The Case of the Black Box

I've always wondered how dogs interpret television.  I know they perceive the flickering of lights and they hear the sounds.  I've had cats who would chase images they saw within the black box; however, it never appeared like they were actually viewing a show.

I've asked friends and it seems a bit mixed.  Some people know for sure their dog watches, while others have indicated their dog doesn't even notice the black box.

Marley has usually responded to sounds of barking or knocking, otherwise she ignored the black box.

Until recently, it was a cold night and we were having quiet time.  I glanced at Marley and noticed she was relaxed in her bed and it appeared like she was watching the show.  I totally dismissed it as a figment of my imagination.

After the show was over she came got up and started barking at me (not typical behavior), I offered to let her out and I offered cuddles.  She continued until I started another episode of Dr Who.  As soon as she noticed it was starting she jumped into her bed and started watching. Who knew she was such a big fan?

I'm totally curious as to what about this show caused her to react in that manner.  Was she really watching?  Did she get the concept?  Oh no, is she on her way to becoming a couch potato?

Funny thing happened during our walk

It was a warm and sunny afternoon in the park and we were walking with a friend and her pit bull.  We were chatting and stopped to observe some other dogs being walked on the other side of the park.

My friend says, "Oh no we have to be careful, there's a Chow and you know they are aggressive."

I have to say, my jaw dropped and I looked at her pit bull and managed to sputter, "WHAT?"

She proceeded to tell me the danger of being around a Chow.  It seems she was totally serious.  I finally pointed out people used those same words to describe her dog.  

Unfortunately, breedism shows up at the oddest times. 

The scary part was the only dogs I saw on the other side of the park were labs and golden retrievers.

My dog is totally weird

I spent all day trying to give Marley her flea treatment.
As soon as she spots the little box she vanishes.

If I call her, I will not receive any response. I've offered her treats and she will not budge from her hiding spot. Eventually she'll get bored and slink out to see what I'm doing, if I acknowledge her in any way she splits.

Basically, I have to take the treatment out of the package and ignore her until she relaxes. I'll spend time trying to play with her while she scouts for the mediation. If I reach for her in any way she splits.

After spending most of the day hiding under my bed she will eventually slink out and hide under other pieces of furniture. Eventually I'll be able to grab her and medicate. She will glare at me and run away to hide.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'm sure it is not normal to have a dog vanish completely on flea mediation day.