will give a big smile in which she reacts by wagging her tail. Dogs have extra sensory perception as well. If we are worried & stressed out, or sad--even tho we think we are keeping it all hidden, dogs can pick up on this. They love being part of a family. They will do things like swimming to please us even tho they would rather not. They have all the feelings we have, jealous, sadness, happiness, excitement, etc. Their extra sensory perception helps them to know ahead of time when we will be coming home when we're not even sure sometimes exactly when we'll be home (example: I better stop at the store & pick up a gallon of milk). I had to run to town one day & take care of some business. Didn't know when I'd be home. When I got home, hubby informed me that Midgie ran to the door expecting my arrival before my car was visible or audible. He watched her run to the door, wondering what she was getting all excited over and then saw me pull into the drive. It makes you wonder how much they really know about us that we don't know. Their unconditional love for people is enviable! We can learn what our pets are telling us by watching their actions. Dogs, like people are creatures of habit. They love routine. They can ask for that evening snack with the cutest look on their face as they stare you down while standing between you & the kitchen. They let us know when they have to potty by going to the door waiting for you to let them out. They ask to be fed by getting on your lap, giving lots of kisses, then jumping down & running to the kitchen & repeating the process until you get up & feed. Everyone has said at one time or other: "Boy, if you could talk!!!?"
These babies are amazing creatures & it's beyond me how anyone could harm them. For all those that thought they could never own a small dog, or a yappy, ankle biting chi--you are the lucky ones to have such an open mind enough to experience being a part in the life of a chi!!! They gives us so much more than we could ever give back to them!!!

 

[lulu'smom]

Well said, Lisa! Sometimes I look at Lulu and Gidget and think about all the things you just put into words and it makes me tear up at how much it makes me love her. I read somewhere in the past that pets have about the mentality of a 3 yr old child. Like you said they are capable of emotions and pain. It should be our privilege to treat them with the same unambandoned, unbridled love, devotion, and attention they give us. My dad said yesterday when I took Lulu to the vet, Gidget literally cried and howled after us because I took her friend somewhere and she didn't get to go. She was smart enough to know this was not our normal Sunday afternoon trip to stay overnight with MIL. They say that loving a pet adds years to your life, and I believe it because as a former non-pet-lover I feel sorry for those who won't open up their heart to they amazing creatures.

 

[missydawn]

When my chihuahuas think they here their daddy pull up,they run to the back door barking.when they see that door open,they go crazy.When I start packing to go off in the camper,they know what i'm doing and start running all through the house excited.They know what "bye bye" means.Chihuahuas are very smart and can pick up on your feelings!I love my babies and love to see them happy!We even bought a bigger golf cart so all 5 of ours to ride at the same time instead of taking turns with them.You are right,they are so much like a real child!!!!

 

[Huly]

I agree 100%! I fully believe my kids understand me! I do not talk babby talk to them but I talk to them as I would any other human.

Here is a few prime examples of my kids knowing everything I say:

My cat Huly sometimes has to wear an E-Collar (we call it his party hat and he will put in on and take it off as he needs it). He has a tail issue where he will bite his tail. We have yet to determine if it is nerve damage, anxiety issues etc or a little of both. He had to stay a few months with my parents in SC as I was selling a house and buying a new one and the construction and stresses were too much for him. It tore open his tail. Well he had issues and had to wear his party hat. My folks had a game with him. They would ask where is your hat and he would show them where he left it and put it back on. LOL A few weeks later I flew to town to check on him and he was milking the hat for extra love and sympathy from my parents. I took his hat off of him and said you are not a sissy you are playing this up and suckering them right on in. My parents at first were mad at me after I left as they could not get Huly to put on his hat for nothing. They realized I was right though that he did not need his party hat any longer and was using it to get sympathy from them LOL. I only told him once.

One more Huly case- Huly has very strong paws. He boxes with my husband. Well when BG was a pup I was afraid he would slap her and hurt her as she was so tiny. He did get her one day as she was being obnoxious to him and I told him "NO you can not hit your sister! You can hurt her if you hit her one more time you will not get cookies" he had a look of horror on his face and never slapped BG again. Now he just tries to trip her LOL

BG- Just say the word bath and the house drops 30 degrees

Sonny- When I told him we were calling grandma to tell her how bad he was he went flat out so sad and pouted.

Sadie- My mom was loving on one of my prior girls Chelsea telling her she was the best baby in the whole world. Sadie is super hyper and never sits still for a second. As soon as those words were out of my mom's mouth Sadie dropped to the floor crushed, and was laying so still. My mom noticed right away and the minute she told Sadie was a best baby too Sadie was bouncing off walls again.

Gibbs- Gibbs gets ready to howl at the neighbor's dog. Me "Gibbs don't be stupid I am standing right here" Gibbs sits and waits until I go inside then does what he wants to do.

Nala- She always has to have the last word. She better be glad I don't speak cat or she would get her mouth washed out with soap. LOL You tell her no or anything and you get sassed!

 

[Angel1210]

Everyone - absolutely correct! And as with children, how a mother knows the different cries, a pet mom knows the different barks and expressions. Of course, hubby still can't tell! :foxes_13: Oh well! But, even his walk has a message. I use pee pads in the house and I could be doing something and all of a sudden his pitter-patter catches my attention just as he is going into the bathroom. If I say "want to go peepees outside?" He will run to the door! We are so "in-tune" with our pets! My golden - won't eat her food if she has to do her "duties." Sometimes when I put her food down she won't eat, she just looks up at me with such sad eyes! Then it hits me! When she comes back in - she eats!

They will never cease to amaze us! I could not imagine life without a pet!

 

[Chi Nation]

My little ones are definitely like my children. I talk to them as if they know what i'm saying and they sit there and look waiting for me to say something they understand. I love them so much and wouldn't trade them for anything in this world. I never want to be without them. They get all of my unconditional love and attention, and they know they are truely loved.

 

[lulu'smom]

Christie, all of that was hilarious! I know what you mean. I don't know WHY Lulu thinks my hubby can save her from a bath--he hasn't done it yet. Lulu will stand in front of my chair at night an yip to get up in my lap. I will say "C'mon" 100 times and she will stand there and yip. I will tell hubby to put his chair down like he's gonna come put her in my lap and every time WITHOUT fail she will hop up in my lap.

 

[~LS~]

Love your post Lisa, so true. Very well said.
I wish more people realized just how valuable dogs are.

 

[Little_em00]

Haha this thread is great, my pug and chi fight just as much as my 2 children! They get jealous and upset if they get told off for bickering, that's the dogs, the kids don't seem that bothered!

 

[Buildthemskywards]

I grew up with loads of pets. Since I moved out at 18 (I'm 27 now) I haven't had pets and I miss having them so much. I've resorted to stroking cats in the street and hoping a dog will wander towards me.

 

[carrieandcricket]

That is so true. When we leave and put Cricket in the bathroom, and she tee tees she looks so bad like she didn't mean to. Even though I put the pad down just for that reason. She loves it when Daddy comes home from work. If she hears a car she starts barking, but then when I tell her its daddy, she starts the chi scream of death. Like I'm killing her so he will pick her up. She will do spins until he picks her up, or if he doesn't pick her up on time she will attack the toy closest to her lol!

 

[woodard2009]

Aww!! I loved reading how you all saw your babies through your eyes.

 

[Kalisee]

For all those that thought they could never own a small dog, or a yappy, ankle biting chi--you are the lucky ones to have such an open mind enough to experience being a part in the life of a chi!!! They gives us so much more than we could ever give back to them!!!

I am one of "those" and proud that our girl is now part of our family. She is our baby and has brought even more joy to our home. (naughtiness and all)

Your post rings true in all of many ways!!

 

[Goldylocks]

I agree with all of you.

I was watching a dog training show the other day and the guy told the family not to look at or talk to the puppy or pick it up etc.

All I could think of was " thats the whole point of having a Chi" I talk to all my dogs like they are my kids and take all the cuddles I can get. Although I have to admit it's a bit much when they all decide to be cuddly at the same time LOL.