We went to Tiverton Blue Cross rehoming centre this morning , I`d had a collection in our village and we had a car load of blankets, towels , beds etc. for the dogs , its quite a drive but a pleasant one . We dropped everything off , Sam and Millie met the staff, had lots of fuss, then off to our special spot on Dartmoor for a picnic and a romp for the dogs . Setting off for home , I wondered if Sam would do what he has done before and he didnt disappoint We turn off the A30 at Jamaica Inn to head down the valley to our village and each time , a few minutes after leaving the A30 , Sam will sit up , look out of the window and wag his tail I guess you could say that its because we have turned off a major road, but before our turn, there are many twists and turns in the road, its like a pigs tail , so what is it ? He can be fast asleep when we turn off the main road to head southwards over the moor and yet, at the same place every time, he will wake and sit up, clearly knowing where he is , maybe he can smell the moors ?
Re: Perception I`d think the same Barbara, except that the place where he " comes alive " is a good 20 mins from our house , so I dont know
Re: Perception I think it might be the smell too - I read somewhere (I read far too much rubbish about dogs, and not enough training books) that dogs have a sort of "smell map" to find their way around. I know if we pull up at Tesco, strange or familiar, Charlie will just settle down. If we pull up at beach, regardless of whether we've been before, Charlie is bouncing round the car (..ahem, or he was until we read Pippa's vehicle manners....).
Re: Perception I`m faavouring smell Julie, the journey home varies , depending on where we have been, so its not a time thing , we are still some distance , 20 mins , from home when he rouses and the moors so have a distinctive smell , heather, bracken etc . plus sheep and the river Fowey which has its source very very close to where Sam shows interest
Re: Perception When we did the drive to France, where my old dogs came from, after a 1,000 km drive they would chirp up in the last 10 minutes before we arrived at their old home.
