Dogs automatically imitate people

msnbc ^ | 7/28/10 | Jennifer Viegas

[Nachum]

Some dogs may look like their owners, but all dogs imitate their human companions

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, dogs often shower us with praise. New research has just determined dogs automatically imitate us, even when it is not in their best interest to do so.

The study, published in the latest Proceedings of the Royal Society B, provides the first evidence that dogs copy at least some of our body movements and behaviors in ways that are spontaneous and voluntary.

[Nachum]

Aha! That explains my dog's sudden interest in the Chicago White Sox.

[tet68]

Could also explain his sudden interest in
hot dogs and beer...

[equalitybeforethelaw]

My dog farts and lays around a lot. I guess I’m to blame.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I knew I should have stopped licking myself when we got the puppy.

[saganite]

My dog barks a lot. My wife talks a lot. Hmm.

[I see my hands]

Or the nose in the crotch thing.

[Retired Greyhound]

I try not to sniff butts when the dog is around, but he must have seen me anyway.

And the leg humping, too.

[Errant]

Makes sense... Now I know where he learned how to scratch... But I’m not sure where he learned to lick certain parts of his body... lol

[Malone LaVeigh]

I guess that explains Bo cr@pping all over the White House lawn.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

First comment at the article;

“This should make training a puppy to poop outside much easier!”

[Slings and Arrows]

[Wpin]

I don’t know about you guys, but I think this study has it backwards...we actually try to imitate our dogs...I have learned to enjoy a lifestyle of sleeping, eating, hunting and fishing, or otherwise playing, and mating...I don’t really like work anymore. For further evidence...my wife calls me a dog while never referring to the dogs as human...

[ozzymandus]

I find this a little suspicious. I do not dig holes and poop in the yard.

[Rebelbase]

LOL....and stiffing tail!

[KeepUSfree]

I believe this. Years ago...when I first tried to get my dog to play Frisbee,,,,she kept trying to catch it with her hands.

I had to take her to a friends house and his dog showed her how to catch it in her mouth. She never tried using her paws again.

Wolfie...she was literally, the smartest damn dog I had ever seen. HUGE vocabulary. (listening not speaking!)

[LibLieSlayer]

A sign on my door says, “My dog attacks dim-o-rats”. Guess this is true. Wait... I am like my dog!

LLS

[TomServo]

lol

[stylecouncilor]

ping

[FourPeas]

I knew I shouldn’t go dig up the voles for midnight snacks, but I just couldn’t help myself.

[Phlap]

lol! An oldie but a goodie.