Dogs learn behaviors from other dogs just as people learn behaviors from other people. You’ll notice from posted images Grace resting her head on the lower cross railing. This is ritual that all of our dogs perform, especially in the later part of the day. I believe Kirby originally performed the ritual due to her size.
What Me Worry?
Being a Corgi, a small one at that, gives her a disadvantage when it comes to seeing anything higher up than a tall clump of crabgrass. Kirby sees a little better with her head on the cross railing and also gains the advantage of not having to expend energy in holding her head higher. Her philosophy is “why work at it when I don’t have to”. Even though Gracie might have eventually taken to this action, or should I say inaction, I believe it was learned by observing Kirby. Kirby is older than Grace by a couple of years and and had been with us for quite sometime before Grace made it “on the scene”. Keep in mind that our house is built like a beach house. If you are not familiar with this design, the house is not built on a traditional cement foundation but is built on “stilts” that allow for water to pass under in case the tide should become to high and flooding to occur. The original owners of the house built it this way in order to be able to use the section under the house as another area to entertain others. It is additional living space. Due to the fact our house is higher off the ground than a conventional house, it allows our animal friends a greater perspective of the environment that surrounds them. There is just enough room for them to poke their heads through the verticals. The lower cross railing makes it even more beneficial, not only do they have a 180 degree view, but half the fun is using the cross railing for that all important comfort factor. This ritual is a great release from their impromtu parties at the pool, consistent barking at nothing, and the energy it takes to go from the barn to the house at lunch time and back again.
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Where is the Ice Tea I Ordered?
May 12, 04:12 PM by Timothy Stark Raisbeck
Posted in Grace, Ages Four to Six
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