#16 - When Dogs Can't Resist the Chase
There are some things even the most obedient dog can't always resist!
If you've got both dogs and cats you'll know perfectly well all the snags and snares that can occur. Doing a jig between the canine mind and the feline mind requires a certain amount of tolerance and patience towards both views!
However, asking the question 'Is it really in their nature' led me on a wild goose, involving a tour of my bookshelves and the varied selection of information on dogs and indeed on cats.
There's a hardback by a psychology professor, Stanley Coren, on taking a personality test in order to decide whether you're 'Extroverted or Introverted.' You can choose from a group of seven dogs, ranging from 'Friendly' through to Protective, Independent, Self-Assured, Consistent, Steady, and the ultimate - 'Clever dogs.'
Then, if you care to, although I confess I never did, you'll find pages telling you all about famous people and which dog they chose. Not enough hours in the day!
However, for what it's worth, my personal, 'Dogs that have been part of my life,' include the varieties Border Collie, German Shepherd, Labrador, Wolfhound, Golden Retriever, Terrier, and Dachshund. Some purebred, some of mixed race. All loved!
Another hardback, by scientist and philosopher Rupert Sheldrake, offers views and research not only on the remarkable intuitive power of dogs, but of other animals. Fascinating but a long read.
Rupert Sheldrake
Mixed amongst a whole slew of other volumes, on every canine and their requirements, is a paperback by Melissa Miller ( 'A Definitive I.Q. Test For Dogs.') which will enable you to test your dog's intelligence, should you have doubts!
To sum up, the answer to my question about why dogs chase cats up trees or any other animal come to this, is incredibly simple and doesn't require wading through too many books.
It is in their nature! They're hunting animals, and that's what hunting animals are predisposed to do. Dunh!
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