Dogs can be intuitive too, though. It depends on the dog -- what traits it's been bred for, and how it's raised.

Which reminds me, you might like this: Dogs Decoded I watched it (in repeat) on PBS a couple of days ago. If you have access to it -- it's available on iTunes, if you want to go that route -- I highly recommend it.

Can John be a golden retriever -- or other applicable dog -- on the inside and a hedgehog on the outside? Although the hedgehog needs to have blue eyes. (Fanart ball's in your court!)