A new study published in Animal Cognition shows how dogs recognize their favorite toys. The study states that dogs create a “multisensory mental impression” of objects, based mostly on sight and smell. Dogs will retain this information and use it to locate objects later on.
The Study
Researchers from the Family Dog Project at Eötvös Loránd University led the study with 14 dogs. Three of the dogs were chosen for their ability to link verbal cues with objects and were labeled “Gifted Word Learners.”
The study was split into two parts. First, the dogs were given a ‘target’ toy to play with. The dogs played with the toy in one room under observation. Afterward, they moved down a corridor into a separate, dimly lit room. The target toys were scattered amongst a random series of ‘distractor’ objects. The dogs were tested in both well-lit and dark conditions. Interestingly, the dogs primarily used sight to find the toys. However, researchers noted that they relied more on their noses in darker conditions. All the dogs found their toys, demonstrating their ability to recall sensory information to recognize a specific object.
In the second part of the study, the three GWL dogs had to find the same toys again after learning their names. All three dogs retrieved the toys under the same conditions. They were also given treats and verbal rewards as a result.
The Results
“These findings supply the first evidence that for GWL dogs, verbal labels evoke a multisensory mental representation of the objects,” wrote the study’s authors.
The study also showed how all dogs will automatically take in information about an object when playing with it. This can include how the object looks, feels, smells, and tastes.
As if this wasn’t impressive enough already, another study from Cornell University shows the complex connection that dogs have between their visual and olfactory senses. This is a unique connection not seen in any other species. These two studies not only help us value our pets more, but also allows scientists to build a more in-depth understanding of how dogs perceive the world. Once again, our furry canine companions never cease to amaze us.
