Zoey and Mila don’t look too happy. Why is that? Because they know that we’re about to go somewhere, and they can’t come along. (I was about to leave to teach a Tai Chi class at the local YMCA.)
It’s amazing how our shepherd friends learn our routines. They know when we’re about to leave, and they know the context of how soon we’re likely to be back.
One thing I’ve noticed especially with the Belgian breeds: they “read” our clothes that we put on first-thing in the morning, because then they know what’s in store for the rest of the day. For example, certain clothes mean that I’m going to be doing yard work, and they’re going to have fun being out there with me. And when I put my hiking shoes on, they know that we’re about to go for a walk. Obi, a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael), was so attentive in this way, and Mila, a Malinois/GSD cross, is incredibly attentive in this way as well.
You have to love the intelligence and social awareness that these dogs have–so precious!