Dogs: More Like Us Than We Know
We always like to think of our furry friends as part of the family, so it is no wonder it has been proven that they are even more like the rest of the family than we thought. Growing research now suggests that dogs can be empathetic, read expressions and even communicate jealousy. So, what other similarities do we have with our four-legged family members? Here are just a few:
Eavesdropping
You may have thought that when you’re having that undercover phone conversation with you sister about mom’s gifts, nobody was listening. If you have a dog, you may not be correct about that. A study shown in National Geographic magazine noted that not only do dogs people-watch, but they also eavesdrop on conversations.
Through this evesdropping they have been able to hear certain vocabulary words, and understand them in context. When tested, many dogs overheard their masters asking children for help: folding laundry, doing the dishes or even moving something heavy in the house. In each case, dogs ran to the aid of their owners when children didn’t show up after a certain amount of time. They knew which room was being referred to, and that their owners needed assistance.
Gaze Understanding
So you’re sitting on the couch, eye-balling that cupcake on the end table that you have been deciphering to eat, or not to eat. Research says, so had your dog. Dogs have been proven to watch glances from their owners, to understand what they are thinking or wanting to do next. This instinctual anticipation and watchful eye comes from basic animal instinct. Will that other dog grab that bone, or do I have a chance?
Gaze was also shown to be important in dog training – especially at an early age. As puppies learn from their mom’s gaze, they also learn from their owners. Gazing at the ground when asking your pup to ‘sit’, gives him/her a better idea of what you’re asking for.
Watching TV
Yep, dogs watch TV just like humans. Well, not exactly like humans. Dogs see television much in the same way as we do – moving people or animals, interacting with each other. Dogs do know when other dogs are on the television too! They may not understand every word that is said while watching television (humans, dogs or otherwise), but it does capture their interest.
Want to give it a try? Turn on a television show with a dog as a main character. Put your pup in front of the television and see what happens. You’d be surprised at the interest that might be sparked!
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