Question:
We have a Jack Russell terrier named Piccolo. Our household always has a laugh, because when Piccolo wants something (food, toy, etc.), she will literally pray for it.
She sits on her bottom and lifts her two front paws into a praying position. Also, when we sing along to a song, Piccolo has her little bowwow solo.
C.G., Keller, TX Oct 30, 2011
Answer:
I appreciate the wonderful photo you sent me of Piccolo (great name!) sitting on her haunches with her forepaws together in front of her face. I wish newspapers could print some of the photos I receive from readers that capture their animals' often unique behaviors and quirks.
Assuming a posture as though she is praying is certainly a very inventive, solicitous gesture. Some dogs will sit up like Piccolo and bat or flutter their forepaws as though waving or signaling for attention. Others will move their snouts up and down while sitting up.
My interpretation of dogs joining in when people sing, or singing solo when they hear certain sounds or music, is that it is an ancient sound ritual, much like the choral howling of their wolf ancestors and yapping howls of their coyote and jackal cousins. This is one way that wild canids bond, communicate and express their souls: canine opera, indeed! For more insights, see the book I edited that includes studies by scientists from around the world, titled "The Wild Canids
" (Dogwise Publications).
Readers' accounts of their cats' and dogs' antics are always welcome. They add to our understanding and appreciation of our four-legged companions.
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