Basset Hound

　　Perhaps we find it novel that dogs can actually count. Indeed, dogs can perform simple arithmetic after long periods of training. Recently outside the Shenyang Imperial Palace, two dogs capable of counting appeared. Each dog had a small wooden board with a mechanism in front of them. When the dog stepped on the wooden board, a copper cymbal tied to the other end of the board would ring. The number they calculated was the number of times they would knock; actually, dogs do not truly do arithmetic but form memories after repeated training and stimuli.

　　The reason most dogs that can count only perform simpler arithmetic is that dogs do not really know how to calculate. Rather, simple calculations are easier to train and dogs can remember them more easily. Dogs can solve simple arithmetic problems because, after long-term stimulation, they have some memory of the numbers. Paired with correct training, they can achieve the purpose of calculation. Therefore, with the right methods, we can also train dogs to perform computations.

　　1. Commands and Hand Signals

　　The training command is "Bark." The hand signal command is the trainer extending fingers of the left hand to command the dog to bark. During performances, the trainer secretly uses the left hand to command the dog. The training technique is to have the dog bark corresponding to the number of fingers extended by the trainer's left hand. For example, one finger means one bark; two fingers, two barks; five fingers, five barks. The trainer writes on the blackboard with the right hand, so the hand signal command to the dog can only be given using the left hand.