Signals that Brandy understands

I used to watch herding dog trials on television where the owner would stand still and give instructions to their dogs via whistles or one-word phrases, and the dogs would herd sheep or was it ducks around obstacles and finally into a pen.

So how does this apply to Brandy. Following are Brandy's understanding of some of my signals. No actual words are spoken.

1. "Tsk" said loudly - stop whatever you are doing and look up with an innocent enquiring face, ears forward. If no further signal is received quickly, go back to doing whatever you were doing before you were rudely interrupted. If further action consists of...

2. A second louder "Tsk" - stop doing the naughty thing immediately and lie down and pretend to lay your head on your paws until owner thinks you have stopped being naughty and goes back to whatever owner was doing before.

3. A loud "Tsk" said with owner's arms akimbo - sign of serious trouble. Immediately stop whatever you were doing, look as innocent as possible, and slink towards owner. If possible try and look cute at the same time.

4. A grunt that sounds like "Ehmm" - owner is busy on the computer or watching tv, so further bugging by jumping up with front paws on owner's leg or chair owner is sitting on is required until owner gets up to give you what you wanted (usually for the room door to be opened, sometimes for a doggy treat, sometimes for a pet)

5. A deeper grunt that sounds like "Mmm" - warning not to start doing anything naughty, eg. when the phone starts to ring and you want to start barking.

6. Owner standing still with right arm outstretched pointing - go in direction that arm is pointing. This action can be done when owner is happy with you and this usually involves dog treats waiting for you, so run in direction indicated quickly. This action can also be done when owner is mightily upset with you and is angry beyond words. In such a case, you must flee quickly in direction indicated and hide until owner forgets what you have done.

7. Owner sitting on chair and looking at you with eyebrows raised and chin raised with small smile - owner is temporarily free. If you want, you can now ask for a pet or doggy treat or to go out but usually all you want is to lie in your bed and look back at owner with sleepy eyes.