Overall Impressions and Specific Behaviors

Overall Impressions and Specific Behaviors

We typically make our interpretations based on an overall impression of how the dog is moving. Some call this ‘big picture’ while others call this ‘gut feeling’. These interpretations are based on a deeper understanding and (intuitive or learned) recognition of specific behaviors we observe that all get put together in an instant. It can take many thousands of hours observing one species to be able to get this knowledge that Malcolm Gladwell calls "Blink". He wrote a book by that title that you might be interested in.

ACTIVITY

Watch the following video of  two dogs running beside the bicycle.

Based on your overall impression (blink knowledge), which of them is more comfortable with the activity? Watch it again and give specific behaviors that support your interpretation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXndzw-PrOA