Recent scientific research has found that, like young children, unusually intelligent dogs can learn new words simply by listening to humans talk.
According to details, the scientists carried out the study on a small group of dogs described as “gifted word learners”. These dogs already had the ability to recognise the names of different toys.
During the research, owners introduced two new and unfamiliar toy names to their dogs. While playing, the owners repeatedly used the names of the toys. After short sessions lasting only a few minutes, most of the dogs were able to remember the new names and brought the correct toy when asked.
The main test began when the dogs were not addressed directly. Owners used the toy names during ordinary conversations with each other and deliberately avoided any interaction with the dogs. During this time, the dogs were kept behind safety gates or on their beds so they could not reach the toys.
Despite these conditions, seven out of ten dogs later chose the correct toy, showing that they had learned the words by listening to conversation alone.
The dogs involved in the study came from different breeds. They can learn the names of several toys each week and remember them for years.
Scientists are still unable to explain why these dogs have such an unusual ability. What is clear, however, is that they differ markedly from typical household pets.
