You had better not be checking out anytime soon on us. We still have a lot of talking to do you know.
Dogs most definitely know what their owners are saying, at least I know our dogs do. I am also pretty good at reading the body language on our little schnauzer mutt we have, he has been with us five years. The boxer dog I haven't got her figured out yet, she is only a year and half old right now but there are a couple tell tale signs I have noticed.
Sam seems like the perfect dog, except for the shedding, but that is a small price to pay for such a great companion.