[JDogger]

The Sally-Anne test, isn't a test of whether or not a person or animal thinks.
It's a test of whether or not they are aware that the mind exists.

The idea that another "mind" can possess knowledge, ideas, or beliefs outside of oneself.

That's not the same thing as being able to think.

You're going into unexplored terrritory for RTF

 

[copterdoc]

You're going into unexplored terrritory for RTF PP...

Yeah I know.

But when I first became aware of this concept, I kinda felt like a lightbulb lit up over my head.
I hadn't ever thought of things in this way.

 

[JDogger]

Yeah I know.

But when I first became aware of this concept, I kinda felt like a lightbulb lit up over my head.
I hadn't ever thought of things in this way.

We mostly are suprised when we realize that our dogs are more keenly aware then we ourselves. I guess thats why they let us feed them...JD

 

[BJGatley]

Look at the famous Edward C. Tolman experiments with rats. All on empirical experiences...I stress empirical.

 

[copterdoc]

Look at the famous Edward C. Tolman experiments with rats. All on empirical experiences...I stress empirical.

Pavlov, Skinner, now Tolman.

This could get deep. Put on your waders.

 

[BJGatley]

No..It is more or less put on the **** kickers because it is getting deep. Good luck on the awakening.

 

[cowdoc87]

There's lots of canine cognition work going on. I like the example of the shell game where dogs readily choose the correct shell after it was pointed to, while chimps and wolves have no idea what that means. Dogs have an affinity to accept help from humans probably more than any other species. Whether that means dogs understand that we think we know something they don't? Sounds like a question my wife would ask about me. I've often wondered whether a dogs obedience to humans is a sign of intelligence, or a lack of it......

 

[Mary Lynn Metras]

I'm pretty sure that dogs think.

They make decisions.
That they have to think about beforehand.

I believe dogs think but don't have the ability to reason. Teaching my pup what is expected on the sit whistle on pile work or on a blind is one way you would see a dog thinking. Focusing on me when I say "watch" then giving the cast requires some thinking. By repitition of doing the same method you are requesting of him, he shows ability to think. In his mind he knows I have to turn & face her when she blows that whistle.

Of course, if after several sessions of teaching this to him & he doesn't get it, I would say he is not putting the pieces together & it will take longer for him to think it out. Patience on our part is required. JMHO from working w/ my pup Mickey.