Welcome to Willowdale

"What sort of neighbourhood is this?" asked Mimi the Pomeranian to no one in particular, as she watched the antics of Humphrey, Marbles, Rolo and Gizmo. You see, Mimi has only been in Willowdale two weeks, and she's still getting to know everyone.

Humphrey and Marbles were so engrossed in their game of wrestling and tackle, they didn't notice Mimi at first.

"A-hem," she said, clearing her throat to make her presence known.

"HUH?" they said in unison...and went immediately back to their game.



Humphrey Recycles

Show him an empty beverage can, bottle, or crumpled piece of paper, and ask, “where does this go?” and Humphrey will immediately locate the nearest recycling bin, and eagerly deposit the item. This “trick” is popular when he visits offices and workspaces, since he is able to identify a blue bin, even if it’s his first time at the location. Indeed, if he hears a person taking their last sip of soda, he will sit at their feet, excited, begging for the chance to recycle the can.

Humphrey's 3-step Recycling Process

Nobody “taught” Humphrey to recycle. Rather than training, it was a skill he developed by curiosity and observation – this is called “social learning” in the biz. As a puppy, Humphrey spent a lot of time keenly observing people. He noticed certain patterns. A person takes the last sip of soda from a can, producing a certain noise. They take the can to a particular blue bin in the kitchen, and deposit it. He began to predict trips to the blue bin when he heard the last-sip sound, running to the bin, using his nose to point to the spot for depositing the waste.

Recycling was not the only pattern in which Humphrey has become accustomed to participate in. He's heard certain dog walkers ask of him, “is that the dog who has to throw away his own doody?”

He also participates in loading the washer and dryer (also self-taught), accurately predicting which machine will accept the clothing based on the context (clean or dirty).

A pattern emerges in Humphrey’s interest. Clearly, he has a preoccupation with items put into receptacles. And each of these tasks follows a particular routine or pattern, which he picked up on by observing the repetitive events. His proficiency in knowing what’s garbage or laundry, and where each goes, is purely learned by him, not taught by people – though he’s offered opportunities to watch and do.

By allowing him to experiment with putting things into receptacles, Humphrey gained a greater understanding of patterns, and was eventually able to correctly discern what types of objects (paper, cans, bottles, clothing) went into certain types of containers (the blue box, the washing machine, etc.). He came to understand some “rules” (for example, about dirty versus clean clothes, and so forth). The complexity of his understanding about these things point to learning rather than training.  And that learning is “social learning” because it all comes from actively participating in social contexts – watching, helping, experimenting.

To learn more about social learning in dogs, see Zsofia Viranyia, Friederike Range &Konrad Lorenz (2009).How Does Ostensive Communication Influence Social Learning In Dogs? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, No. 2: 47.

A Look-a-Like Just for Bijoux's Grandmother!

 

Willowdale Flora and Fauna

On a perfect day - not too hot, not too cold - Humphrey took it upon himself to enjoy a nature walk, looking at the seasonal flora and fauna. One of the things he likes best about Willowdale are all the hidden surprises around every corner and every nook if you have a watchful eye (which, of course, he does). One of his favorite spots is what Marbles refers to as "the jungle" - a beautiful green space which features striking weeping junipers. On a hot day, the junipers' sagging bows beckon to Humphrey as a nice place to cool off under its branches. Though, it reminds his guardian of the Florida everglades.

Not too far from the striking greenery lies a mystery plant - small yet showy in its own subtle way. Humphrey has not been able (yet) to determine its name, but he loves the juxtaposition of its broad leaves (maybe the Geranium family?) and delicate, spindly branches that give way to the tiniest, brightest red flowers. The red buds are flanked by tall grasses, and the effect is beautiful.

It's also just the right time of year to look for neighbourhood snacks. The local mulberry trees are just beginning to yield fruit, and the great many neighborhood service berry trees, his favorite Willowdale discovery thanks to Henry the Gardener, will soon provide seasonal food for the birds and dogs (and people).

And, despite its status as a weed, Humphrey can't help but appreciate the architectural beauty of a dandelion.
They also make delicious snacks in a pinch, if it's late in the day and supper has been delayed.

While enjoying the last whiffs of the Russian Olive tree's sweet aroma, the final yellow buds barely clinging to their branches before billowing to the ground, Humphrey heard a screechy, high-pitched voice calling out....

"Yo, yo! You wit da vanilla 'fro!" the voice said.
Humphrey looked up, knowing that it had to be directed at him. He looked and looked, and there atop a sawed-off Russian Olive branch sat Nutsy the Squirrel.

"Oh, hi Nutsy," Humphrey said quietly.

"Is you da one what 'teefed me branch?" Nutsy asked, looking annoyed.

It took Humphrey a few minutes to parse Nutsy's questionable syntax - but then again, all dogs know that squirrel cognitive architecture has limited language processing, so they communicate poorly. That's why many dogs get impatient and try to kill them.

"Really? Nutsy, I mean, really?" Humphrey asked in disbelief. "You think a tiny dog, with no opposable digits could operate a hack saw? And you think that I, weighing less than 15 pounds, could carry a ladder three times my weight all the way down the path, get it standing and climb it, all while carrying a saw...with paws not hands? Come on, really?"

"Oh." Nutsy said, pausing to think. "Then, can I has nutella?"

Duffy and Molly's Look-A-Likes

Back by popular demand: More look-a-likes

Taking a bite out of crime!

"Once upon a time there were two beautiful Maltese girls who went to the police academy, and they were each assigned very hazardous duties. But I took them away from all that and now they work in Willowdale."

 Bija and Chakra keep a very watchful eye - but lately, an individual has been appearing late in the night, sometimes in the rain, helping herself to flowers.
They have a message for the local burglar....

Stehlen sie nicht meine blumen!

Look-a-likes

Paw-tio season in the city

Patio season in Toronto has arrived - and Humphrey loves nothing more than to enjoy time with his besties having a nice mini-skinny-latte (hold the coffee). Here's a 2011 blog of dog tolerant patios in the GTA. Some of Humphrey's Willowdale favorites are absent from the list - Empress Walk Second Cup is wonderful, as are the multiple patios at the York Mills/Bayview plaza (Richtree, Hero Burger anf Second Cup). Though, one does need an extra human present to actually get the food from inside the eateries, and a debit card to pay for it ;) But then again, what's a Willowdale dog without a faithful manservant to do his bidding?

Humphrey enjoys a coffee-free skinny latte

Bija contemplates...

After such a beautiful day to bring in summer, the dogs of willowdale awoke to cloudy skies and a bit of rain. The clouds hung low and heavy in the sky, and all the dogs hurried to accomplish their morning objectives and get inside quickly.

Bija's brow remained furrowed, despite all the stimulating olfactory distractions on her walk. It wasn't the inclement weather, though. Rather, she was thinking about the interview she'd heard with Dr. Ronald Schultz of the U-Wisconsin (Madison) School of Veterinary Science questioning the frequency of vaccinations for dogs (click to read and view the interview). Dogs need to be vaccinated - that's for certain - but how long are the vaccinations active in their bodies? Perhaps, Bija thought, this means I won't have to visit the vet quite as often!

First day of summer

The first day of summer in Willowdale was beautiful - sunny, not too hot. Humphrey set out to deliver a little something to his neighbour...






....awaking the slumbering Winston who was dreaming a feline dream in a warm ray of sun.

As he made is way through the neighbourhood, he hoped to meet his good friend the OT in hopes she'd have some treats. Instead, Humphrey ran into Marbles, who was eager to play in the dogwood...

...and snuck up on Cookie...

...and joined Blaze on the cool grass.

Dogs At Play

Humphrey had a particularly busy weekend, and his guardian somehow managed to keep up with his busy social engagements schedule. He had a wonderful time at a dinner party, where he spent some time with his good friend (and fellow Willowdale resident) Kramer, both indoors and out.

In dogs, social play involves a combination of competition and cooperation. The competitive side of play usually involves some combination of activities such as play-fighting over an object (a toy, for instance), with activities like tug-of-war or running away with the object. Dogs playing may take turns play-biting or dominant gestures. But there’s also a cooperative side to dog play. The cooperative side involves things like self-handicapping and role reversal. I notice this a great deal in watching Humphrey’s rough-housing with other dogs. Once a game of chasing and wrestling (for lack of a better descriptive term) begins, one will roll over periodically, as though injured or lame, letting the other dog jump on him or her. One some time passes in playing the lame dog, the roles switch. In most cases, the dogs seem to readily accept a role change. [1]

Humphrey & Kilo at Play

An interesting research finding [2] is that dogs play differently with humans than with other dogs (the proper term for "members of the same species," by the way, is "conspecifics").  When playing with humans, dogs are less competitive and less territorial, and less likely to want to hold an object, such as a toy.

there is also an important biological response to play. Play actually can increase or decrease stress in a dog, depending on the nature of the games. One study, which looked at play between working dogs and their human guardians found that the type of interaction during play periods affected dogs’ hormone production. When the play involved a lot of discipline of the dogs, the stress hormone cortisol was increased by the end of the session. Cortisol increases (in humans and dogs) in the presence of stress. Conversely, when the play involved affiliative and affectionate behavior, dogs’ cortisol levels decreased, indicating stress reduction.[i] This suggests that, in terms of a dog’s well-being, guardians should be mindful of the types of games and interactions they have.

---

[i] Typically, behaviors associated with control, authority or aggression increase cortisol concentrations, while play and affiliative behavior decrease cortisol levels. In this study, the researchers measured cortisol levels in the dogs’ saliva. For details, see: Zsuzsanna Horvath, Antal Doka, Adam Miklosi, (2008). Affiliative and disciplinary behavior of human handlers during play with their dog affects cortisol concentrations in opposite directions, Hormones and Behavior, Volume 54, Issue 1: 107-114, DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.02.002.

Also see: Jones A.C., Josephs R.A. (2005). Are we dog's best friend? Predicting canine cortisol response from human affiliative and punitive behaviors. Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavior: Papers presented at the 5th International Veterinary Behavior Meeting, 194-197.

[1] Erika B. Bauer & Barbara B. Smuts, (2007). Cooperation and competition during dyadic play in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, Animal Behaviour, 73, Issue 3: 489-499, doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.09.006
[2] Nicola J. Rooney, John W.S. Bradshaw & Ian H. Robinson. (2000).A comparison of dog–dog and dog–human play behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 66: 235–248.

An excursion to Newtonbrook Creek

A life of canine privilege wouldn't be complete without the occasional excursion to the local hot spots. Newtonbrook Creek is one of those places to see and be seen - if you're into rugged individualism. Under the watchful eye of their dog walker, Rolo and Chelsea (being a celeb couple, they might have the collective handle, Chelo) spent a hot day frolicking in the cool water....

Then sunned themselves in the cool, green grass to dry off...



Remembering Robbie

Robbie left Willowdale for the big courtyard in the sky earlier this year. We miss him!

It's getting warmer....

Lurking in the shadows, Tyler kept a watchful eye on all the dogs out this evening. His feline mind was made up that no good could possibly come from all the dogs lurking on his lawn...












...when along came Jack-Jack, Rollo, and Molly, their youthful exuberance only mildly affected by the heat and work-out they'd just had. Tyler decided to make like a tree and leave.

Before long, they ran into another Molly and Humphrey, who were too consumed with comparing their shadows to even notice...

Paw-litics Redux: Humphrey on Self-Interest Versus Altruism

While playing with a stuffed sheep and red ball, Humphrey contemplated the dichotomy of self-interest versus altruism. Are people (and dogs) so motivated by self-interest that capitalism is the only viable socio-political structure?

Humphrey was rather astounded to learn that conservative NY Times op ed columnist David Brooks has arrived at the conclusion, based on a ton of research, that people are fundamentally not motivated by self-interest, which he describes in this May 2011 column.

This is consistent with un-conservative cultural critical, philosopher and occasional National Post contributor Mark Kingwell’s proclamations in The World We Want that, “Never before, I suspect, have no many people been so rich to so little purpose.” He cites a number of studies which point to the fact that, “The real trouble, of course, is that all this acquisition [of goods and money] does not seem to make us any happier.”

Rather, Humphrey reckons, human happiness comes from ethical behaviour and altruism. Humphrey agrees with Kingwell’s observation that many people chalk up problems to “a picture of the world itself as inevitably unbalanced or naturally unjust.” This is similar to the mentality that the poor are in their situation because (a) they didn’t make the right choices; and (b) life isn’t fair to some who do make the right choices. This, Humphrey and Kingwell, argue, is not part of the natural order – rather, it is part of a world/society we created. If everyone made the “right” choices, there is little room at the top. Somebody always has to be poor only because we set up the system that way.

Humphrey contemplates Kingwell’s big question: “How do we create the world we want, rather than a world that just happens to us?”

Perhaps a good start is a very large brick of aged parmesan, and some good discussion.  

Marbles @ The Movies

Turns out Marbles is somewhat of a film buff. He gives two paws up to the 1982 animated flick The Plague Dogs, based on a Richard Adams novel of the same name, which chronicles two dogs who escape from a laboratory and are hunted for allegedly carrying the plague. It's not a film for kids; Marbles assures readers it is a beautiful and interesting story despite the misfortunes that befall the protagonists, Snitter and Rowf.

Lots of action on the mean streets of Willowdale

On a rather cool Monday evening in June, everyone seemed to be hitting the streets of Willowdale.

Winston and Bija started out by greeting each other gently...

...then Humphey was quite literally bowled over by Bija's shiny new rhinestone charm acquired at Woofstock on the weekend...

...Bijoux is much better after a mysterious illness (he was feeling like shih-tzu for a while), and Humphrey and Kilo were as frisky as ever...

...Cammie and Winston joined the group...

 

....and finally, Lucy, a frequent visitor, seemed rather melancollie today waiting for her guardian to pick her up.

The Three Winstons

This Winston's hobby is sleeping, though he is said to enjoy parties.

 

This Winston is very disconcerted about today's visit from the air conditioning repair team.

This Winston was especially quiet this evening.

Paw-litics

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, Marbles graciously hosted Humphrey’s visit on his front lawn. Their raucous play led to an inevitable discussion about politics once they managed to untangle their leashes. Could it be that Humphrey has leftist leanings? Or does he subscribe to a more capitalist view of the world? For now, only Marbles knows for sure…..