The findings might help to explain why so many people treat their furry friends like their children; dogs' receptivity to human communication is surprisingly similar to the receptivity of very young children, the researchers say.
"Increasing evidence supports the notion that humans and dogs share some social skills, with dogs' social-cognitive functioning resembling that of a 6-month to 2-year-old child in many respects," said József Topál of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. "The utilization of ostensive cues is one of these features: dogs, as well as human infants, are sensitive to cues that signal communicative intent."
Those cues include verbal addressing and eye contact, he explained. Whether or not dogs rely on similar pathways in the brain for processing those cues isn't yet clear.
Topál's team presented dogs with video recordings of a person turning toward one of two identical plastic pots while an eye tracker captured information on the dogs' reactions. In one condition, the person first looked straight at the dog, addressing it in a high-pitched voice with "Hi dog!" In the second condition, the person gave only a low-pitched "Hi dog" while avoiding eye contact.
The data show that the dogs were more likely to follow along and look at the pot when the person first expressed an intention to communicate.
"Our findings reveal that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner that was previously attributed only to human infants," Topál said.
As is often the case in research, the results will undoubtedly confirm what many dog owners and trainers already know, the researchers say. Notably, however, it is the first study to use eye-tracking techniques to study dogs' social skills.
"By following the eye movements of dogs, we are able to get a firsthand look at how their minds are actually working," Topál said. "We think that the use of this new eye-tracking technology has many potential surprises in store."
Image via MorgueFile.com
We've always known this. That's why TW was the only one in the hood that could pet a certain dog. Ruckus scared all the neighbors because he'd growl at you no matter how long you'd lived next to him. He never growled at TW after she took the time to get to know him. Did you know you should always approach a dog palms up so they know you're not gonna slap 'em?
ReplyDeleteI agree CK. This study actually just confirms what many pet owners already know!
ReplyDeleteMy dogs and I love it when scientists make these startling discoveries about what all dog owners and dogs already know and they probably get paid for doing it. How can i get a job like this?
ReplyDeleteI also have already known this...I study Dakota's eyes frequently and can actually read his thoughts...I am mean and sometimes tease him based on the expression in his eyes...I watch him...do something and then he always responds the way I thought that he would!
ReplyDeleteHe also frequently tries to "talk" to me when I try to engage him in a conversation. It is too funny to watch!
Dogs definitely look right into our eyes when we talk to them (at least once the dog is bonded well enough with you). I can tell that my dog is listening to every word I say, waiting for something she understands. She knows I'm communicating with her.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who has every had a dog (or cat) knows that they communicate with humans. How do I get paid to "discover" something people already know? ;-)
ReplyDelete