The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 679 - Don the Talking Dog
Apr 15, 2025
Dive into the whimsical world of Don, the talking dog, who startled his owner with German phrases and a love for food. The hosts share hilarious pet ownership stories, including a fictional dog, Jose, and the charming absurdities of a Dutch farm. Explore the unique blend of animal antics and showbiz as they recount Don's rise to fame in vaudeville. With playful banter, quirky characters, and heartwarming reflections on pets, this entertaining discussion blends humor with the fascinating phenomenon of canine communication.
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Don the Talking Dog's First Words
- Don, a German dog, surprised his owner, Hermann Ebers, by saying "Haben" (want) when asked if he wanted something special.
- This began Don's speech training, quickly learning to repeat his name and say "Kuchen" (cakes), a difficult word even for German children.
Don's Expanding Vocabulary
- Don's vocabulary expanded rapidly under Martha Ebers' training, using his love for cakes as motivation.
- He learned "Kuchen" (cakes), "hunger", "yes", and "no", using them appropriately in context, even expressing his dislike for rain.
Pfungst Debunks Don
- Biologist Oscar Pfungst, known for debunking Clever Hans the horse, investigated Don.
- Pfungst concluded that Don's speech was misinterpreted barks and growls, influenced by listener expectations.