Friday, February 12, 2010
Dogs on Twitter
If you're following us on Twitter, you've probably seen our tweets about this newest invention: a device which will allow our dogs to Twitter.
While the executives at Mattel, the company responsible for this toy/invention, caution that this is just a "toy," it led me to think - what if our dogs COULD talk? What would they tell us? Do they understand what we're trying to tell them?
As a person who has invested heavily in dog training, I can tell you I think the most effective forms of communication with our pets are nonverbal. My animals are less likely to "obey" me if I give them a spoken command, (i.e. "Enough!" when they are barking) than if I give them a scolding glance. I think they feel the effects of my love for them much more deeply when I give them cuddle time, than when I tell them they did something good.
If my dogs could use a device and (accurately) post their thoughts and actions online, I think they might express gratitude over my baby daughter throwing food all over the floor during mealtime, they would discuss their elation when the snow falls and their sadness when we all leave for the office each day. I'd bet my life that they'd tweet about wanting more walks.
Although this newest fad won't likely be life changing, it does cause one to think. Our animals are already sharing their thoughts with us. We just need to use our eyes and hearts to listen, instead of our ears.
-Mary
While the executives at Mattel, the company responsible for this toy/invention, caution that this is just a "toy," it led me to think - what if our dogs COULD talk? What would they tell us? Do they understand what we're trying to tell them?
As a person who has invested heavily in dog training, I can tell you I think the most effective forms of communication with our pets are nonverbal. My animals are less likely to "obey" me if I give them a spoken command, (i.e. "Enough!" when they are barking) than if I give them a scolding glance. I think they feel the effects of my love for them much more deeply when I give them cuddle time, than when I tell them they did something good.
If my dogs could use a device and (accurately) post their thoughts and actions online, I think they might express gratitude over my baby daughter throwing food all over the floor during mealtime, they would discuss their elation when the snow falls and their sadness when we all leave for the office each day. I'd bet my life that they'd tweet about wanting more walks.
Although this newest fad won't likely be life changing, it does cause one to think. Our animals are already sharing their thoughts with us. We just need to use our eyes and hearts to listen, instead of our ears.
-Mary
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