Thursday, February 26, 2009

A Pavlovian Response, Of Sorts

You know how most dogs go bonkers when the leash comes out, because they know a walk is coming? Well for Moxie, it's the iPod shuffle. The second she sees that little white contraption, she knows a run is coming. I wonder what she thinks the iPod is.

4 comments:

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

Now that is one smart cookie!

Three Dog Days said...

I bet she thinks it is a magical device that causes you to run. Animals do have "superstitions." In Animals in Translation, the author talks about pigs at feeding time at automatic feeders and how they develop all kinds of odd behaviors because they think that behavior causes the food to arrive. For example one pig thinks turning in two circles to the right causes the food to arrive because that pig did that once right before being fed a a different pig will shuffle its front feet for the same reason. So maybe Moxie thinks the iPod is what causes the run.

Older and Wiser said...

Molly the dog usually turns in at least one circle while waiting for her dinner. I've wondered if it is excitement or a ritual before eating? Is she hoping for a more tasty meal if she spins in circles?

Claire said...

That is so cute about Molly! Maybe she thinks if she puts on a show you will reward her with a tasty meal.

And I bet Marla is right, Moxie probably thinks the iPod is a magical running device. We tested her again this morning as the Army Man got ready for a run with her. She was excited by all the activity, but really got worked up when he got the iPod. And interestingly, she turned in a circle! :)