Dog Behavior Cues and Context

Now that it’s finally feeling at least a little like spring, I’ve noticed one funny thing about visual/auditory cues that get Lilly and Ginko a’ running. The big, brown UPS truck.

I’d always assumed that they barked if the UPS guy/truck stopped at a neighbor’s house nearby, but I’ve watched the truck simply drive by, several times now, and my stinkers STILL race out to the fence.

It’s the truck. The sound. Something other than proximity that stirs them.

Yet, this very same UPS truck has driven by me and Lilly on walks day after day, and she pays it zero attention. None. Not even a glance.

I guess it has to do with context, practiced behaviors (trained or otherwise).

Thoughts? Examples from your own Dog Life?